In a ground-breaking spirit of co-operation, a group of enthusiasts in Australia, led by Ross McGuiness, with the unstinting help and assistance of Castle, has been working on a solution to bring a cost-effective IYONIX pc solution to Australia.
By adopting a self-help approach Ross and his group of RISC OS enthusiasts have assembled a high specification IYONIX pc from key components supplied by Castle, while all non Castle parts have been sourced locally. This saves significantly on shipping costs, and the first successful Oz-built IYONIX pc went live early in April 2004.
Following extensive testing of hardware and software by different members of the group it is now time to proceed with the purchase of the first batch of IYONIX pc components so that the group can assemble the first series of the "IYONIX pc downunder".
This imaginative enterprise allows Ross and his fellow enthusiasts to pass on huge savings over the standard imported price of the IYONIX pc and will encourage the early replacement of aging Risc PCs. Savings of up to AU$500 are achievable depending on the amount of memory, size of Hard Disc and CD option. Even more can be saved if use is made of existing, compatible hardware that may be at hand.
At the same time Ross is able to provide prospective purchasers with excellent support based on his existing, extensive skills as the renowned spirit of co-operative assistance found in the RISC OS community comes to the fore.
Ross comments that, "We would love to hear from anyone in Australia who would like to purchase 'the IYONIX pc downunder' as a fantastic replacement to their now aging RISC OS machine. We would also welcome anyone who might consider returning to the RISC OS scene or indeed those who would like to try something exciting and different. Either way you are invited to contact us for further information or to express their interest in joining the group".
Ross is running this service as a non-commercial venture with the support of Castle and fellow RISC OS users, ensuring the availability in Australia of IYONIX pcs at a realistic price. It is also a model that might be adopted in other parts of the world where a RISC OS community exists.
For further information please contact:
See also the Drobe launchpad web site at http://www.drobe.co.uk