R-Comp Interactive is pleased to announce the release of two computers
based on Pi 5 technology - the 5idekick and the pi5erve.

5idekick
========

Starting at just 99ukp, the 5idekick follows on from our Windows-based
Sidekick computers released a couple of years ago. Those computers
offered a tiny form factor and connectivity for peripherals, whilst
allowing RISC OS users to run Windows software in a window on their
desktops. The 5idekick is a fresh take on that concept, for those
preferring Linux and its wide range of open source software.

Whilst the computer starts at 99ukp, we think most people will prefer the 199ukp edition with more RAM and high speed NVMe storage, as it represents
a more complete "all-round" computer", but we know that different people
will gravitate to different ends of the price/performance spectrum.

The 5idekick is based on our Hydra technology which allows RISC OS and
Linux to co-exist in the same machine. However, 5idekick brings it "out
of the box" allowing you to use a 5idekick alongside *ANY* RISC OS (or
Windows) computer. Or you can use it standalone connected to your monitor
if you prefer.

The idea is that your RISC OS computer can (in a window on your destkop):

Run Linux applications such as the Chromium or FireFox browser
(allows complex sites including video), LibreOffice office
suite, GIMP graphics, Inkscape and many more.

Access and share files (RISC OS friendly) between computers, a
bit like network storage, with capacity really only limited by
budget.

Interact with Linux-based Pi projects (eg. GPIO etc)

Copy/paste data back and forth

Do hardware/peripherally-things with Linux (eg. audio, USB and
so on).

Shut Linux down when not in use to save power

But of course we love RISC OS too, so you can also (thanks to Tim Baldwin
and Jan Rinze):

Run RISC OS at speeds faster than current Pi4-based hardware,
either standalone or in a window on your desktop.

And it goes further, it is also possible to do things like installing
UniPrint to access a broad range of printers, and launch website directly
etc.

Effectively, it's most-of-a-Hydra without the need to buy a Hydra, and
smaller (although you'll need an existing RISC OS computer ideally).
Given the choice, we'd still go Hydra, but we understand that not everyone
can justify a 599ukp Hydra.

And of course it is all supported by a company that loves RISC OS as much
as you do, and knows that you want the best of both worlds, as smoothly as possible.

The first 5idekick actually shipped just after RISC OS North in April, but
we wanted to announce it formally alongside pi5serve...


pi5erve
=======

We were originally going to call this the piNAS or piNA5 but when we said
it out loud, it sounded a bit rude, so pi5erve it is.

This takes all that makes the 5idekick great, and takes it to the next
level with up multiple SSD drives allowing RAID data security. Or
alternatively just several drives. With high speed ethernet, plus wifi
option, it comes a close feature match with modern NAS systems.

pi5erve can be used exactly like the 5idekick, but can also be
administrated via your web browser for a NAS-like interface.

The beauty is that because it is created for RISC OS users, you're
guaranteed compatibility with software like OmniClient and LanMan98, and
you're not at the mercy of large corporations in terms of firmware updates leading to potential loss of functionality.

And the great thing is that pi5serve is competative with NAS pricing -
you're looking at 299ukp for a base model with SSD storage and you can
expand from there. Fancy a model with multiple 2TB (or larger) SSDs? No problem.

But the cool thing is that unlike most NASs which are fairly
fixed-function (although can typically be expanded with a few
networky-type apps), your pi5serve offers all the feature of the 5idekick (again, based on Hydra tech), so you can run a broad range of software, including RISC OS, on your pi5erve system to compliment your RISC OS
desktop computer(s).

AND you can have RAID level drive/data security, in a compact box.

pi5erve can be connected to a monitor via HDMI and operated by USB keyboard/mouse, or can be run remotely via network connections, either as
a desktop environment, or via a web browser admin UI. The choice is
yours.

pi5serve starts at 299ukp inc VAT and storage.

Find out more
=============

If you'd like to know more, why not give us a call on 01925 755043 or
email us at [email protected] - we'd be happy to answer any questions you
might have.

Best wishes,

Andrew

--
R-Comp Interactive
22 Robert Moffat, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6PS
Tel: 01925 755043 Fax: 01925 757377 http://www.rcomp.co.uk


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