The 'core' Amiga One system is codenamed Zico, and packs the following reference specification:
- 1 CPU (PowerPC, x86, StrongARM, SH4, MIPS)
- 64+MB RAM
- Matrox next generation graphics system
- Creative EMU10K1 audio system
- 10 GB+ Hard Disk
- DVD drive
- USB and Firewire
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- 56k modem
- 2 PCI slots
- ATX form factor motherboard
The CPU choice, which we know to be practically irrelevant due to the virtual processor architecture, depends on the manufacturer choice. While some people have criticised this as being a 'generic PC system', it's important to note that it will have to be a decidedly different beast from the generic PC compatibles available - after all, generic PCs don't support PowerPC, StrongARM, SH4 or MIPS off-the- shelf do they? For those architectures, at least, new motherboard designs will need to be created, and presumably something similar is possible for x86-based systems. Rest assured this is not going to be a tacked-together piece of legacy x86 design, and the specifications present a more than capable base level system.
Amiga are sticking wisely to their role as a software company, with the hardware specification being licensed to dedicated hardware developers. More importantly, manufacturers must pass stringent quality checks to ensure their products meet the specification before they can be properly labelled as an 'Amiga One'. So don't go thinking the 'Amiga' label is going to rapidly disappear or degenerate in the same way the term 'IBM PC' has gone.
The first hardware partner is long-time UK Amiga enthusiasts Eyetech, who were also swift on the uptake for developer machines a while back. Eyetech have naturally opted for PowerPC-based Amiga Ones, with an added twist: these are aimed at a transition from Classic Amigas to the Amiga One in that they feature a siamese-like arrangement with existing towered Amigas. Two versions are planned to cover the AGA- class Amigas, the A1200 and A4000 (not the A4000T however), and Eyetech have said they will review options for other Amiga models in the future, as demand dictates, once the first two systems have
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