The Acorn Archimedes A3020 was a personal computer released in 1992 as part of Acorn Computers' Archimedes range. It was designed primarily for the education market and was one of the last models in the Archimedes series before Acorn transitioned to the Risc PC line.
Key Features
Processor: ARM250 (32-bit RISC, 12 MHz)Memory: 2 MB or 4 MB RAM (expandable)
Graphics: Capable of resolutions up to 640×480 in 256 colors
Sound: 8-bit stereo sound
Storage: 2.5-inch internal IDE hard drive (optional), 3.5-inch floppy drive
Operating System: RISC OS 3.1
Why Was It Important?
Education: The A3020 was widely used in UK schools, continuing Acorn's legacy in educational computing.RISC OS: Featured a highly efficient GUI-based operating system with cooperative multitasking.
Integrated Design: A compact, all-in-one unit similar in form to the BBC Micro, making it accessible and easy to maintain.
Performance: The ARM250 processor provided superior performance compared to contemporary PCs and Macs in certain tasks.
Legacy
Although overshadowed by IBM-compatible PCs, the A3020 remains a significant machine in Acorn's history. It demonstrated the efficiency of RISC processors, paving the way for the widespread adoption of ARM architecture in modern computing.