Apricot Point 7

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From the Apricot Point & brochure:
 
The intelligent route to lustered system technology.

The heart of Apricot Point 7, the host, is an upgraded Apricot xi, the most Powerful member of the ACT Apricot range. This machine's powerful processing and storage capabilities enable it to perform as a personal computer as well as a central access point.

This enhanced version features as standard 512K main memory on its main printed circuit board (PCB) which can further be expanded to a full 1 Megabyte for special applications. The PCB has two expansion slots available to the user for the addition of integral modem or other expansion cards. More than adequate mass storage is provided by an integral 10MB disk backed up by a double sided 3.5-inch floppy disk capable of storing 720K.

The host is linked to the other remote computers via a 'cluster controller’ the device which handles the communication between terminals - fast and efficiently. Each terminal can be sited up to 50 feet away from the host and the system allows you to connect any member of the Apricot family, the most extensive range of software and disk compatible machines in the world; Apricot Fl, Apricot Portable, Apricot PC or Apricot XL If required, it is also possible to connect the ACT Sirius or lBM PC.

The operating system used by the Apricot Point 7 is one of the most advanced currently available— Concurrent DOS. This brings a number of stunning advantages. Concurrent DOS is currently the only true multi-tasking operating stem offering multiple window operation. Any of the remote terminals can access all the host's facilities, including hardware. Any printer; graph plotter or expansion facility on the host can be used to the full.

The microcomputers linked to the system can run either MS-DOS or CP/M software - the two industry standard operating systems. So if you already have a computer you can probably use the same system and data you're used to. This open software environment also gives you immediate access to well over 1000 application packages that have already been developed. The diagram below shows a typical 7 user cluster. But remember, many people first install a 2 terminal system, confident that the Apricot Point 7, like their business and their staff, can grow with success.

Technical Specification and Apricot Point 7 Features:
Intel 8086 running at 5Mhz 512kRAM on main processor board expandable to 1 Megabyte
3 expansion slots (2 available to user)
1 x 10 Megabyte 3.5" integral Winchester disk
1 x Microfloppy double sided disk 720k capacity formatted
1 x Centronics compatible parallel port
Ouster Controller:
1 x RS-232 port for connection to the host
6 x RS-232 ports for up to 6 terminals
Operating System:
Concurrent DOS operating system with
MS-mode and multiple windows
Apricot Point 7 Terminal

The terminals can be any or all of the
following:
Apricot xi
Apricot PC
Apricot Portable
Apricot Fl
Sinus
IBM PC

The operating system in the terminals can be any of the following:
MS-DOS 1.25
MS-DOS 2.0/2.11
CP/M-86
Concurrent DOS (requiring extra memory)
ACT reserve the right to change specifications without prior notice.
 
Our machine with a serial number of MF 04123 is in excellent condition and was very kindly donated by Tim Kaye of TJK software
 
Tim writes with a bit of the history of the machine:
 
"The machine was bought by Rolfe and Nolan Computer Services who were a software company specialising in Futures and Options accounting software (for commodities markets etc like LIFFE and the LME).

The machine was used for running their own accounting and payroll software.

I suspect they stopped using it in the late 80's and the machine was offered free to a good home. At the time I'd not got a PC and thought I might write some software on it (I'm a programmer by trade).

It's sat in my spare room since then. About 5 years ago I was working with someone who collected old computers. I booted it up and an Apricot portable with the aim of giving it to him. The portable went to him as it was easy to carry and I failed to give away the Point 7.

That's the story to date."

Manufacturer: Apricot
Date: June 1984



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Other Systems Related To Apricot Point 7:

Item Manufacturer Date
Apricot XI Apricot 1983
Apricot XI Prototype Apricot 1983
Apricot F1 Apricot 1984
Apricot PC XI Apricot 1984
Apricot Portable Apricot November 1984
Apricot Chameleon Apricot 1985
Apricot F2 Apricot 1985
Apricot F10 Apricot 1985
Apricot XEN (FD/HD?) Apricot October 1985
Apricot XEN Apricot October 1985
Apricot XEN-i 386/45 Apricot 1988
Apricot NT 386SX-25 Apricot January 1992
Apricot XEN-PC Apricot 1995
Apricot XEN-PCm Apricot 1995

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH5912. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 

Apricot Point 7


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