The Amiga is alive - sort of, and AmigaOS 4 is finally out. Ars takes AmigaOS 4 out for a spin to see where the once-popular platform stands these days. "The release of AmigaOS 4 proves one thing: you can't keep a good platform down. But is AmigaOS merely a fun hobby OS to play around with, or does it offer real value? My answer is that it is a little of both. As a fan of alternative platforms, you won't find many that are more esoteric than AmigaOS. But beyond being different for the sake of being different, OS4 provides something more interesting: a chance to experience a whole new way of computing."
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Member since:2005-11-15
Alas no, OS4 has not been released for Amiga Classics with PPC co-processors, although there has been some beta releases that work on them, it's not been officialy, or as far as I know unofficially released for anything other than Amiga One(s).
I think the hardware situtuion is a crying shame, as it's a great little OS. I use it as my primary system.
edited to add, as far as I know no ones got it to work on Pear, and although I would never condone Piracy, I could see that being- no on second thoughts, I'll shut up now.
Edited 2007-01-22 23:24
Member since:2005-07-06
Hmm, interesting you say that, because the Amiga Inc website seems to imply that OS4 runs on the CyberStorm PPC:
"AmigaOne Partners have the right to distribute AmigaOS 4.0 into the AmigaOne desktop computer market and into Cyberstorm PPC enabled devices. Distribution into any other market or device requires a licensing and distribution agreement with Amiga, Inc."
from
http://www.amiga.com/amigaos/?PHPSESSID=8af8e764f436982b39be97a7ae6...
Member since:
2005-07-06
Actually, that's the one part of the article that was inaccurate. OS4 also runs on older Amiga systems that have the CyberStorm PPC card installed.
...not that it would probably make a difference to the average person. Still, it's misleading to claim everyone needs to buy this new hardware when I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who will be installing this on their ancient systems...