NeXTcube
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NeXTcube | |
---|---|
Type | Workstation computer |
Released | 1988 |
Discontinued | 1993 |
Processor | Motorola 68030 Motorola 68040 |
Memory | 8MB - 16MB 8MB - 64MB (040 model) |
OS | NeXTSTEP |
NeXTcube was a high-end workstation computer developed, manufactured and sold by NeXT from 1988 until 1993. It ran the NeXTSTEP operating system. The NeXTcube was released as a modern, futuristic computer for the 1990s that would change the way computers were used. Several models were produced, including the NeXTcube 030 (25 MHz), 040 (25 MHz) and Turbo (33 MHz). It cost US$6500. The NeXTcube came with a NeXT MegaPixel 17" monitor (with built-in speakers) and a keyboard and mouse. It had no hard disk, but instead featured a magneto-optical drive.
The 68030 CPU was supported by the 68882 FPU for faster mathematical performance, the 56001 digital signal processor (DSP) for multi-media work and two custom-designed 6-channel direct memory access (DMA) channel controllers, which allowed much of the input/output (I/O) processing to be offloaded from the CPU to boost the speed of common tasks.
NeXT later released the NeXTdimension for the Cube, a board based on an intel860, which offers 32-bit PostScript color display and video sampling features. The Cube was commercially unsuccessful, owing to its high price. However, some are still used around the world as servers.
The NeXTcube has achieved a small degree of notability for being used by Tim Berners-Lee as the world's first web server, and also to write the first web browser, WorldWideWeb.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- NeXTarchive.net - The Last Outpost: This Community keeps NeXTSTEP / OpenStep / Rhapsody alive with new software and patches
- old-computers.com — NeXTcube
- NeXTComputers.org