High performance, integrated multi-media PCs

System Overview
Standard Features
Features & Benefits
Technical Specifications

Apricot reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

The information contained in these specifications was correct at the time of compilation.
May 10th, 1995

System Overview

For the ultimate in multimedia power and integration look no further than the Apricot XEN-PCM. This high performance range has been designed from scratch to give you everything required to mix information with high quality sound and graphics. Just one look at the stylish casing reveals that this stereo-speakered power-house means business.

The Essential Mix

Straight from the box, the XEN-PCM is all you need to use and enjoy the rich assortment of multimedia applications now available. The advanced Sound Blaster system provides lucid recording and playback of all sound and music from multiple sources such as MIDI keyboards or the integral CD-ROM. The high quality Sony double speed drive is chosen for its superior performance, rapidly accessing everything from music CDs to image packed Kodak™ PhotoCD©s. The resulting plethora of input signals and sounds can be controlled using the XEN-PCM's pre-loaded mixing utilities and then output via the amplified stereo speakers.

Classic Performance

The XEN-PCM range offers five powerful processor options so that you can match the system to your exact needs. Beginning with two Intel 486 variants, the 486DX2-66 and the 486DX4-100, the range includes the Intel Pentium-75, 90 and 120MHz processor options. Accelerated local bus video is standard on all models, while Pentium-based systems utilise the Cirrus Logic GD5434 graphics accelerator. Also optionally available is the last word in video control: The Matrox MGA Impression Plus rated at over 40 million WinMarks using the new WinMarks benchmarking system - WinBench Vr4.

Standard Features

Mass Storage

1.44MB floppy drive
Internal double speed CD-ROM
Selection of high speed IDE drives

Graphics

Local Bus Enhanced VGA graphics
1 or 2MB Video RAM

Audio

Sound Blaster Vibra-16 expansion board
4 operator, 20 voice synthesis via OPL3 chip
Stereo output via built-in speakers

Expansion

One and a half ISA 16-bit expansion slots
One PCI 32-bit slot (shared ) on Pentium models
Two RS232 serial ports
One bi-directional parallel port

Peripherals

14", 15" or 17" low radiation monitors
Enhanced 102 key keyboard
Microsoft mouse

Features and Benefits

Sound Blaster audio technology

A key element of a multimedia system is the audio controller and the XEN-PCM is centred around the industry leading Sound Blaster Vibra-16. Precision Digital Signal Processing circuitry that can record and play back sounds up to, and beyond, the range of human hearing ensures that your ears will deceive you.

Integral double speed CD-ROM drive

For serious multimedia work a high specification CD-ROM drive is essential. For this reason the XEN-PCM is supplied with an integrated device positioned behind the unique centre fold-down hatch. The drive spins CD-ROM disks at twice the normal speed in order to provide much improved data rates. When you wish to play music CDs the drive automatically returns to single speed to provide excellent sound quality.

Amplified stereo speaker system

The XEN-PCM is a completely integrated system and unlike most other multimedia machines, this includes the speaker system. Twin amplified speakers neatly set within the front panel of the XEN-PCM provide superb stereo response. Alternatively, an output jack at the rear of the casing allows you to channel sound to headphones or an externally amplified stereo system.

MIDI Interface

Linking keyboards, sequencers and other instrumental hardware to the XEN-PCM is quick and easy. A full-duplex MIDI port is provided as standard to allow the transfer of digitised music data.

From 486DX2-66 to Pentium-120

A range of processor options allows the correct configuration to be matched exactly to your performance and budget requirements. As those requirements change, the system processor can then be upgraded to meet new demands. Industry-standard processor sockets make upgrading to next generation processors a quick and easy task.

Supplied with 8 or 16MB RAM

With at least 8MB on-board, every XEN-PCM is ready from the outset to tackle Windows, OS/2 and other memory intensive applications. Upgrading is made easy and cost effective using industry standard SIMMs (Single, In-line, Memory Modules) which are widely available.

High capacity, high speed hard drives

Each XEN-PCM model is provided with high performance hard disk storage specifically selected to handle the high volumes of data created and used by multimedia applications. Extensive testing by Apricot's System Verification Group ensures that only the highest quality drives from the world's leading vendors are chosen.

Video acceleration

The stunning video performance of the XEN-PCM models is made possible by the use of accelerated local bus video processors. Using the 32-bit local bus to couple each video accelerator to the main system processor ensures that even the most graphically intensive applications move like lightening.

1MB video RAM minimum

A minimum of 1MB video RAM means that every XEN-PCM is capable of providing non-interlaced, high resolutions straight from the box.

High resolution 14", 15" and 17" Monitors

Each XEN-PCM is supplied with a choice of high resolution monitors that perfectly match the fast graphic capabilities of the systems. All monitor options meet and exceed the latest European standards for safety and emissions.

Industry-Standard

By adhering to the latest computer industry standards, Apricot engineers have ensured that the XEN-PCM can be easily upgraded with widely available components and peripherals.

Built in the UK by Apricot

With BS 5750 (ISO 9000) accreditation from sales, marketing, research and development through to manufacture in Scotland, Apricot have been building quality into every computer system for more than twelve years.

Technical Specifications

All Model Details