Return to BSD News archive
Xref: sserve comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit:3272 comp.unix.bsd:12095 comp.os.mach:3014
Newsgroups: comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit,comp.unix.bsd,comp.os.mach
Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!munnari.oz.au!news.Hawaii.Edu!ames!haven.umd.edu!darwin.sura.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!fs7.ece.cmu.edu!crabapple.srv.cs.cmu.edu!cmaeda
From: cmaeda+@cs.cmu.edu (Christopher Maeda)
Subject: Re: Anyone has experiences of NeXTSTEP?
Message-ID: <C8Etwr.728.1@cs.cmu.edu>
Keywords: NeXTSTEP
Sender: news@cs.cmu.edu (Usenet News System)
Nntp-Posting-Host: ernst.mach.cs.cmu.edu
Organization: School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon
References: <1993Jun9.032038.1087@rai.juice.or.jp> <1993Jun10.015221.20104@kronos.arc.nasa.gov>
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1993 14:36:20 GMT
Lines: 1502
NeXT is currently running a promotion where you can buy an evaluation
copy of the release 3.1 development system for $299. The drawback is
that there will be no upgrade path to future releases. 1-800-TRY-NEXT
for more info.
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 1993 16:28:58 -0700
From: Conrad_Geiger@NeXT.COM
To: bbs_post@NeXT.COM
Subject: NEXTSTEP Hardware Compatibility Guide (June 1, 1993)
Status: R
Hello,
Below is an ascii version of the NEXTSTEP 3.1 for Intel Processors
hardware compatibility guide. If you wish a Postscript version of
this document, a compressed copy is located on the internet archive
servers:
sonata.cc.purdue.edu
cs.orst.edu
under the /pub/next/submissions directories as the following file:
NEXTSTEP_HARDWARE_GUIDE_Updated_June_1_1993.ps.Z
Conrad Geiger
International NEXTSTEP User Group Program
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NEXTSTEP RELEASE 3.1 FOR INTEL PROCESSORS
Hardware Compatibility Guide
June 3, 1993
This document describes in general terms, the types of PC-compatible
hardware that is supported by NEXTSTEP RELEASE 3.1 for Intel
Processors. Although may different vendors' systems will work with
NEXTSTEP, the systems listed here have been tested and found to be
compatible with NEXTSTEP. For any hardware specification or
purchase, please contact NeXT for the latest update to this guide.
** TABLE OF CONTENTS **
-> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Desktop Systems
-> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Portable Systems
-> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Graphics Adapters
-> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Other Devices and Adapters
This guide is updated approximately every two weeks. Please use the
information retrieval services described below to receive the latest
update, if the revision date on this document is more than two weeks
old.
Future versions of this guide will contain information for the
NEXTSTEP-compatible hardware manufacturers and system integrators
mentioned here.
For current device support, please request the latest edition of
this NEXTSTEP Hardware Compatibility Guide by calling 1-800-TRY-NEXT.
This guide and many other kinds of information are also available
from NeXTanswers, NeXT's free document-retrieval system. For
NeXTanswers by fax, call (415)780-3990 from a touchtone phone. For
NeXTanswers by Internet mail, send e-mail to info@next.com with the
two-word subject: INDEX HELP.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
-> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Desktop Systems
General Requirements for Desktop Systems:
CPU - i486 based or Pentium based PC Compatible Computer. This
includes 486SX, 486SL, 486DX, 486DX/2 or Pentium. 486SX systems
require a floating-point coprocessor, or upgrade to 486DX or DX2.
EXPANSION BUS - ISA or EISA expansion bus.
AVAILABLE HARD DISK SPACE - NEXTSTEP supports multiple partitioned
hard disks, allowing the user to install and boot several operating
systems from the same local hard disk. Larger local disks are
recommended for standalone systems or for systems with a local
non-NEXTSTEP partition.
NEXTSTEP User Environment
- 120 MB (megabyte) partition minimum
- 200 MB recommended for standalone systems
NEXTSTEP User + Developer Environments
- 330 MB partition minimum
- 400 MB recommended
RAM REQUIREMENTS - Ram requirements vary depending upon selection of
graphics adapter.
GRAPHICS MINIMUM RAM RECOMMENDED RAM
16 bit color 16 Megabytes 24 Megabytes
8 bit grayscale 12 Megabytes 16 Megabytes
2 bit grayscale 8 Megabytes 12 Megabytes
GRAPHICS ADAPTERS - See "NEXTSTEP for INTEL PROCESSORS GRAPHICS"
in this Guide for details on graphics support.
DISK INTERFACES - IDE and several SCSI Hard Disk Interfaces are
supported.
POINTING DEVICES - Microsoft compatible PS/2 and serial mice. Logitec
PS/2, serial and bus mice.
PRINTERS - Any Postscript printer connected via a serial or
parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected
via a SCSI port). NeXT recommends color Postscript printers
with Postscript Level II for proper color support.
NETWORKING - Several Ethernet and Token Ring networking adapters are
supported. A networking adapter is optional.
SOUND - NEXTSTEP can support certain PC sound cards for
both playback and recording. A Sound card is optional.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NEXTSTEP-Compatible Desktop Systems
PC MANUFACTURERS
Below appear the following graphics configurations for
NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors compatible hardware:
I. 16 Bit Color Systems
II 8 Bit Grayscale Systems
III. 2 Bit Grayscale Systems
I. 16 Bit Color Systems
ALR
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For ALR: 1MB VRAM is required for 800x600 and 1024x768
(Driver Update required)
486DX, 486DX2
ALR Evolution IV/e EISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
VL-Bus
ALR Evolution IV/e EISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
VL-Bus
ALR Evolution IV/e EISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
VL-BUS
AST
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For AST Power Premium: see Add-On Graphics adapter chart
486DX, 486DX2
AST Power Premium EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card
AST Power Premium EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card
AST Power Premium EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card
(Driver Update required)
486DX, 486DX2
AST Premmia 4/d EISA 33 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800
AST Premmia 4/d EISA 66 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800
COMPAQ
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
____________________________________________________________________
For all Compaq systems: see Graphics Adapter chart
486DX
Compaq Deskpro L EISA 50 Mhz EISA QVision
486DX, 486DX2
Compaq Deskpro M EISA 33 Mhz EISA QVision
Compaq Deskpro M EISA 50 Mhz EISA QVision
Compaq Deskpro M EISA 66 Mhz EISA QVision
DATA GENERAL
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX
DG Dasher LE2 EISA 66 Mhz Localbus ATI 68800
DEC
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For DEC MTE system: requires 1 MB VRAM for 800x600
486 DX2
(Driver Update required)
DEC MTE EISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
DELL
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For 450DE/2 DGX: 2MB of VRAM - 16 bit color resolution is 1120 x 832
For Dell ME, L, M Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
486DX2
Dell 450DE/2 DGX EISA 50 Mhz Localbus JAWS
486DX, 486DX2
Dell ME Series EISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell ME Series EISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell ME Series EISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
486DX, 486DX2
Dell M Series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell M Series ISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell M Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
486DX2
Dell L Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
EPSON
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Epson Progression NX: 2MB VRAM Version supports 1024x768
For Epson Progression: 2MB VRAM Version supports 1024x768
For Epson Progression: 1MB VRAM Version supports 800x600
486DX, 486DX2
Epson Progression NX ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
Epson Progression NX ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
Epson NX ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
Epson NX ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
Epson Progression ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
Epson Progression ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
GATEWAY
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Gateway: requires 2MB VRAM for the 1024x768 16 bit color;
requires 1MB VRAM for the 800x600 16 bit color
486DX. 486DX2
Gateway Series V ISA 33 Mhz VL-bus ATI 68800
VL-Bus
Gateway Series V ISA 50 Mhz VL-bus ATI 68800
VL-Bus
Gateway Series V ISA 66 Mhz VL-bus ATI 68800
VL-Bus
HEWLETT PACKARD
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For HP N and NI series: 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600 16 bit color;
1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 8 bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
Hewlett Vectra EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card
Packard U
Hewlett Vectra EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card
Packard U
Hewlett Vectra EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card
Packard U
Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard N
Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard N
Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard N
Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard NI
Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard NI
Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard NI
IBM
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For IBM Value Point systems: 1MB VRAM for 16 bit - 800x600 resolution
(Please contact NeXT for an application note on installation)
(For NEXTSTEP 3.1: Driver Update required for all IBM systems)
486DX, 486DX2
IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/S VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/S VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/D VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/D VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/T VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/T VL-BUS
INTEL
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Intel: 2MB VRAM for 1024x768 16 bit color
486DX2
Intel GX/Pro EISA 66 Mhz LocalBus ATI 68800
LUCKY GOLDSTAR
Vendor name Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Lucky Goldstar: 2 MB VRAM for 1024 x 768 resolution
486DX, 486DX2
Lucky VL-Bus
Goldstar LG 486NX ISA 33 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
Lucky VL-Bus
Goldstar LG 486NX ISA 66 Mhz Localbus C&T Wingine
NCR
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX2
ISA
NCR 3333 VL-Bus 66 Mhz VL-Bus graphics adapter
NEC
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For NEC: requires Compaq QVision 1024/E for 800x600 or ATI
Graphics Ultra Pro EISA with 2MB VRAM for 1024x768
486DX, 486DX2
NEC PowerMate Express
DX/2 EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card
NEC PowerMate Express
DX/2 EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card
NEC PowerMate Express
DX/2 EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card
ZENITH
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX, 486DX2
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA
HARDWARE SYSTEM INTEGRATORS
16 bit Color Systems
CONTINENTAL COMPUTERS
Integrator Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Continental computers: 1MB VRAM for 800x600 16 bit color;
2MB VRAM for 1024x768 16 bit color
486DX, 486DX2
CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT EISA EISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT EISA EISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT EISA EISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
486DX, 486DX2
CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT ISA ISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT ISA ISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
CONTINENTAL 3800 NeXT ISA ISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
GEC COMPUTERS
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For GEC computers: 1MB VRAM for 800x600 16 bit color;
2MB VRAM for 1024x768 16 bit color
486DX, 486DX2
GEC Jet F86 ISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
GEC Jet F86 ISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
GEC Jet F86 ISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
486DX, 486DX2
GEC Jet F86 EISA 33 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
GEC Jet F86 EISA 50 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
GEC Jet F86 EISA 66 Mhz VL-Bus ATI 68800
II. 8 Bit Grayscale
DEC
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For DEC MTE system: requires 1 MB VRAM for 8 bit, 1024x768 resolution
486 DX2
(Driver Update required)
DEC MTE EISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
DELL
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Dell ME Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution
For Dell M Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution
For Dell L Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution
486DX, 486DX2
Dell ME Series EISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell ME Series EISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell ME Series EISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
486DX, 486DX2
Dell M Series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell M Series ISA 50 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
Dell M Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
486DX2
Dell L Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
HEWLETT PACKARD
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For HP: requires 1 MB VRAM for 8 bit - 1024x768 resolution
486DX, 486DX2
Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard N
Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard N
Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard N
Hewlett Vectra ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard NI
Hewlett Vectra ISA 50 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard NI
Hewlett Vectra ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
Packard NI
IBM
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
(Please contact NeXT for an application note on installation)
(For NEXTSTEP 3.1: Driver Update required for all IBM systems)
For IBM Value Point systems: 1MB VRAM for 8 bit- 1023x768 resolution
486DX, 486DX2
IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/S VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/S VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/D VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/D VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 33 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/T VL-BUS
IBM ValuePoint ISA 66 Mhz Localbus S3-805
466DX2/T VL-BUS
NCR
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX2 ISA
NCR 3333 VL-Bus 66 Mhz VL-Bus graphics adapter
NEC
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For NEC: Select add-on EISA Graphics adapter
486DX, 486DX2
NEC PowerMate
Express DX/2 EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA card
NEC PowerMate
Express DX/2 EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA card
NEC PowerMate
Express DX/2 EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA card
ZENITH
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX, 486DX2
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 33 Mhz Add-on EISA
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 50 Mhz Add-on EISA
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 66 Mhz Add-on EISA
III. 2 Bit Grayscale
AST
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
640x480 2 bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
AST Power Premium EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA
AST Power Premium EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA
AST Power Premium EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA
DELL
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For Dell L Series: 1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768 - 2 bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
Dell L Series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
(ET4000W32)
Dell L Series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus S3-805
(ET4000W32)
HEWLETT PACKARD
Vendor Model Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
For HP: Built-in VGA supports 640-480 2 bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
Hewlett Vectra EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA
Packard U
Hewlett Vectra EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA
Packard U
Hewlett Vectra EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA
Packard U
NEC
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
Built-in VGA supports 1024x768 2-bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
NEC I-series ISA 33 Mhz LocalBus ET4000AX
NEC I-series ISA 50 Mhz LocalBus ET4000AX
NEC I-series ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus ET4000AX
486DX2
NEC Image 466 ISA 66 Mhz LocalBus ET4000W32
Built-in VGA supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
NEC PowerMate
Express DX/2 EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA
NEC PowerMate
Express DX/2 EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA
NEC PowerMate
Express DX/2 EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA
ZENITH
Vendor Model name Bus CPU Graphics Architecture
_____________________________________________________________________
Built-in VGA supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
486DX, 486DX2
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 33 Mhz Built-in VGA
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 50 Mhz Built-in VGA
ZENITH Z-station XEn EISA 66 Mhz Built-in VGA
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
-> NEXTSTEP-COMPATIBLE Portable Systems
OVERVIEW
CPU - i486 based PC Compatible Portable Computer. This
includes 486SX, 486SL, 486DX, 486DX/2. 486SX systems
require a floating-point coprocessor, or upgrade to 486DX
or DX2.
EXPANSION BUS - AC powered portables require at least one ISA or EISA
slot for a SCSI adapter to install NEXTSTEP from CD-ROM.
BATTERY-POWERED PORTABLES AND DOCKING STATIONS - Battery powered
portables require a docking station with at least one ISA slot for a
SCSI adapter to install NEXTSTEP from a CD-ROM. Once NEXTSTEP is
installed, the portable may be used away from the docking station.
AVAILABLE HARD DISK SPACE - NEXTSTEP supports multiple partitioned
hard disks, allowing the user to install and boot several operating
systems from the same local hard disk. Larger local disks are
recommended for standalone systems or for systems with a local
non-NEXTSTEP partition:
NEXTSTEP User Environment
- 120 MB (megabyte) partition minimum
- 200 MB recommended for standalone systems
NEXTSTEP User + Developer Environments
- 330 MB partition minimum
- 400 MB recommended
RAM REQUIREMENTS - RAM requirements vary depending upon selection of
graphics adapter:
GRAPHICS MINIMUM RAM RECOMMENDED RAM
16 bit color 16 Megabytes 24 Megabytes
8 bit grayscale 12 Megabytes 16 Megabytes
2 bit grayscale 8 Megabytes 12 Megabytes(+)
Note: Since 16 bit color and 8 bit color grayscale
support require LocalBus, VL-Bus, PCI, or EISA graphics
adapters, only AC-powered portables with EISA slots can
support 16 bit color or 8 bit grayscale.
(+) - NeXT recommends a minimum of 12MB or RAM for acceptable
performance on portables.
GRAPHICS ADAPTERS - Current display panel technology in popular
PC-compatibles is limited to 640x480 resolution and cannot yet
display 16 bit color. These systems do not yet support the linear
buffer NEXTSTEP requires for 16 bit color or 8 bit grayscale.
Therefore, NEXTSTEP supports these systems with 2-bit grayscale at
640x480. Active matrix or plasma panels are recommended for better
cursor tracking response. ISA systems (AC-powered or through a
docking station) can support add-on, high resolution 2-bit grayscale
graphics adapters and EISA-based AC-powered portables can support
16-bit color or 8-bit grayscale graphics with an add-on EISA graphics
adapter.
DISK INTERFACES - Both built-in IDE and add-on SCSI Hard Disk
Interfaces are supported. Battery powered portables require a
docking station to install a SCSI hard disk interface card.
POINTING DEVICES - Microsoft and Logitec compatible PS/2 and serial
mice are supported.
PRINTERS - Any Postscript printer connected via a serial or
parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected
via a SCSI port). NeXT recommends color Postscript printers
with Postscript Level II for proper color support.
NETWORKING - Ethernet and Token Ring networking adapters are
supported. Battery-powered portables require a docking station to
install a networking adapter. A networking adapter is optional.
SOUND - NEXTSTEP can support certain PC sound cards for both
playback and recording. Battery-powered portables require a docking
station to install a sound card. A Sound card is optional.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NEXTSTEP-Compatible Portable Systems
PC MANUFACTURERS
I. Built-in Panel Portables
ALTIMA
Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk
Source type Speed Exp. /RAM
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX
ALTIMA 433D Battery Passive 33 Mhz ISA 200/20
Matrix
Mono
Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
Built-in expansion: Fax/modem
Send email to nextanswers@next.com for update on pointer
support for Altima 433D.
AST
Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk
Source type Speed Exp. /RAM
_____________________________________________________________________
486SL
AST Power- Battery Passive 25 Mhz ISA 200/8
Exec Color KMM
4SL or Mono MS
AST Power- Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 200/8
Exec Matrix KMM
4SL Mono MS
Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
Built-in expansion: Fax/modem
COMPAQ
Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk
Source type Speed Exp. /RAM
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX, 486DX2
COMPAQ 486/M AC Passive 25 Mhz 525/32
Port. Matrix
Mono
COMPAQ 486/M AC Passive 33 Mhz 525/32
Port. Matrix
Mono
COMPAQ 486/C AC Active 25 Mhz 525/32
Port. Matrix
Color
COMPAQ 486/C AC Active 33 Mhz 525/32
Port. Matrix
Color
486SL
COMPAQ LTE Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 200/20
Lite Matrix KMM
4/25c Color MS
Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
Built-in expansion: Fax/modem (EISA expansion for 486/C and 486/M)
NEC
Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk
Source type Speed Exp. /RAM
_____________________________________________________________________
486SX
NEC Pro- AC Active 20 Mhz 200/20
Speed Matrix
486C Color
486SL
NEC Ultra- Battery Passive 20 Mhz ISA 180/12
lite Matrix MS
Versa M Mono KMM
NEC Ultra- Battery Passive 25 Mhz ISA 180/12
lite Matrix MS
Versa M Mono KMM
NEC Ultra- Battery Active 20 Mhz ISA 180/12
lite Matrix MS
Versa C Color KMM
NEC Ultra- Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 180/12
lite Matrix MS
Versa C Color KMM
Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
Built-in expansion: Fax/modem (EISA expansion for ProSpeed 486C)
Built-in expansion: PCMCIA for Ultralite Versa C & M models
ProSpeed 486C requires floating point upgrade.
Send email to nextanswers@next.com for update on built-in trackball
support for LTE Lite 4/25c.
TOSHIBA
Vendor Model Power Panel CPU Dock. Max disk
Source type Speed Exp. /RAM
_____________________________________________________________________
486DX, 486DX2
TOSHIBA T6400DX AC Passive 33 Mhz 200/32
Mono or
Plasma
TOSHIBA T6400DX AC Passive 50 Mhz 200/32
Mono or
Plasma
TOSHIBA T6400 AC Active 33 Mhz 200/32
DXC Matrix
Color
TOSHIBA T6400 AC Active 50 Mhz 200/32
DXC Matrix
Color
486SX
TOSHIBA T4400SX Battery Passive 25 Mhz ISA 120/20
Mono or MS
Plasma KMM
TOSHIBA T4400 Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 120/20
SXC Matrix MS
Color KMM
486DX
TOSHIBA T4400C Battery Active 25 Mhz ISA 120/20
Matrix MS
Color KMM
Built-in panel supports 640x480 2-bit grayscale
Built-in expansion: Fax/modem (ISA expansion for T6400DX and T6400DXC
models)
T4400SX and T4400SXC require floating point upgrades.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
-> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Graphics Adapters
OVERVIEW
NEXTSTEP GRAPHICS SYSTEM
NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors' Display Postscript graphic system
supports such advanced capabilities as scalable fonts, unified
imaging model for both screen display and printing, image
transparency (also known as alpha channel), Pantone color matching,
and Pixar Interactive Renderman 3D imaging. NEXTSTEP's window server
composites multiple layers of images, and allows the user to work
with images of any quality with any supported imaging model, in other
words users can work with a 32 bit color image even on a 2-bit
grayscale system! In order to provide these sophisticated
capabilities NEXTSTEP requires a "workstation"-style linear frame
buffer graphics system and a high performance 32-bit data path to the
frame buffer. The number of colors or shades of gray, depth of
transparency, etc., varies depending on the image model supported.
** TABLE FOR NEXTSTEP IMAGING **
Imaging Model Colors or Transparency Window Server Support
Shades of (alpha channel) for Renderman 3D
Gray Graphics
_____________________________________________________________________
32-bit color 24-bit - 8-bit (256 YES
16 million levels)
colors
16-bit color 12-bit - 4-bit (16 YES
4096 colors levels)
32-BIT COLOR
2-bit color support on Intel-based PCs is planned for
a future release of NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors.
16-BIT COLOR
Graphics Architectures Supported - Intel JAWS (such as DELL
Processor-Direct Graphics), Chips and Technologies Wingine, ATI
Graphics Ultra Pro (68800), S3-805 and Compaq QVision. Due to the
performance requirements of 16-bit color, these graphics adapters
must be connected via LocalBus, VESA LocalBus (VL-Bus), PCI or EISA.
The ISA expansion bus does not provide the 32-bit data path, or
adequate performance to support NEXTSTEP 16-bit color. Future
support is planned for the Tseng Labs ET-4000W32i and S3-928. Refer
to the Desktop Systems and Add-on Graphics Adapter charts for
specific adapter support.
Supported Resolutions: 800x600, 1024x768, 1120x832. Specific
support varies by graphics adapter and graphics frame buffer size.
8-BIT GRAYSCALE
Graphics Architectures Supported - S3-805 and Compaq QVision. Due to
the performance requirements of 8-bit grayscale, these graphics
adapters must be connected via LocalBus, VESA LocalBus (VL-Bus), PCI
or EISA. The ISA expansion bus does not provide the 32-bit data, or
adequate performance to support NEXTSTEP 8-bit color. Future
support is planned for the ATI Graphics Ultra Pro (68800), Tseng Labs
ET-4000W32i and S3-928. Refer to the Desktop Systems and Add-on
Graphics Adapter charts for specific adapter support.
Supported Resolutions: 1024x768 or 1280x1024. Specific
support varies by graphics adapter and graphics frame buffer size.
2-BIT GRAYSCALE
NeXT has devoted a special driver that simulates the linear frame
buffer required by NEXTSTEP's graphics system on segmented frame
buffer graphics adapters such as standard VGA and Super VGA cards.
This allows NEXTSTEP to support most standard VGA cards as well as
certain Super VGA cards. Refer to the Desktop Systems and Add-on
Graphics Adapter charts for specific adapter support.
Graphics Architectures Supported - Standard VGA compatible and
certain Super VGA graphics adapters using the Tseng Labs ET-4000AX or
Cirrus Logic GD 542X. These graphics adapters can be connected via
LocalBus, VESA LocalBus (VL-BUS), PCI, EISA or ISA.
Supported Resolutions: 640x480 (Standard VGA) or 1024x769 (Super
VGA).
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors Graphics
MANUFACTURERS OF GRAPHICS ADAPTERS
ATI 68800
Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported
_____________________________________________________________________
ATI Ultra- VL-BUS ATI 16 bit color:
Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
ATI Ultra- VL-BUS ATI 16 bit color:
Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
ATI Ultra- EISA ATI 16 bit color:
Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
ATI Ultra- EISA ATI 16 bit color:
Pro Ultra- 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
Pro 2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
COMPAQ QVISION
Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported
_____________________________________________________________________
COMPAQ QVision EISA Compaq 16 bit color:
1024/E QVision 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
8 bit grayscale:
1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
COMPAQ QVision EISA Compaq 16 bit color:
1280/E QVision 1 MB VRAM supports 800x600
2 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
8 bit grayscale:
1 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
2 MB VRAM supports 1280x1024
CIRRUS LOGIC GD542X
Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported
_____________________________________________________________________
STB Horizon ISA Cirrus 2 bit grayscale:
Logic .5 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
GD542X
JAWS
Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported
_____________________________________________________________________
DELL 450DE/2 Local- DELL 16 bit color:
DGX bus JAWS 2 MB VRAM supports 1120x832
DGX
Note: Upgrade for Dell 450DE only.
TSENG LABS ET-4000AX
Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions Supported
_____________________________________________________________________
ISA Tseng 2 bit grayscale:
Labs .5 MB VRAM supports 1024x768
ET4000
STANDARD VGA
Vendor Model Bus Driver Graphics Resolutions
_____________________________________________________________________
various various ISA VGA 2 bit grayscale
Adapter 640x480 resolution
(default)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
-> NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors: Other Devices and Adapters
NEXTSTEP supports a variety of additional devices and add-on
adapters:
DISK INTERFACES
Both IDE and several SCSI hard disk interfaces are supported.
POINTING DEVICES
Microsoft compatible PS/2 and serial mice. Logitec PS/2,
serial, and bus mice.
PRINTERS
Any Postscript printer connected via a serial or
parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected
via a SCSI port). NeXT recommends color Postscript printers
with Postscript Level II for proper color support.
NETWORKING
Several Ethernet and Token Ring networking adapters are
supported. A networking adapter is optional.
SOUND
NEXTSTEP can support certain PC sound cards for
both playback and recording. A Sound card is optional.
ADDITIONAL DEVICES
Other popular PC peripherals such as FAX/Modems will be
supported.
DRIVERKIT
NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors incorporates a newly developed
object-oriented driver architecture called DriverKit. DriverKit
allows the quick development of device drivers for new peripherals
and add-on cards for Intel-based PCs running NEXTSTEP. DriverKit's
architecture allows drivers to be loaded at run-time, thereby
allowing users to add additional cards or devices to their systems
without re-installing the main operating system. Loadable device
drivers also allow NeXT and third parties to easily distribute
additional drivers as they become available. NeXT is actively
working with hardware manufacturers and third parties to provide
additional drivers for NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors.
Developers interested in the DriverKit should contact Developer
Support (1-800-848-6398) and join the registered developer program.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NEXTSTEP for Intel Processors
ADDITIONAL DEVICE SUPPORT PRODUCTS
FLOPPY DISK
Vendor Model Bus Driver
_____________________________________________________________________
3.5 inch Floppy Disk
1.44MB floppy Controller
IDE HARD DISK INTERFACE
Vendor Model Bus Driver
_____________________________________________________________________
IDE IDE Disk Controller
SCSI HARD DISK INTERFACE
Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features
_____________________________________________________________________
Adaptec 1540B ISA Adaptec 1542B
SCSI adapter
Adaptec 1540C ISA Adaptec 1542B Built-in floppy disk
SCSI adapter not supported
Adaptec 1740 EISA Planned for 3.2
release of NEXTSTEP
Adaptec 1742 EISA Planned for 3.2
release of NEXTSTEP
Bus 542B ISA Adaptec 1542B
Logic SCSI adapter
Bus 747S EISA Adaptec 1542B
Logic SCSI adapter
DPT 2012/90 EISA DPT 2012B EISA 512K-16.5MB cache
SCSI Adapter upgradable
DPT 2012/95 EISA DPT 2012B EISA 512K-16.5MB cache
SCSI Adapter upgradable
(Built-in floppy not
supported)
DPT 2011/90 ISA 512K-16.5MB cache
upgradable
planned for 3.2
DPT 2011/95 ISA 512K-16.5MB cache
upgradable
planned for 3.2
(Built-in floppy not
supported)
PARALLEL PORT
Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features
_____________________________________________________________________
Standard On-board
Parallel Port Parallel port
SERIAL PORT
Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features
_____________________________________________________________________
Standard On-board Supports COM1 & COM2
Serial Ports serial ports
LOCAL AREA NETWORK ADAPTERS
Vendor Model Bus Driver Additional Features
_____________________________________________________________________
3COM Etherlink III ISA 3COM Ethernet coax or
(3C509) Etherlink III twisted pair
ethernet adapter
SMC Etherlink 16 ISA SMC Ethernet coax or
(8013) Elite 16 twisted pair
ethernet adapter
INTEL EtherExpress 16 ISA Intel Ether- Ethernet coax or
(TP, Coax or Combo) Express twisted pair
ethernet adapter
INTEL TokenExpress ISA Intel Token- Token ring
Express ISA
Token Ring
POINTING DEVICES
Vendor Model Bus Driver
_____________________________________________________________________
Microsoft MS mouse serial mouse serial mouse
Microsoft MS mouse PS/2 mouse port PS/2 mouse
Logitec Mouse Man serial mouse serial mouse
(Right or adapter
Left)
Logitec Mouse Man PS/2 mouse PS/2 mouse
(Right or adapter
Left)
Logitec Mouse Man Bus Bus mouse Bus mouse
adapter
AUDIO DEVICES
Vendor Model Bus Driver Features
_____________________________________________________________________
Media ProAudio ISA ProAudio Up to CD quality
Vision Spectrum 16 Spectrum 16 stereo record & play
Media Pro ISA ProAudio Up to CD quality
Vision Studio 16 Spectrum 16 stereo record & play
Intel GX/Professional CPU planned for Up to CD quality
board NEXTSTEP 3.2 stereo record & play
Compaq Business Audio CPU planned for Up to CD quality
board NEXTSTEP 3.2 stereo record & play
Compaq Standard PC CPU System beep System audio alerts
speaker support board driver only
PRINTERS
AUDIO DEVICES
Vendor Model Bus Interface
_____________________________________________________________________
NeXT Color Printer SCSI
Standard Adobe Postscript Serial or parallel
Printers
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
June 3, 1993
NEXTSTEP RELEASE 3.1 FOR INTEL PROCESSORS
Hardware Compatibility Guide
- end -
--
Chris Maeda, Grad Student and RetroGrouch <cmaeda@cs.cmu.edu>
"A unix signature isn't a return address, it's the ASCII equivalent of
a black velvet clown painting. It's a rectangle of carets surrounding
a quote from a literary giant of weeniedom like Heinlein or Dr. Who."