Acorn NetStation

The Acorn NetStation was a network computer designed around the Oracle Network Computer concept. Its ARM7500FE, Ethernet interface and ROM-based NCOS loaded applications and information from network servers rather than relying on local discs.

It brought Acorn’s integrated ARM desktop technology into the late-1990s thin-client market and served as the company’s main production Network Computer.

Notable Features

• The main processing arrangement was ARM7500FE at 40 MHz.
• Its standard memory provision was 8MB EDO RAM.
• The model’s storage arrangement was Network-based storage with ROM-resident software.

Historical Significance

• It brought Acorn’s integrated ARM desktop technology into the late-1990s thin-client market and served as the company’s main production Network Computer.
• This entry represents a distinct processor, storage or enclosure design rather than a software bundle.

Collector’s Notes

• Surviving examples are scarce, and fitted boards, firmware and storage may differ from announced specifications.
• Original documentation, peripherals and prototype provenance are particularly important for specialist Acorn systems.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Acorn NetStation
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Monday, January 1, 1996
Discontinued	1998
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	ARM7500FE at 40 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	NCOS 1.06 based on RISC OS 3.70
I/O	10Base-T Ethernet, video, keyboard, mouse, audio, serial and smart-card reader
Keyboard	Separate keyboard and mouse with infrared control support
Storage	Network-based storage with ROM-resident software
Sound	Integrated ARM7500 audio
Graphics	Integrated VIDC20 graphics
Display	External VGA or multiscan monitor
ROM	NCOS ROM
RAM	8MB EDO RAM
CPU Speed	40 MHz