Basic diagram published in MacWEEK vol.10-37 of Apple's Pippin 2.0 specification.
Pippin 2.0, also known as Pippin 1997 Reference Platform,[1] was a reference design specification prepared by Apple Computer to update the Pippin platform.[2][3]
History[]
Apple had been demonstrating the design to licensees and developers in 1996. ROM space was to be increased from 4MB to 8MB to eliminate the need to store system software on the CD-ROM, allowing diskless booting for set-top or kiosk operation.[2] The set-top box prototype combined the functionality of a game console with a satellite receiver and DVD-R drive.[4] Apple CEO Gil Amelio stated at Apple's 1996 Worldwide Developers Conference that Apple was developing its own version of Pippin that was not intended to compete with Bandai's consoles.[5] Amelio also described Apple's version of a NC device, based on the Network Computer Reference Profile, as "kind of a Pippin Plus."[6]
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs returned to the struggling company and was named Interim CEO on September 16, 1997.[7] The Pippin was among several projects cancelled by Jobs to return Apple to profitability.[8] However, Jobs chose to retain the Macintosh NC project, which evolved into the PowerPC G3-based iMac, a breakout success for Apple in 1998.[9] Some of the other technologies, such as Firewire and DVD-ROM, reappeared as part of the iMac DV in 1999.[10]
Specifications[]
- 120 MHz PowerPC 603e processor.
- 80 Hz system bus.
- 8MB ROM with the ability to store system software or applications on EPROM.
- Graphics acceleration with 2D, 3D, and MPEG-2 support.
- DVD player with support for AC-3 digital audio, Photo CD, Enhanced CD, and DVD-R.
- FireWire (IEEE 1394) to be included on the motherboard or a daughtercard.
Gallery[]
![The Apple Pippin Set-top box prototype used colored lighting to indicate smart card status.[4]](/wiki/File:Apple_Pippin_prototype_set_top_3.gif "Apple Pippin prototype set top 3.gif (150 KB)")
References[]
- ↑ Consumer Applications of the IEEE 1394 Serial Bus, and a 1394/DV Video Editing System p.9 by Alan T. Wetzel and Michael R. Schell, Texas Instruments, Inc. 1996-06.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Options will make Pippin 2 a home, network computer by David Morgenstern, MacWeek vol.10-37. 1996-09-30. Archived 1996-12-20.
- ↑ Pippin次世代仕様マシンが来年デビューへ 機能選択が容易な2.0仕様。システムバス80MHzも (Japanese), MacWeek / Japan. 1996-10-01. Archived 1999-02-09.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Apple Pippin Set-top box, Studio Taktika. 2006-06-07.
- ↑ Pippin: Back in the USA by James Staten, MacWeek. 1996-05-16. Archived 1996-12-20.
- ↑ NC coalition frames plans for Net boxes by James Staten, MacWeek vol.10-21. 1996-05-27. Archived 1996-12-20.
- ↑ Jobs named interim Apple CEO, C|NET. 1997-09-16.
- ↑ For the good of the company? Five Apple products Steve Jobs killed by Casey Johnston, Ars Technica. 2011-08-25.
- ↑ #1 Temporal Loop - Birth of the iMac by Thomas Hormby, The Mac Observer. 2007-05-25.
- ↑ October 1999: iMac, iMac DV, iMac DV Special Edition by Stephen Hackett, 512 Pixels. 2016-06-01.
External links[]
- Apple Pippin: Unfulfilled roadmap at Wikipedia
