Commodore International Ltd of Westchester, Pennsylvania, has chosen to launch a new Unix-based version of its Amiga home computer into Europe ahead of its US introduction, and is previewing the thing at shows all over Europe. The Amiga 2500 UX will run AmigaDOS if you boot up ordinarily, but full Unix Syste V.3 if you simply boot up whilst holding the mouse button down. The system is 68020-based and comes with 4Mb memory and up to 100Mb hard disk, with optional tape streamer for back-ups. It will be targeted towards business users and the education markets in Europe when it becomes available in September, but in the US, where a launch date has yet to be set, the machine will be pushed more towards the general workstation market. Software includes support for X Window, but company spokeswoman Gail Wellington said that a very fast and more flexible proprietary windowing system would also be offered. Unix users can also take advantage of the Amiga’s graphics chip set to produce faster lines and fills. Also available for Europeans in September will be an add on card with 68020, memory management unit, and Unix for existing Amiga users to upgrade their machines. Prices have not yet been set. Ms Wellington said that the company was also working on a 68030-based line for release next year, bringing them in line with arch rival Atari Corp, which is planning to launch its own 68030 ST systems by the end of the year.
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