It’s show time tomorrow, so here’s something from RISCOSbits to tempt you to head to Warrington:
RISCOSbits at RISC OS North Show – Warrington, 29th March 2025
We are pleased to announce that RISCOSbits will be exhibiting at the inaugural RISC OS North Show on Saturday, 29th March 2025. As a continuation of our commitment to providing high-quality, great value and innovative RISC OS systems, we’re bringing along a full range of new and improved products for users of all levels—from casual tinkerers to serious power users.
You’ll be able to get hands-on with our most advanced systems to date, including the blazingly fast FIRE systems with capacity for up to four full speed SATA SSDs (potentially 8TB of RISC OS format storage!), our sleek and compact VENOM and PiRO Qube NVMe machines, and our ever-popular Chimera dual-OS setup. In fact, the Chimera range has just received a major boost – now enhanced to take full advantage of the raw power and performance of the Compute Module 5, offering better Linux multitasking, faster I/O, and an overall smoother experience.
Portable Prowess
If portable computing is your thing, don’t miss the show debut of the RiscDOCK – a new modular 14″ laptop system built to run both RISC OS and Linux.
RiscDOCK is designed to dock and undock RISC OS with ease, allowing you to switch between desktop and laptop use without compromise. It supports access to nightly builds, rapid OS upgrades, and dual-host functionality, making it perfect for developers, testers, and those who just want a well engineered portable system. You can also use it as with a mobile phone!
Not only does the RiscDOCK give you full but portable RISC OS performance in a sleek metallic chassis with full HD screen, it also lets you run Linux natively on the same laptop – giving you the best of both worlds in one ultra-flexible solution. Even better, we’re including a free Desktop Dock with every RiscDOCK purchased at the show, allowing seamless connection to external displays, storage and peripherals. Full details are available at riscosbits.co.uk/riscdock.
A New DIY Range
We’re also excited to release our new DIY product range – a collection of hands-on kits that let you build your very own RISC OS computer. Whether you’re a seasoned hardware builder or just fancy getting under the hood, there’s something here for you.
Our entry-level system offers a compact 85mm x 110mm design, powered by a 2GHz CPU and 2GB RAM, with 128GB NVMe storage and a 32GB SD card to run RISC OS from. It’s simple, snappy, and just £119 – a great way to get started.
For those who want a little more flexibility, our mid-range kit expands to a 140mm x 120mm footprint and includes a more versatile selection of ports, 32GB of eMMC storage, 128GB of NVMe storage and USB-C and barrel jack power options – ideal for more advanced projects, priced at £179.
At the top end of the range is our DIY powerhouse system, featuring a 2.2GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, a 256GB NVMe drive, and a custom designed wooden case that you can finish and personalise yourself. It’s the ideal choice for users who want customisability without sacrificing power or style, available for £199.
All kits come with pre-configured software, essential components, clear instructions, and zero soldering required. Just add your own screwdriver – and maybe a cup of tea!
For more details, see pihard.co.uk/diy
Showcases at RISC OS North
We’ll also be lifting the lid on two exciting new developments currently in the works. First up is a brand new dual-OS computer system, codenamed ‘The B*stard’. As irreverent as it is ingenious, this little beast synergises the best hardware elements of Linux and RISC OS into one seriously powerful unit, all within a tidy, small-footprint case. If you’ve ever dreamed of a seamless crossover between two platforms in a compact and efficient package, this might just be it.
Secondly, we’ll be demonstrating the results of our ongoing work in enhancing NVMe functionality across the RISC OS platform. Rather than just chasing numbers, we’ve been focusing on real-world usability and integration—from more reliable file handling and faster boot times to improved support for large storage volumes and smoother performance under pressure. At the show, you’ll be able to see how NVMe, when properly harnessed, makes RISC OS feel more modern, stable, and capable than ever before.
And, of course, we’ve got a couple of other developments we’ve been quietly refining in the background – ideas and innovations that have kept us excited at RISCOSbits HQ, and we can’t wait to share.
Limited Pinebook Pro Stock
Back by popular demand, we’ll also have a very limited stock of Pinebook Pro systems available to purchase on the day. These RISC OS-compatible laptops offer a lightweight, capable portable platform—ideal for anyone wanting to take RISC OS on the go.
We’ll also have a selection of clearance stock at bargain prices, some lovely stickers and badges, also available at special low prices.
Whether you’re a long-time RISC OS veteran or completely new to the scene, the RISC OS North Show is the perfect opportunity to see the latest developments, chat with the team, and explore what RISCOSbits has to offer. We’re excited to bring something for everyone—and we look forward to seeing you in Warrington!
