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Username: Col1
Realname: Colin Cartmell-Browne
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Homepage: http://www.qercus.com
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Comments posted:94 (show all)

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On Iyonix range taken off the market:

The press release mentions Iyonix Ltd not Castle.

Presumably Castle still have their OEM customers?

I can't imagine that revenue from either RO licences or sales of Iyonix have been very high for quite some time now.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 27/9/08 7:56PM
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On NetSurf bags GBP10K investment from Google:

In reply to tsla:

You right- I didn't mean to go so off topic! (apologies to all!)

Many thanks for the asisstance- will take the matter up in a more appropriate forum.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/04/08 10:57PM
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On NetSurf bags GBP10K investment from Google:

In reply to tsla:

O I think I'm going bonkers. If I change the file type to css in RISC OS then netsurf displays the page with is styling. However switching back to the dark side the web page no longer displays in Firefox (all styling is lost)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/4/08 10:03PM
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On NetSurf bags GBP10K investment from Google:

in replyto tsla:

When droping the css file onto netsurf the styling shows and the type shows as text/plain. I'm guessing thats not right?

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/4/08 9:44PM
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On NetSurf bags GBP10K investment from Google:

In reply to VinceH:

you link to your style sheet is, more or less, the same as mine. Only difference being I've got <link href... then rel...>

It displays fine in Firefox (pc version) and IE(spit) but not Netsurf. I've not had time to check other browsers and unfortunatly can't upload it anywhere as its an exam piece.

Likewise if anyone has any hints on the best way to link the CSS sheet then please share!

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/4/08 6:42PM
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On NetSurf bags GBP10K investment from Google:

Sorry- got carried away and hit enter before I'd finished my post:

Was going to add..

I designed a site for my OU course with the CSS styling and positioning within an external style sheet an older version of Netsurf didn't display the styling so was wondering whether other RO browsers were the same.

Thanks in advance. Col

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/4/08 4:25PM
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On NetSurf bags GBP10K investment from Google:

Slightly off topic but what support is there for external style sheets within RISC OS

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/4/08 4:22PM
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On Wakefield 2008 show preview:

In reply to sa110:

She'll probably escape while he's doing his theatre presentation.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/4/08 3:57PM
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On Wakefield 2008 show preview:

Unfortunatly I can't make it- which will be two Wakefield shows running.

But I'm sending my wife who is under orders to bag any bargins - presuming John with let her escape the Qercus stand! ;o)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 22/4/08 11:13PM
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On VirtualRiscPC spotted on Linux:

Mripley: "So Colin before you criticise my past involvement you should check what it was first!"

My comment was not meant to be seen as a criticism of your past involvement, and if you read it as such then I am truly sorry.

Yes I can see your point- there are probably many people in a similar situation who have spent just as many years supporting the RISC OS market as best they can.

However my point remains- this development, even if its of no personal use, is something that should be applauded.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 22/3/08 6:34PM
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On Science Museum hosts 'fathers of Beeb' reunion:

In reply to rejek:

If wikipedia is to believed we're only just in the top ten during 2007 for video game publishers:

[link]

Although admittedly publisher and developer aren’t always the same thing.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 21/3/08 11:02AM
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On VirtualRiscPC spotted on Linux:

In reply to mripley:

While I respect your right to express and opinion I can't help but disagree with the stance you've taken. Yes, there are many problems with RISC OS, some of which have dragged on far longer than they should have. But you don't solve problems by giving up and walking away.

Everyone one of us can do something to help- no matter how small it may be, and I'm not just talking about throwing money at the problem. For example: *If you have programming skills get involved in the ROOL imitative *Volunteer for beta testing software *offer constructive criticism when software doesn't work as expected or required (key word: constructive) *Support RISC OS Connect- you might not be able to programme but what about writing user manuals or support documents *If you have web design skills volunteer to maintain one of the many websites around.

Ok I know a lot of responses to the above will be "I don't have time/skills/money to contribute" but every little helps. Theo Markettos found a solution that worked for him- allowing him to make the best of both the RISC OS and Linux worlds. This is something that should be applauded- even if you can't see a personal use for it.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 21/3/08 10:43AM
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On Ditching desktops for portables: The way forward?:

In reply to AW:

It's not Druck that reckons Castle need a faster processor but Castle themselves. I remember Jack Lillingstone making a comment to this effect at one of the shows.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 10/1/08 9:46AM
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On RISC OS camps to discuss future development:

Its a small step- but one in the right direction. :)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 27/11/07 8:20PM
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On RISCDomain magazine reviewed:

In reply to Druck:

Are you sure they were almost complete? IIRC the cosmetics were complete, ie the what the OS would look like, but the underlying functionality was not. But I may be mis-remembering.

Out of curiosity how does the theoretical spec of the Pheobe compare with the delivered spec of the Iyonix and A9?

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 29/10/07 4:02PM
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On South East 2007 show report:

Any news/views about the show yet?

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 20/10/07 3:07PM
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On RISC OS Sometime unrest grows:

For anyone who might have been mislead by Drucks comment above:

Qercus is now well and truly back on track with regular issues being posted as promised.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 15/10/07 10:15AM
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On Robot pet hamsters arrive for RISC OS:

Does anyone know if the hamster is actually attached to the wheel? I was thinking this could be marketed as a exercise regime for rodents! :)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 6/8/07 4:33PM
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On Qercus reviewed but renewed?:

Ok so now the preview button adds comments!

What I was going to add was that:

yes there have been problems in the past with getting issues out, but these problems are behind us and Qercus has been reguraly produced for some time now.

In reply to richcheng:

Glad you enjoyed the last two issues. Getting the balance right is not an easy task - you can't please all of the people all of the time!

Remember anyone can offer, constructive, feedback via the Electronic Quill column!

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 27/7/07 3:16PM
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On Qercus reviewed but renewed?:

In reply to richeng: Yes Druck was attempting to be sarcastic. They do say its the lowest form of wit :)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 27/7/07 3:08PM
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On South East show date for 2007 revealed:

In reply to JC:

Says the man whose daughter's birthday has fallen on or near the same weekend as the Wakefield show for years now! ;)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 12/7/07 11:48AM
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On RISC OS development charity taking shape:

In reply to rpc4ever:

Don't worry about it, your not the first to post something and regret it and I doubt very much whether you'll be the last! ;o)

For the record I think the exciting thing about this particular development isn't the money, but the fact that a group of users have seen a potential for aiding RISC OS and have done something about it.

Unfortunatly, for me, I'm not in a position to help out at the moment as when I'm not working full time I'm busy trying to complete an Open Uni course. But as soon as that course has finished (Oct) I intend to look into how I can help out, possibly by offering help in writing user documentation etc.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 27/6/07 11:31AM
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On Select 4i2 apps will run on A9home:

In reply to apdl:

redundant word: transparent....

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 2/5/07 4:35PM
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On ROOL mouse mat design revealed:

In reply to epistaxsis:

I suspect there are many user groups who didn't join in purely through lack of finances. RONWUG for example doesn't charge and has no over head costs.

Besides- if they were all put on then the designs would have probably been too small to be readable.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 2/5/07 1:12PM
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On Oregano 3 scrapped:

In reply to Doug:

Also agree- I don't know whether a viable solution can be put in place but its worth the effort to at least try.

Unfortunatly for me I've not lots of other commitments that day so can't gurantee I can turn up - but am very interested in taking part.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 25/04/07 4:50PM
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On Oregano 3 scrapped:

In reply to flibble:

It might be my memory playing tricks on me but I thought there use to be a RISC OS Investors club?

If I'm not imagining it and it still exists then it might be an idea to try and link in with them rather than create something new from scratch?

This of course could be taken one step further with the introduction of a RISC OS Developers Club / Forum,Group call it what you will which aims to share resources, knowledge, etc etc.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 25/04/07 12:53AM
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On ROS powered 'weapon of mass distraction' unveiled:

In reply to wakeman:

Is there room for a 'arena' style area? If so hows this for an idea. Contestants have three missles each, they have to unpack, set up, load the software and fire there three missles at the target. Points could be awarded for quickest firing of all 3 missles, accuracy, and special bonus points if they actually manage to break something with the missle. :)

Although liability insurance might be a problem....

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 23/2/07 1:53PM
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On South West show set for this Saturday:

In reply to fwibbler:

I suspect if the show was during the week then more people wouldn't be able to attend than if it was on a sat - including a lot of the people who give up their free time to run the show.

Personally I wish Wakefield was two days - but realise for many this is just not financially viable.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 20/2/07 11:57AM
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On RISC OS Open licence in hands of lawyers:

In reply to AMS:

No, it means they have the IPR to particular components. It doesn't mean they have the IPR to everything! (note: I'm not saying they don't have the IPR, I don't know one way or another, but your examples don't automatically prove they have the IPR to *everything*.)

With regards ROOL/Caslte - I think its still too early to be speculating on what may, or may not, happen until we've seen the *exact* wording of the licence.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 16/01/07 08:10AM
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On The best of the Microdigital Mico manual:

In reply to DGS:

I think it was this comment on yours: "The total number of Omegas shipped was only a few dozen" which lead Jades to ask his question on whether you knew how many were sold or whether you were speculating.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 11/01/07 09:21AM
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On Firefox 2 will be Iyonix-only:

In reply to Mr Ripley:

Whatever decission you make with regards RISC OS should *definatly* not be made because of a vocal minority!

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 17/11/06 11:27AM
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On South East 2006 show report:

In reply to David:

Just to clarify- I'm not demanding ROL produce a web browser.

My comment purely related to a comment by hEgelia. i.e. he said ROL advise people to buy a pc for their web browsing - I also heard the comment made by PM during his speach at Wakefield but thought the context was different, i.e. that it would be cheaper for ROL to buy everyone a pc for web browsing than it would be for ROL to produce their own RISC OS native browser.

I also thought I was clear in that my comment was a personal recollection of PM's comment at Wakefield - I may have got the context wrong.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 25/10/06 4:22PM
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On South East 2006 show report:

In reply to hEgelia:

If I remember correctly I think the comment made was more along the lines of it would cost ROL too much to develop a browser that would meet everyones requirements, and that it would be cheaper *for ROL* to buy a cheap pc for everyone who wanted it. Not quite the same as advising everyone to buy a cheap pc for browsing.

If ROL had infinite money I'm sure they would develop a RO browser.

Like I said though this is from memory and might be wide of the mark.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 24/10/06 5:35PM
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On RISC OS 6 to power Select 4:

In reply to SA110:

My apologies- my comment should have been addressed to SimonC not yourself.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 20/10/06 1:30PM
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On RISC OS 6 to power Select 4:

In reply to SA110:

Don't confuse people who don't buy new hardware with people who don't buy new software. I'm a RPC user and have spent plenty of money on software and supporting the RISC OS market over the years. I also bet I'm not the only one.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 20/10/06 11:24AM
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On RISC OS 6 to power Select 4:

correction of typo: Should read..rather than complain.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 18/10/06 7:01PM
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On RISC OS 6 to power Select 4:

in reply to Bluenose:

I agree, for once we have some good news. Lets celebrate that fact rather complain.

We should also celebrate the proffesional look of this and the PRM site.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 18/10/06 6:58PM
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On RISC OS 5.12 released with price tag:

In reply to myself:

Must type slower. Fingers can not keep up with the brain.

Should read:

HSBC had a lot of problems.....

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 16/10/06 12:15AM
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On RISC OS 5.12 released with price tag:

In reply to all:

Don't know whether this has anything to do with the problems but it seems HSBS had a lot of problems over the weekend. From the Reg:

[link]

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 16/10/06 12:14AM
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On New Acorn reveals PC laptop website:

In reply to Druck:

Perhaps I didn't make my original statement clear enough. I don't disagree with the sentiment that the 'new' Acorn Computers limited are trading on the good will attached to the previous Acorn Limited. I also don't disagree with the sentiment that we, as in the RISC OS community, should do everything we can to stop them. What I don't agree with is the involvment of lawyers. Lawyers are not cheap - and I suspect no one in the RISC OS community can afford the kind of protracted legal battle that would arise from pursuing action through the courts.

I also think the sentiment of my original comment stands - we should be showing what RISC OS can do now and promoting that where-ever and when-ever possible i.e. lets generate some possitive PR to counter-act the negative PR of the new Acorn Computers ltd. Lets show that RISC OS is alive and kicking. (of course its easy said than done but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 8/9/06 1:02PM
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On New Acorn reveals PC laptop website:

In reply to Druck:

And who would pay for the lawyers needed for such an action?

The recent dispute between Castle and ROL probably cost both companies lots of money in legal fees and lost business -such an action as you seem to be advocating would only cost more. Can any RISC OS company afford that, particularly on the chance that they may not win?

I agree with Moss, the new Acorn may not be morally correct in what there doing but are we so sure theres anything actually illegal in their actions?

RISC OS won't survive if our only defence is slagging off any competition. What we, i.e RISC OS users and RISC OS companies, need to do is show what RISC OS is and what it can do rather than rant about some company trading on past glories.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 8/9/06 9:11AM
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On Wakefield 2006 live news:

In reply to JohnB:

AFAIK I believe that with the breakup of Acorn a number of Pheobe cases were sold/given away and some users have used them as new homes for their RISC PC.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 15/05/06 1:52PM
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On South West 2006 theatre talks:

In reply to dgs:

If your refering to the Select Scheme, which I presume you are even though you don't mention it, then my understanding of the situation is that the updates that they provide are not *just* bug fixes but increased functionality.

Which is the distinction I was trying to make in my original post.

If the update from Castle was to fix a known bug in RO5.xxx then yes perhaps it should be free. However if the update was for something like USB2 support, as Druck pointed out, or something which adds value/functionality beyond the level if was at at time of purchase then they probably should/could charge for it.

For me personally though this is all academic as I don't own an Iyonix and won't be purchasing one in the near furture (a simple question of economics for me: (1 daughter+1 wife)/single income= no money for new computers!)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 22/2/06 12:17PM
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On South West 2006 theatre talks:

In reply to SimonC:

Doesn't it depend on what the update is?

If its an improvement or new feature above and beyond whats already available or sold then yes, some kind of payment *might* be justifiable. However if its a bug fix in an existing part of the OS then surely that should be free?

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 22/2/06 10:27AM
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On Taking OS features for granted:

In reply to SimonC:

I think you mis-understood jc's comment. I don't think he was advocating a 'bury our heads in the sand' attitude but rather we should promote the things that RISC OS is good at while, at the same time, encouraging ROL to develop the things we don't have.

Which is what the discussion thread was debating.

I agree with him that if you try to compete with Microsoft on *their* terms then we will lose. We need to show where RISC OS is different, and indeed better than other Operating Systems.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 2/11/05 12:36PM
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On Taking OS features for granted:

This article brought back lots of memories.

My first computer was an Amiga.

My folks brought it for me sometime around 1989/90 from some show in London (can't remember where)

My mates got A3000's for their school work but my mum said it was too expensive and brought me the cheaper Amiga. I never did use it for school.

Actually my mums still got it and still uses it (but only for playing games).

Sorry, wandered off down memory lane.....

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 1/11/05 1:22PM
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On Unique StrongARM NC in auction:

In reply to Druck:

I had one of the Bush set top boxes about 5 years ago. Used it quite regulalry but decided I needed email in which I could use attachements. I finally stopped using it when I broke the remote control/flip top key pad.

Thinking about it I might have it still lying around the house somewhere.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 28/10/05 11:32AM
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On ARM7 co-processor developed for Beeb and Master computers:

In reply to Fuzzy:

Although any case mods for the A9 will probably invalidate the warrantee! ;o)

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 21/10/05 3:06PM
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On ARM plays hand, reveals 1GHz plans:

In reply to ZGZimmerle:

The problem with getting a "truck load of laptop cases ..." is:

a) The cost b) where do you store them while designing the motherboard?

AFAIK most laptop case manufacturers want you to buy in such large numbers that the total cost is too high for the majority, if not all, RISC OS developers.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 10/10/05 09:49AM
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On ARM plays hand, reveals 1GHz plans:

In reply to dgs:

Or the A9 2

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 5/10/05 2:31PM
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On Qercus moves to in-house production:

John has asked me to point out that internet access (and email) to Qercus, which has been intermittent for at least a week, now appears to have completely died. He's hoping that the problem will be fixed by this weekend but, at this moment in time, there is no understanding whether the problem is with his ISP, internet set up or BT.

In the interim any *really* urgent emails can be sent via me:

cartmellbrowne [at] ukonline. co.uk

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 7/9/05 10:43AM
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On STD Temporary Closure:

In reply to mavhc:

Your reply seems incredibly short sighted. Have you ever thought that STD could use any money they make selling the A6/A75 to develope new, native, Risc OS hardware ? (please note this is speculation on my part - I do not know STD's plans either but it seems to me that a lot of people are adopting a 'if its not an iyonix we don't care' attitude which is both wrong and very silly. Surely its better for the entire market if we have a number of companies developing a number of different computers ?

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 07/07/04 4:36PM
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On STD Temporary Closure:

In reply to DGS:

Yes, the transcript had a lot of peoples opinions but the *purpose* of the conference was for Castle to explain their position as *they* see it.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 06/07/04 3:31PM
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On Castle opens RISC OS future wishlist:

In reply to Blashnr:

O 4.xxx does NOT only= emulators!

Theres also the RPC, A7000+, RiscStation and Omega who could all, presumably, benefit from any developements ROL do to RO4.xxx.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 19/05/04 09:05AM
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On Wakefield photos and gossip:

In reply to Arenaman:

Actually I think if I was going to buy a new RISC OS computer then I'd probably chose the Omega. The main reason being I see this as the natural progression from my RPC whereas the Iyonix would require me to either buy new copies of all my software or use Aemulor.

And, although I like the VRPC hybrids, I'd prefer a native RISC OS machine.

Yes MD have made mistakes in the past but, to my mind, they're attempting to correct them now and thats whats important. Its also important that we have a varied RISC OS market with as much choice as possible. We do not want only one company developing new machines.

 is a RISC OS UserCol1 on 18/05/04 1:42PM
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