AST takes Advantage with MMX

AST Computer (ASTA) updated its Advantage line of consumer desktop PCs with a new model that includes a 166-MHz or 200-MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology.

Models from the Advantage 9400 series will also ship with software that can detect, diagnose, and resolve problems that users can often have with software and hardware installation on the PC.

AST says the base 9400 models will have a 166-MHz Pentium processor with a super-fast 16X CD-ROM drive, a 2GB hard disk drive, 32MB of RAM, and a 3D graphics accelerator card for an estimated retail price of $1,899.

A model with a 200-MHz processor, a 4GB hard disk drive, 64MB of RAM, a three-piece speaker system with subwoofer, and a 17-inch monitor will have an expected price of $2,799. A similarly equipped model that adds videophone and video camera features will sell for $3,299.

AST says it expects the systems to show up at select dealers this month.