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| Advantage! 9320 | ||||||||||||
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AST Computer's Advantage! 9320 ($2,500 street) is a home PC for the whole family, with an emphasis on multimedia functionality. The system features wavetable synthesis sound as well as an integrated S3 ViRGE 3-D graphics chip set to enhance the multimedia experience. The unit also boasts a good software bundle and competitive performance.
AST intends to phase out Pentium PCs without MMX from its Advantage! line by the end of March. But the vendor does not plan to offer MMX systems in its business-oriented Bravo line.
The Advantage! posted average scores on most of our tests. Its S3-based graphics subsystem earned it a below-average Graphics WinMark 97 score, however, although this subsystem contributed to the system's better-than-average result on our VRML World test.
The unit also includes a 17-inch monitor, a 33.6/14.4-Kbps modem, and an 8X CD-ROM drive. (The machine will come with a 12X drive by the time you read this.) The Labtec speakers were unexceptional, but Altec Lansing speakers with a subwoofer will be standard on the line's higher-end PCs by January. To complete the package, AST includes a software bundle with programs such as Lotus SmartSuite, Quicken SE, and reference and children's titles. Two MMX-enabled applications, POD and 7th Level Helicops, also come with the unit.
This is a good system for the whole family, worthy of a close look.
- Anush Yegyazarian
Advantage! 9320. Street price: $2,500. AST Computer, Irvine, CA; 800-876-4278, 714-727-4141; fax, 714-727-9355; www.ast.com.
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