September 29, 1997

ALR Tries Notebooks Again Vendor to adopt configure-to-order approach By Tom Davey dvanced Logic Research Inc., known for its NT servers, is about to jump back into the notebook market, using a configure-to-order approach to offer users a wide range of options for components and peripherals. Following its July acquisition by direct-sales PC maker Gateway 2000, ALR plans to offer two new Pentium-based notebook lines as it strives to broaden its product line. The Evolution LT 2000 and the Evolution LT 9000 notebooks-essentially variants of Gateway models-will be built by Gateway and sold under the ALR brand name through resellers, beginning in mid-October. Both li nes are based on stripped-down models to which ALR will add user-specified options such as a faster processor or a bigger screen. The 2000, at just under 7 pounds, is aimed at users who travel a lot, such as sales and marketing staff. It starts at $2,267 with a 133-MHz Pentium, a 2-Gbyte removable hard drive, 16 Mbytes of SDRAM, and a 12-inch dual scan color display. The 9000, at 8-1/2 pounds, is aimed at users such as architects and engineers who use graphic-intensive applications. Starting at $3,848, it has a 166-MHz Pentium with MMX technology, a 2-Gbyte hard drive, 16 Mbytes of SDRAM, 4 Mbytes of video RAM, and a lithium ion battery pack. This is ALR's second try at the notebook market. In 1993, the Irvine, Calif., vendor called off an earlier attempt after two years of lackluster sales and intense competition from larger vendors. Says product manager Lali Dabgotra, "Due to economies of scale, we weren't able to offer a price-competitive model." Back to News in Review Send Us Your Feedback Top of the Page

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