AST Unveils 2 New Laptop Computers

Irvine-based AST Research Inc. announced this week that it is introducing two new laptop computers with color displays as part of its Ascentia line.

The company’s new 4.5-pound portable computer, called the 500S, will sell for $2,300. A more powerful 5.9-pound computer, the 800N, will sell for $2,350.

Both models are built around 486 processing chips and include “track balls”--built-in devices that allow users to move text and images on the computer screen.