ORANGE COUNTY

AST to Launch Machines: AST Research Inc., which said Friday that it would lay off nearly 700 workers and move its California manufacturing operations to Taiwan because of heavy losses, plans to introduce two products today that it hopes will help sales. The Irvine-based computer maker said it is rolling out two computers that will allow networks of business machines to operate complex software. The computers, known as servers, will run programs and manage data for less powerful machines that are connected to them. AST’s new models are based on Intel Corp.’s advanced Pentium microprocessor chip. One of the products, the Manhattan G series, will be available this month through retailers. Prices will start at $2,760, with a fully equipped model selling for $3,825. The other computer, the more powerful Manhattan P5100, will be shipped in the first quarter of 1995. Its price has not been set, the company said.