PC LapTop Computers Gives AST’s GRiD Convertible Top Honors as Most Versatile Portable Computer
LAS VEGAS — November 17, 1993 — Citing the company's commitment to excellence and dedication to mobile computing, PC LapTop Computers named Safi Qureshey, AST Research Inc. president and chief executive officer, Portable Pioneer for 1993.
AST's GRiD Convertible also received the publication's Editor's Choice Award for the Most Versatile Portable Computer at PC LapTop Computers' third annual awards breakfast.
PC LapTop Computers' editors recognized Qureshey for his success in leading AST from a start-up enhancement board company in 1980, to the first-tier personal computer company it is today.
"AST has achieved success by offering excellent engineering at an affordable price," stated Michael Goldstein, PC LapTop Computers editor in chief. "Nowhere is AST's commitment to excellence more clear than in portables."
Award-winning products such as its Premium Exec, the company's entry into the market; its successor, the upgradeable PowerExec family of notebooks; and its most recent Bravo NB value notebooks have helped AST successfully compete as a leader in mobile computing, according to PC LapTop Computers editors.
Editors also lauded Qureshey for the company's sound strategic move to acquire Tandy Corp.'s personal computer operations in June 1993. This move further strengthened the company's position in the mobile computer market.
"Since the planning and development of our first notebook, the Premium Exec, AST has recognized the importance and future of mobile computing," stated Qureshey. "Adding pen technology to our expertise helps to set the stage for AST's continued success in the mobile computing marketplace."
The versatile implementation of pen technology led to AST's second 1993 Editor's Choice Award. Designated as the Most Versatile Portable Computer by editors, PC LapTop Computers gave AST's GRiD Convertible top honors in this category.
Noted for its versatile design, the GRiD Convertible bridges the gap between pen and traditional notebook computing. The Convertible's design allows the pen to be used as an intuitive navigational tool. Additionally, the flexibility to conveniently switch between keyboard and pen input makes the Convertible an ideal mobile computing solution for a variety of applications, from inventory control to field sales.
PC LapTop Computers bestowed its Editors' Choice Awards at a special banquet at COMDEX/Fall. All award recipients will be featured in the publication's January issue.
Company Background
AST Research (NASDAQ:ASTA), ranked No. 367 on the 1992 Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies, develops personal computer products ranging from handheld portables to superservers under the Advantage!, Bravo, Premmia, Manhattan SMP, PowerExec, GRiD, Victor and PenRight! brand names.
The company reported record sales of $1.412 billion and record volume shipment increases of 69 percent for fiscal year 1993, ended July 3, 1993. Fiscal year 1994 first-quarter revenues, which include the recent acquisition of Tandy Corp.'s personal computer operations, increased to $514.4 million, or 80 percent, over the comparable prior-year period, while unit shipments increased 111 percent, to 332,000, units over the same quarter last year.
In July 1993, AST acquired Tandy's PC manufacturing business. The acquisition makes AST the No. 4 U.S. and No. 6 worldwide personal computer company, according to the calendar year 1992 unit volume shipment data from International Data Corp. These figures include AST, Tandy and GRiD brands manufactured by AST.
The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 43 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide. AST's corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif., 92718. Telephone: 714/727-4141, 800/876-4278. Fax: 714/727-9355.
CONTACT:
AST Research Inc., Irvine
Donna Kather, 714/727-7943
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