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ALR Evolution V ST/166
ALR Optima MT
Advanced Logic Research Inc. (800) 444-4257 http://www.alr.com Distributors, Master Resellers: Gates/Arrow, Ingram, Merisel, Tech Data Authorization Requirements: Successfully complete training program
THE TWO ALR SYSTEMS were housed in identical chassis outfitted with different front panels. The Evolution V ST had a sliding plastic cover that covers the drive bays. Most will opt to leave the bays open all the time.
A unique feature of the ALR systems is their keylock-controlled panel for access to a drive bay from the rear of each unit. Designed, presumably, to help in the installation or removal of a second hard drive, the security afforded by the keylock could be used for a tape drive that is permanently mounted but not accessible to those who otherwise might be enticed to copy sensitive files. It is a valuable feature.
Those massive enclosures are quite a bit bigger than they need to be, but maneuvering around them is easy. Cooling was aided by CPU-mounted miniature fans. The internal workings of each system were not precisely the same: One had video built into its motherboard, the other did not.
Neither system would recognize a PS/2 mouse. The lab had to test each system using a serial mouse. The software that was preinstalled on these systems was modest, consisting mostly of utility programs. The Evolution also contained Microsoft Works and Microsoft Money.
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SAT Bravo LC 166
AST Bravo MS 5166
AST Research Inc. (800) 945-2278 http://www.ast.com Distributors, Master Resellers: Gates/Arrow. Ingram, Merisel. Tech Data Authorization Requirements: In business more than 1 year; sell to end users; qualify as ASC or offer third-party support
THE BRAVO MS 5166 immediately was notable due to its refreshingly unusual front faceplate design. Stodgy this slimline desktop system is not.
Like other slimline systems, the MS 5166 employs a riser card into which expansion cards are plugged. Both video and audio were incorporated onto the system's motherboard, freeing up expansion slots that otherwise would be occupied.
One significant shortcoming in the system's design was the manner in which CPU ventilation is handled. Where air movement in the Compaq and IBM systems was a key sign feature, the same cannot be said of the MS 5166. The unit's only fan was the...