Ing C Olivetti & Co has introduced a line of 80486SX/33-based notebook computers called the Echos 20 that weigh 3 lbs 8 oz. The models, in either monochrome or colour versions, include PCMCIA Type III-compliant slots, a Fast IDE disk interface, Plug & Play technology and a VESA graphic video controller on the local bus. The computers sport 76-key keyboards with an integrated trackball and 9.4 liquid crystal display screen. Disk capacity is between 170 and 240Mb. The line supports all standard interfaces, including parallel ECP, serial, external Video Graphics Array port, Super VGA and VGA+. The Plug & Play feature is aimed at simplifying the installment of printers, by storing all Windows printer install files on the hard disk. Olivetti says the low-voltage design of the Echos enables the user to get four hours of use out of its NiCad battery and five hours out of an optional NIMH battery. In its wait mode, the user can interrupt a work in progress and leave the computer on for up to six days, picking up where it was interrupted at any time. The computers come equipped with MS-DOS 6.2, Windows 3.1 and simple Interlink personal computer connection software. The monochrome Echos 20 is priced at $1,640 while the colour version sells for $2,300. They both have an internationally valid three-year guarantee. The notebooks come in what Olivetti calls a blue oil colour, with all the angles and points of contact smoothed over.
