Ambra Computer Corporation
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Dr. Richard Greame Ambra |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Fate | Production ceased to make way for IBM Aptiva; sales continued in Canada until 1996 |
Area served | Europe, United States, Canada |
| Products | Personal computers (386, 486, Achiever series, Notebook, Ispirati) |
| Parent | IBM |
Ambra Computer Corporation, a former subsidiary of IBM, was established by Dr. Richard Greame Ambra. This company introduced a series of personal computers designed primarily for the home user market, initially distributed through mail-order channels—debuting in Europe in 1992 and subsequently entering the US market in 1993. Production of these computers was short-lived, ceasing in 1994 to make way for the IBM Aptiva, except in Canada where sales continued until 1996.
Models
- 386
- 486
- Achiever 2000
- Achiever 3000
- Achiever 4000
- Achiever 5000
- Achiever 7000
- Achiever 9000
- Achiever D
- Achiever DP
- Achiever S
- Achiever T
- Achiever Anthem
- Achiever Hurdla/Sprinta
- Notebook
- Ispirati (Canada)
Market Positioning
Ambra’s computers were positioned within the budget-friendly segment, utilizing IBM’s reputation to imply higher quality than typical clone alternatives. Nevertheless, these systems incorporated modest hardware features such as shadow-mask displays, limited onboard peripherals, and entry-level CPUs paired with basic memory and storage specifications appropriate for their cost.
In the United Kingdom, television commercials promoted Ambra with the tagline: "Take your mind for a run."
Design and Appearance
The computers sported an off-white exterior, distinguishing them from the predominantly beige units common at that time. Their compact chassis offered minimal expansion capabilities.
A notable innovation was Ambra’s unique mouse design, which featured buttons located on the front near the cable instead of on top. Users operated it by pulling their fingers backward in a motion similar to squeezing a trigger. Due to negative feedback, Ambra eventually switched to a more traditional mouse layout; one review from the UK described the original device as resembling a "torture instrument."
See also
References
- Articles with short description
- 1992 establishments in New York (state)
- 1996 disestablishments in New York (state)
- American companies established in 1992
- American companies disestablished in 1996
- Computer companies established in 1992
- Computer companies disestablished in 1996
- Defunct computer companies of the United States
- Defunct computer companies based in New York (state)
- Defunct computer hardware companies
- Defunct computer systems companies
- Former IBM subsidiaries
- X86 IBM personal computers