Advance Technology has made its peace with IBM and will include a new, inoffensive Bios ROM in future models of the 86b.

Ferranti, which builds the machine, has designed the new ROM, and a spokesman said that the Advance "is still compatible, in fact probably more so". The earlier Advance went into retreat this summer when IBM objected to the extent of its IBM-compatibility.

WHSmith will continue to sell the 86b, but now at the reduced price of £1,086 (excluding VAT). A RAM expansion module of 128K is also on sale, for £70.

Ferranti, meanwhile, will increase its involvement with the Advance machine by moving into marketing on its own account. It is putting together a dealer network to handle sales to business and professional users.