Tandy has cut the price of its A4-sized Model 100, the last series of Tandy cuts but possibly the opening shot in a portable price war.

Apart from a short promotion earlier this year, Tandy has held the price of the popular Model 100 steady since its launch last July. But from September 1, the 8K version checks in at £449, down £50, and the 24K model at £579, a reduction of £70 from the price tag of the last twelve months.

A spokesman said that Model 100 had been "an unqualified success from Tandy's point of view", but he added ominously that the price cuts had been prompted by "a desire to remain competitive in the lap-held market". Tandy's main competitors, the NEC 8201A and the Olivetti M10, come in at £475 and £499 respectively.