Irvine-based AST Research said it is increasing...

Irvine-based AST Research said it is increasing prices on its personal computers and printers by 10% to 15% because of recent increases in the cost of components used in the machines. AST said the action was necessary because of industrywide increases in the cost of computer chips known as dynamic random-access memory devices. The company said the price of the chips has risen from 100% to 300% during the past few months.