Apple Puts Shine on Core Computer Line

APPLE has unveiled a new line of iMac computers and slick software, hoping the glow of iPod MP3 players and iphones will help shine the company’s core products.

Its chief executive Steve Jobs, in his trademark blue jeans and black shirt, demonstrated the offerings to reporters and analysts at the company’s headquarters in the silicon Valley city of Cupertino last week.

“The iMac has a tremendous amount of momentum,” Jobs said. “We’d like to make it better.”

Apple is replacing its white plastic iMacs with more powerful, slimmer aluminium-and-glass machines for either the same price or less than their predecessors, depending on the models.

Apple calls the iMac an “all-in-one” desktop because the hardware, now driven by Intel Core 2 Duo processors, is built into screens equipped with Web cameras and microphones.

The largest-screen iMacs measure 24 inches diagonally and cost US$1,799 (RM6,295) while the lowest-priced, 20-inch models sell for US$1,199.

Environmental groups have criticised Apple for not doing more to eliminate electronic waste, and Jobs pointed to the new iMac’s recyclable aluminium-and-glass components.

“It’s really been thought through from a recycling point of view,” he said.

Jobs showed upgrades and innovations packed into the Apple iLife software for organising and editing digital movies, pictures or music.

Apple even launched a “Web gallery” where people can easily share videos and images online using its programs. The software also allows google’s Adsense to profit from online advertising on blogs or other personal Web sites.

“The overriding message here is, there is an Apple ecosystem,” said Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg. “It’s not just iPods and iPhones. Sometimes people forget that Apple still makes great computers, too.” – AFP

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