Apple Computer refreshed its top-end desktop and laptop lines, adding
dual-core PowerPC processors to all Power Mac G5 desktops, and DVD
burners and higher-resolution displays to PowerBooks.
Apple Computer on Wednesday refreshed its top-end desktop and laptop
lines, adding dual-core PowerPC processors to all Power Mac G5
desktops, and DVD burners and higher-resolution displays to
PowerBooks.
Analysts expect that the new PowerBooks, which are based on PowerPC G4
processors, will be the last models to sport the IBM-designed and made
chips. In June, Apple committed to Intel as its processor supplier,
and said that the PowerBook line would be first in line for the
switch. Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said as recently as September
that the Intel-based PowerBooks would debut by June 2006.
Apple upgraded two of its three PowerBooks' displays by upping the
resolution of the 15-inch model by 26 percent and the resolution of
the 17-inch laptop by 36 percent. The popular entry-level 12-inch
PowerBook keeps its current screen resolution. The 15- and 17-inch
PowerBooks also boast an additional hour of battery life, claimed
Apple.
All three PowerBooks also now come with a DVD burner, dubbed
"Superdrive" in Apple's nomenclature. Prices remain at $1,499, $1,799,
and $2,399 for the 12-, 15-, and 17-inch models.
On the desktop, Apple has dropped a pair of 2.5GHz dual-core PowerPC
G5 processors into a new Power Mac Quad, and added the PCI Express
graphics architecture to its three-model line-up.
The Quad will ship next month at a price of $3,299, while other
members of the Power Mac family -- all boasting dual-core processors
-- are available now as the 2.0GHz single PowerPC dual-core G5 Dual
($1,999) and the 2.3GHz Power PC G5 Dual ($2,499).
Apple's new systems are available at retail through the Cupertino,
Calif.-based company's own stores and those of its resellers, as well
as via the online store on its Web site.
The last time Apple updated its G5 desktops was in April, when it
upgraded processor speed and bundled its newest operating system, Mac
OS X 10.4, dubbed "Tiger," with the machines.
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