APPLE COMPUTER: Apple launches all-new iMac >T.

Apple today introduced a family of all-new iMaC computers, continuing the revolution in consumer and education computing that began when the original iMac was introduced just over a year ago. The new family includes iMac, iMac DV (for "Digital Video") and iMac DV Special Edition, which comes in a stunning new clear Graphite- coloured enclosure. The new models are completely redesigned to be faster, sleeker, quieter, and make accessing the Internet even friendlier. Apple will begin shipping all three models in the U.K. during October.

"I'm in love with the new iMac-it's the finest product Apple has ever created," said Steve jobs, Apple's interim CEO. "Desktop video and AirPort wireless networking are the next revolutionary features for home and classroom computing."

All of the new iMacs feature:

* Faster Pentium-toasting PowerPC G3 processors;

* At least 64MB memory as standard, with expansion up to 512MB through an easy to access door.

* A Rage 128 VR 2D/3D high-end graphics accelerator chip for stunningly realistic gaming;

* A new sound system designed in collaboration with Harman Kardon which delivers breakthrough quality from a personal computer;

* New "slot-load" CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives (like those featured in luxury automobiles) which offer greater simplicity and reliability by eliminating the need for a tray;

* Fan-less operation, resulting in a reduction of noise to half that of competitive products when the iMac is in use, and to below the threshold of most people's hearing when the imac is idling;

* Support for Apple's revolutionary AirPort wireless networking for fast, wireless Internet access from anywhere in the home or classroom;

* Dual USB ports, a V.90/56K modem, and 10/100BASE-T Ethernet for fast connection to networks, cable modems and DR modems; and

* Even easier connection to the Internet using iMac's enhanced Internet Setup Assistant.

In addition to the above features, both iMac DV models offer:

* A slot-load DVD-ROM drive, with the added ability to play DVD movies directly on iMac's high- resolution super-crisp 15-inch display (13.8-inch diagonal viewable image size) and sound through its high-fidelity Harman Kardon sound system.

* Dual 400 megabit per second FireWire ports to connect to high-speed devices such as external disk drives and digital camcorders (over 8 million digital camcorders have been sold to date);

* Apple's groundbreaking new iMovie software, which makes it incredibly simple to create your own pro-quality home and classroom movies. iMovie uses iMac's built-in FireWire port to digitally transfer the video from your digital camcorder into your iMac. Then iMovie lets you easily re- arrange clips, add special effects like cross-dissolves and scrolling titles, as well as music soundtracks and even sound effects.

Users can save their movie on iMac's hard drive, or send it back to the camcorder-if it allows "DV in"-to make copies on digital or VHS videotape. They can even send the movie to friends and family over the Internet. 

Pricing and Availability

The new iMacs are available via The Apple Store (www.apple.com/ukstore) and Apple Authorised Resellers in the following configurations:

* iMac: With a suggested retail price of GBP 799 (inc VAT), iMac runs at 350MHz, contains 64MB SDRAM, 512K backside cache, RAGE 128 VR with 8MB SDRAM and AGP2X, a 6GB Ultra ATA hard drive, slot load 24x-speed CD-ROM (maximum), a built-in V.90 56K modem, 10/IOOBASE-T and two USB ports. iMac is engineered to work without a fan, and features a new sound system with Harman Kardon speakers. iMac is available in Blueberry. This model will be available in the U.K. in week 4 of October.

* iMac DV: With a suggested retail price of GBP 999 (inc VAT), iMac DV has the same configuration as iMac, but runs at 400MHz, has a 1OGB Ultra ATA hard drive, 4x-speed slot-load DVD-ROM drive with DVD video playback, two 400Mbps FireWire ports and iMovie software. iMac DV is available in five colours: Blueberry, Grape, Lime, Strawberry and Tangerine. This model will be available in the U.K. in week 3 of October.

* iMac DV Special Edition: With a suggested retail price of GBP 1,199 (inc VAT), iMac DV Special Edition has the same configuration as iMac DV, but comes with 128MB SDRAM and a 13GB Ultra ATA hard drive. iMac DV Special Edition is available in a stunning Graphite enclosure. This model will be available in the U.K. in week 3 of October.

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvested the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.