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Apple Unveils Spring iMacs, Faster, DDR Memory, 4x SuperDrive & Lower Prices

Press release from the issuing company

CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb. 4 -- Apple today announced its Spring line of iMac computers, featuring two new models. The new 17-inch widescreen model features a 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor and 133 MHz system bus; 256MB of Double Data Rate (DDR) memory; a faster 4x SuperDrive(TM) for playing and burning CDs and DVDs; and internal support for AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth, for just $1,799 (US). The new 15-inch flat panel model features an 800 MHz G4 processor and is now priced at just $1,299 (US) -- $200 less than its predecessor. Apple also announced lower pricing on its line of eMac(TM) consumer and education computers. "The 17-inch widescreen iMac is Apple's top selling consumer desktop, and we've just made it faster and more affordable," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Hardware Product Marketing. "Apple's new iLife applications are bundled with the new iMacs, making them perfect for digital photography, music, moviemaking and DVD creation." Designed around an ultra-compact base, the iMac's flat panel display appears to float in mid-air, allowing users to effortlessly adjust its height or angle with just a touch. The 17-inch widescreen and 15-inch flat panel iMacs also offer two FireWire 400 and five USB ports for fast, simple, plug-and-play connections to digital devices such as digital cameras, DV camcorders and iPods. The 17-inch widescreen iMac offers the latest in communications with internal support for optional high-speed 54Mbps AirPort Extreme 802.11g wireless networking, offering speeds up to five times faster than previous wireless technologies, and optional internal Bluetooth for wireless connectivity to a range of peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs. Apple's new iSync software is included, so customers can automatically synchronize address books and calendars between Macs and Bluetooth capable cell phones. Created for education and consumers, the eMac features a 17-inch flat CRT in a remarkably compact design. Starting at just $999 (US), the eMac is Apple's most affordable PowerPC G4 system, and the $1,299 (US) model is Apple's most affordable SuperDrive-equipped computer. Both flat panel iMac models include Mac OS X "Jaguar," Apple's next- generation operating system and Apple's iLife(TM) applications, an integrated suite offering iTunes(TM) 3 for managing digital music, iPhoto(TM) 2 for organizing and sharing digital photos, iMovie(TM) 3 for digital movie-making, and iDVD(TM) 3 for creating and burning Hollywood-style DVDs (SuperDrive models only). Also included is a collection of productivity and entertainment titles such as Quicken 2003 Deluxe, Microsoft Office v.X Test Drive and World Book 2003 Edition. Pricing & Availability iMac and eMac desktops are available immediately through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.