Apple unveils Spring iMacs; Faster, DDR memory, 4x SuperDrive & lower prices.

  Apple 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 for playing and burning CDs and DVDs; and internal support for AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth, for just GBP1,449 (inc. VAT). The new 15-inch flat panel model features an 800 MHz G4 processor and is now priced at just GBP999 (inc. VAT) - GBP200 less than its predecessor. Apple also announced lower pricing on its line of eMac 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 synchronise address books and calendars between Macs and Bluetooth capable mobile phones.
  Created for education and consumers, the eMac features a 17-inch flat CRT in a remarkably compact design. Starting at just GBP799 (inc. VAT), the eMac is Apple`s most affordable PowerPC G4 system, and the GBP999 (inc. VAT) model is Apple`s most affordable SuperDrive-equipped computer.
  Both flat panel iMac models include Mac OS X version 10.2 Apple`s next-generation operating system and Apple`s iLife applications, an integrated suite offering iTunes 3 for managing digital music, iPhoto 2 for organising and sharing digital photos, iMovie 3 for digital movie-making, and iDVD 3 for creating and burning Hollywood-style DVDs (SuperDrive models only).

The 17-inch widescreen flat-panel iMac, for a suggested retail price of GBP1,449 (inc. VAT), includes:
* a 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine;
* a 4x SuperDrive DVD-R/CD-RW optical drive;
* an NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics processor with 64MB video memory;
* 256MB of DDR system memory;
* internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;
* an 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive; and
* Apple Pro Speakers.
The 15-inch flat panel iMac, for a suggested retail price of GBP999 (inc. VAT), includes:
* an 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine;
* a 32x Combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive;
* an NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
* 256MB of system memory;
* internal support for AirPort wireless networking;
* a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive; and
* Apple Pro Speakers.
The 17-inch flat CRT eMac, for a suggested retail price of GBP799 (inc. VAT) includes:
* a 700 MHz PowerPC G4 processor;
* a Combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive;
* an NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
* 128MB of system memory;
* internal support for AirPort wireless networking; and
* a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive.
The 17-inch flat CRT eMac, for a suggested retail price of GBP999 (inc. VAT) includes:
* an 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processor;
* a SuperDrive DVD-R/CD-RW optical drive;
* an NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
* 256MB of system memory;
* internal support for AirPort wireless networking; and
* a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive.
  Build-to-order options and accessories include additional memory, AirPort or AirPort Extreme Card, AirPort Extreme Base Station, Bluetooth and the AppleCare Protection Plan.