Jobs shows OS X features, new G4s, PowerBooks

Looking to pull the company out of its recent slump, Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs kicked off the MacWorld conference and expo held recently in San Francisco, unveiling an array of new products.

With thousands of Apple faithful looking on, Apple’s top executive revealed features in the Mac OS X operating system, faster G4 desktops and a new line of ultra-thin PowerBook laptops.

In the Mac OS X demonstration, Jobs showed a variety of new menu options, very fluid drag and drop features, and media applications. The OS will be in stores on March 24 priced at US$129.

As he introduced the new line of faster desktops, Jobs said, “We have been coasting along at 500MHz for 18 months, and that is too long.”

Apple will release four models of its faster desktops, stretching the processing power up to 733MHz. Along with the 733MHz machines, Apple will bundle its new SuperDrive product, which can read and write CDs and DVDs. The DVDs written and created by users can then be played on any commercially-available DVD player. The lowest-powered machine in this line will run at 433MHz and will be priced at US$1,699, while the top model will be priced at US$3,499.

“These new G4s have the power to burn CDs, DVDs and Pentiums,” Jobs said. He also highlighted a new line of PowerBooks with 500MHz G4 processors. These laptops are made out of titanium, are one inch thick and come with a 15.2-inch LCD screen. Shipping by the end of January, the 400MHz model will cost US$2,599 with the 500MHz model running at US$3,499.

“We have the power and the sex,” Jobs said of the new laptops.

Like other PC makers, Apple suffered from slowing late-year sales. Due to slower-than-expected sales in October and November, Apple last month said it expected both its first-quarter 2001 earnings and revenue, for the period ending Dec. 30, will be well below its previous expectations. The company said it would miss revenue targets for the first time in three years and issued a number of rebates on its G4 Cubes.

Apple now hopes the faster speeds of the G4s will boost sales and attract large, corporate customers along with its multimedia mainstays. Apple officials said lower-than-expected sales of its PowerMac G4 Cubes accounted for over US$90 million in missed revenue for the quarter.

– IDG News Service

Looking to pull the company out of its recent slump, Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs kicked off the MacWorld conference and expo held recently in San Francisco, unveiling an array of new products.

With thousands of Apple faithful looking on, Apple’s top executive revealed features in the Mac OS X operating system, faster G4 desktops and a new line of ultra-thin PowerBook laptops.

In the Mac OS X demonstration, Jobs showed a variety of new menu options, very fluid drag and drop features, and media applications. The OS will be in stores on March 24 priced at US$129.

As he introduced the new line of faster desktops, Jobs said, “We have been coasting along at 500MHz for 18 months, and that is too long.”

Apple will release four models of its faster desktops, stretching the processing power up to 733MHz. Along with the 733MHz machines, Apple will bundle its new SuperDrive product, which can read and write CDs and DVDs. The DVDs written and created by users can then be played on any commercially-available DVD player. The lowest-powered machine in this line will run at 433MHz and will be priced at US$1,699, while the top model will be priced at US$3,499.

“These new G4s have the power to burn CDs, DVDs and Pentiums,” Jobs said. He also highlighted a new line of PowerBooks with 500MHz G4 processors. These laptops are made out of titanium, are one inch thick and come with a 15.2-inch LCD screen. Shipping by the end of January, the 400MHz model will cost US$2,599 with the 500MHz model running at US$3,499.

“We have the power and the sex,” Jobs said of the new laptops.

Like other PC makers, Apple suffered from slowing late-year sales. Due to slower-than-expected sales in October and November, Apple last month said it expected both its first-quarter 2001 earnings and revenue, for the period ending Dec. 30, will be well below its previous expectations. The company said it would miss revenue targets for the first time in three years and issued a number of rebates on its G4 Cubes.

Apple now hopes the faster speeds of the G4s will boost sales and attract large, corporate customers along with its multimedia mainstays. Apple officials said lower-than-expected sales of its PowerMac G4 Cubes accounted for over US$90 million in missed revenue for the quarter.

– IDG News Service

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now