Focusing on Consumers, Apple Released New iMac G5s

At yesterday's Apple Special Event, CEO Steve Jobs introduced a new iMac G5 line with faster 1.9GHz and 2.1GHz G5 CPUs, much better ATI Radeon X600 PCI Express-based graphics with 128MB of video memory and gigabit ethernet and 8x SuperDrives on just 2 models, one with a 17" screen and the other with a 20" screen. The QuickTime streaming video of Steve Jobs presentation is here for now.

The models have a thinner case, iSight is now built in and a remote control called Front Row is included. Also included is a new application called Photo Booth with fun features for taking wild pictures with the built-in camera (actually with better specs than an iSight)--it even causes the screen to show white to act as a flash when taking a digital picture. It is unknown at this time if Photo Booth will be available to current iSight or Mac owners. With Front Row, one can browse music, photos, home movies and other video remotely with its included software. Front Row has just 6 buttons versus the 40+ buttons on other media controllers. Also included is Apple's Mighty Mouse.

Apple dropped the modem but now sells a $49 external USB modem as an accessory. Apple also dropped the eMac from the general public online Apple Store (it's still on the education institution store) and dropped the 17" iMac G5 without a SuperDrive. The 17" model with SuperDrive is now just $1299 and the 20" model at $1699 is $100 less that it was. Both models are shipping now but show a 7-10 day wait on the online Apple Store. [Bill Fox]