BIOS: Technology Means Business

Apple's new Power Mac features dual 2.7GHz processors, faster graphics and comes pre-installed with Mac OS X 'Tiger'. As expected, the top-of the range model (£1349 ex. VAT) sports two 2.7GHz processors and a 16X SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±R/CD-RW). It also includes built-in support for Apple's 30in Cinema Display. All three dual-processor models come with 512MB of DDR400 SDRAM standard, while the base model starts with half that amount. The dual 2.3GHz and dual 2.7GHz models come with a 250GB Serial ATA hard disk, too; the dual 2GHz model has a 160GB hard drive, and the single-processor version has an 80GB drive. Each has Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800 and 400, USB 2.0, optical digital audio input and output, and analogue audio input and output. Apple has also cut prices for two of its LCD Cinema Displays. The 20in. (1680x1050) model now costs £549 down from £699 and the 23in. (1920x1200) is £1049, from £1249. The 30in. (2560x1600) remains £2099. All prices include VAT.

Pros: Dual 64-bit processors; ships with 'Tiger'
Cons: A relatively expensive computing solution

Release: Apple has unveiled the fastest, most powerful Power Mac G5 desktop line ever, featuring dual 64-bit PowerPC G5 processors running up to 2.7GHz and including Mac OS X version 10.4 'Tiger,' the world's most advanced operating system.The new Power Mac G5 line delivers higher performance graphics options with more memory and built-in support for Apple's breakthrough 30in. Cinema HD Display on the 2.7GHz model. The new line also includes larger hard drives, a faster 16X SuperDrive with double-layer support and 512MB of memory across the line.

'The Power Mac G5 continues to deliver the ultimate performance for our most advanced customers running bandwidth- and compute-intensive applications,' said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. 'With dual 2.7GHz 64-bit G5 processors, dual 1.35GHz front side buses, ATI Radeon 9650 graphics, 16X SuperDrive with double-layer support and Mac OS X Tiger, the new Power Mac G5 is the most powerful and advanced Mac we have ever made.'

Powered by dual 64-bit PowerPC G5 processors, the Power Mac G5 provides a 128-bit memory architecture, delivers expansion of up to 8GB of fast 400 MHz DDR SDRAM and supports graphics cards with up to 256MB of video memory. The top model features two 2.7 GHz processors, each with an independent 1.35 GHz front-side bus for an amazing bandwidth of up to 21.6GB/s.

All new Power Mac G5 models come standard with dual-display support with either the ATI Radeon 9600 graphics card with 128MB of video memory or the ATI Radeon 9650 with 256MB of video memory. The new Power Mac G5 line gives users new graphics options to drive Apple's gorgeous 30in. Cinema HD Display. The dual processor 2.7GHz Power Mac G5 features built-in support to drive Apple's breakthrough 30in. Cinema HD Display right out of the box. Available as a build-to-order option on every model, the nVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL high-performance graphics card can drive up to two 30in. Apple Cinema HD Displays.

Every Power Mac G5 ships with a new, faster 16X SuperDrive with double-layer support capable of burning up to 8.5GB on a single DVD, 512MB memory and larger hard drives for up to 800GB of internal storage, all within the Power Mac G5's signature aluminium enclosure featuring innovative computer-controlled cooling for quiet operation. All Power Mac G5 desktops deliver industry-leading connectivity, high-performance I/O and expansion including Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, three PCI-X or PCI expansion slots, USB 2.0, optical digital audio input and output, and analogue audio input and output.

All dual processor Power Mac G5 systems ship with Mac OS X version 10.4 'Tiger,' providing advanced 64-bit computational power on a desktop system.Tiger has more than 200 new features and innovations including Spotlight, a revolutionary desktop search technology that lets users instantly find anything stored on their Mac, including documents, e-mails, contacts and images; and Dashboard, a new way to instantly access important information like weather forecasts and stock quotes, using a dazzling new class of applications called widgets.

Apple's line of widescreen flat panel displays, featuring a sleek aluminium design, offers the perfect match for the Power Mac G5. The line includes the 30in. Apple Cinema HD Display, a professional-quality, active-matrix LCD with 2560x1600 pixel resolution - the largest high-resolution display ever created - for £2099 (inc. VAT). The 23in. Apple Cinema HD Display and 20-inch Cinema Display provide creative professionals and prosumers with the highest quality flat panel displays in the industry, and are now priced at £1049 (inc. VAT) and £549 (inc. VAT), respectively. The displays offer dual FireWire and dual USB 2.0 ports and use the industry standard DVI interface for a pure digital connection with Apple's latest Power Mac G5 desktops.

The new dual processor Power Mac G5 models will be available this week through the Apple Store, at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers. The new dual Power Mac G5 models complement the existing 1.8GHz single processor Power Mac G5, providing customers with an affordable entry-level system priced at just £999 (inc. VAT).

Build-to-order options include up to 8GB of RAM, 250GB, 400GB and two 400GB Serial ATA hard drives, Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive, graphics cards (ATI Radeon 9600, ATI Radeon 9650, and nVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL), AirPort Extreme Card, Bluetooth module, internal v.92 56K modem, Apple Fibre Channel PCI-X Card, Apple PCI-X Gigabit Ethernet card and Mac OS X Server version 10.4 'Tiger.'

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.