BIOS: Technology Means Business

Apple Computer has updated its line of iMac G5 computers. The new models include faster PowerPC G5 processors, better graphics capabilities, and ship as standard with Mac OS X version 10.4 'Tiger'. The systems also include built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, making the elegant desktop computer even more practical in both living and working environments. The iMac G5 now can be purchased with a 17- (1440x900 pixels) or 20in. (1680x1050 pixels) widescreen display, either of which is powered by an ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB of memory. New, customisable upgrades include 400MHz of DDR (double-data-rate) memory that can be expanded to 2GB, while the storage capacity can be boosted to 400GB.

Pros: Stylish design; include 'Tiger', Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme
Cons: Only 128MB of video memory

Release: Apple has unveiled a new iMac G5 line with faster 2.0GHz PowerPC G5 processors, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Mac OS X version 10.4 'Tiger,' the latest version of the world's most advanced operating system. The new iMac G5s also include faster graphics, a new 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support, built-in Gigabit Ethernet for faster networking, and 512MB of memory across the line. Every new iMac G5 comes with iLife '05, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, making it the ultimate consumer desktop for today's digital lifestyle.

'Reviewers have called the iMac G5 'the most elegant desktop computer in the world' and now it's getting even better,' said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. 'With a faster processor, built-in wireless networking, Tiger and iLife '05, the new iMac G5 offers the best consumer desktop computing experience in the world.'

The iMac G5 makes the ultimate statement in design simplicity with the entire computer, including the power supply and slot-load optical drive, built right into a 2in. thin display. The new iMac G5 offers gorgeous widescreen displays including a 20in. model with 1680x1050 pixel resolution or a 17in. model with 1440x900-pixel resolution. With built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless modules, it's even easier to reduce cable clutter with the optional Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse.

Featuring the breakthrough performance of the PowerPC G5 processor and offering up to a 667MHz front-side bus, the new iMac G5s include 400MHz DDR memory expandable to 2GB and storage capacity up to 400GB. All new iMac G5s offer the ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB of dedicated video memory to deliver high-performance graphics and effects for next-generation games and provide ultra-fast, pixel-accurate image processing when combined with the graphics capabilities of Tiger.

Offering the latest high-performance I/O, the new iMac G5s include built-in 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme for fast 54Mbit/s wireless networking, built-in Bluetooth, a total of five USB ports (three USB 2.0) and two FireWire 400 ports for easy plug-and-play connections to popular peripherals such as Apple's market-leading iPod digital music player, digital video camcorders, digital still cameras and printers.

Every new iMac G5 includes Tiger, the fifth major release in four years of the world's most advanced operating system. Tiger delivers 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.

The new iMac G5 includes iLife '05, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand and iTunes, the world's number one online music store. iLife '05 continues to lead the industry with the most innovative and comprehensive suite of software for organising, editing and sharing digital photos; creating stunning digital movies and DVDs; and purchasing, managing and creating digital music.

A collection of productivity and entertainment titles is included with every iMac G5, including AppleWorks, Quicken 2005 for Macintosh, 2005 World Book Multimedia Reference Suite, Nanosaur 2 and Marble Blast Gold. The new iMac G5 line is available immediately through the Apple Store, at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 2GB of RAM, 250GB and 400GB hard drives, AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme Base Station, Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse and the AppleCare Protection Plan.