Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Apple launches baby iMac

Charles Arthur
Wednesday 21 July 1999 19:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

FIRST THERE was the iMac; now there is the take-away version, the iBook. Steve Jobs, Apple's interim chief executive, yesterday unveiled the portable machine, designed by Jonathon Ives, the Briton who last year surprised the computer world with the curved, translucent iMac.

The new iBook, which is expected to be available in the UK from September, will probably cost about pounds 1,000 including built-in modem and CD-Rom. Among its unusual features are a handle that folds out of the back and a choice of bright "tangerine" orange or "blueberry" colours, with curved rubber to guard against rough handling.

In the US, the iBook will offer wireless Internet access via a plug- in card and a base station in the shape of a small rounded pyramid. Each will be able to communicate with 10 iBooks up to 150 feet away. "That's bigger than anyone's house I know except Bill Gates," said Mr Jobs. "And he can afford to buy two base stations." Its use in the UK will depend on regulatory approval, which may be delayed. "The European telecoms situation is a morass," said an Apple spokesman.

The iBook may have some bearing on Apple's future, for while the company's latest financial results showed the iMac selling in growing numbers, profits were barely changed, indicating tight margins. Microsoft said yesterday it has fewer users in the corporate sector, showing a greater number of home users.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in