Apple trumpets 'the world's fastest PC'

Reigniting the 20-year debate over the most powerful desktop computer, Apple Computer has unveiled a next-generation Macintosh with features that up until now have been found only in expensive workstations.

The new Power Mac, which will go on sale in August, is based on the long-awaited G5 microprocessor. Unlike the 32-bit Pentium and Athlon chips found in most Microsoft Windows-based computers, the G5 can process data in 64-bit chunks, allowing a computer to more quickly access large amounts of memory.

"This is the world's fastest personal computer," chief executive Steve Jobs said as he introduced the Power Mac G5 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco on Monday.

A computer's performance, however, is affected by many factors, and analysts were sceptical of Apple's bold claim. The tests that Apple cited "don't always translate to real-world performance", said Martin Reynolds, a Gartner Group analyst.

The PowerPC G5, which is made by IBM, is the first 64-bit chip to find its way into a desktop computer rather than a workstation. Companies such as IBM, Sun Microsystems and Intel already sell 64-bit processors targeted at workstations and servers.

The only other 64-bit microprocessor for desktops is Advanced Micro Device's upcoming Athlon 64, which is expected to debut in September.

Three models of the new Power Mac will be available in August, with prices of US$1999 ($3426) for a 1.6-gigahertz (GHz) model, US$2399 for a 1.8GHz model, and US$2999 for a model with dual 2.0GHz microprocessors.

In any case Apple's customers, which the Gartner Group says comprise less than 3 per cent of the worldwide PC market, will be happy with the company's products introduced on Monday, Reynolds said.

"The real value in the Mac isn't in the processors, it's in how the system and the user interface works," he said.

Jobs also previewed the next version of its OS X operating system.

A key feature in OS X Version 10.3 will be an audio- and video-capable instant messaging program called iChat AV that Jobs described as "video conferencing for the rest of us".

"This is going to change the way we communicate with each other," Jobs said as he demonstrated the program by "video-chatting" with a friend standing within view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Other program features included an instant way to view all open windows and an easier method of switching between the computer profiles of users.

Early beta versions of the OS X, code-named Panther, were released on Monday. Final units will be available by the end of the year for US$129, the company said. Building on the company's strategy to make the personal computer the hub of the digital lifestyle, Apple also introduced a new digital web camera called iSight. It was available immediately for US$149.

More than 4000 developers were in attendance at the address.