Bloomberg News Service
Tokyo — Apple Computer Inc. introduced new versions of its colorful iMac personal computers for recording music, as it looks to boost sales that have lagged forecasts.
Apple chief executive Steve Jobs showed off three new models at Macworld Expo near Tokyo, at prices ranging from $899 to $1,499. The two priciest models can record data and music onto compact discs, a key feature that iMacs have lacked. Apple also slashed prices for the second time on its PowerMac Cube, to $1,299 from $1,499. Cube sales have lagged expectations.
Apple’s sales the last two quarters have fallen short of forecasts as consumers spurned new models amid an economic slowdown and slumping demand for PCs. The company hopes to promote its computers as "digital hubs" for devices such as camcorders and electronic organizers, Jobs said.
The iMacs will come in two new colors: light blue polka dots on a dark blue background and a multicolored tie-dyed pattern that the company called "flower power."
The computers run on chips at speeds from 400 megahertz to 600 megahertz.
Apple also trimmed prices on its 22-inch flat-panel monitor to $2,999 from $3,999.
Apple shares rose 56 cents to $18.88, and have fallen 66 percent in the past year.
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