Expo news: Flat-panel iMacs arrive!; new 14" iBook; iPhoto released free for download; OS X installed as default

Apple has unveiled a completely new iMac design with an impressive set of features, plus a new, larger iBook, and a fourth application to "complete" Apple's digital hub strategy: iPhoto. The new iMac has been redesigned with a 15" 764x1024 LCD flat-panel display, a G4 processor, and nVidia GeForce2 MX powered video. The iBook gets a $100 price reduction on the low end, the current Combo drive equipped high-end model becomes the mid-range model, and the top end now sports a slightly larger case with a 14" screen. Here are the details on all the announcements:

New iMacs The highlight at the show was the introduction of a newly redesigned iMac -- which bears a strong resembelance to Luxo Jr. The new iMac will begin shiping during the 1st quarter, in three configurations:

• 700MHz 128MB - 40GB, CD-RW - $1,299 (ships in March)
• 700MHz 256MB - 40GB, DVD/CD-RW - $1,499 (ships in February)
• 800MHz 256MB - 60GB, SuperDrive - $1,799 (ships in January)

All units include 256K L2 cache, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, a 56K internal modem, AirPort ready, and in the top two models, Apple Pro Speakers A couple of details we noticed: the keyboard appears identical except the keys are now white, and it includes 3 USB ports. In addition, the Apple store continues to list the previous entry-level and mid-range iMacs. [press release]

iBook now available in two sizes / four configurations The iBook lineup has been reshuffled and now includes two different enclosures. The entry level iBook remains the same, except for a $100 price reduction. The present top of the line model -- which includes a Combo drive --is now available for the mid-level price of $1,499. Sitting atop the lineup is a new 600 MHz iBook, 1 pound heavier with slightly larger footprint (the thickness remains the same), available for the $1,799. [press release]

iPhoto 1.0 iPhoto is Apple's new image management program. It joins iDVD, iMovie, and iTunes as part of Apple's digital hub strategy, and is available now via download from Apple's site. iPhoto acts as an image hub much like iTunes acts as a music hub. It downloads images from digital cameras (see list of supported devices), organizes files, provides basic editing, and can output to inkjet printers. In addition, it enables the user to order either high-quality prints or a bound linen photo-book from within the application. iPhoto 1.0 is free and requires Mac OS X 10.1.2. The download is about 13 MB, and is delivered as a package installer. We were able to install it without a hitch. [press release]

OS X default boot Before the end of January, all new Macs will ship with Mac OS X as the default operating system. Mac OS 9 will still be available via Classic and directly with a restart. [press release]