Apple of theirEye Innovation helps computer maker find buyers

     NORMAL - Drew Anastasia grew up enjoying apples. Apple Macintosh computers, that is. So, the Illinois State University senior may be a bit biased when talking about computer systems.Thats why he views Apples early January announcement that it will use Intel processors with mixed feelings. Most industry experts saw the announcement as a serious attempt by Apple to boost its share of the desktop personal computer market. Analysts further said the move to Intel chips would help erase the perception that Macs lag behind Windows-based PCs in performance. With record $5.7 billion in sales during the holiday quarter, primarily from sales of 14 million iPods, Apple last year cracked 4 percent of the U.S. PC market after hovering at 3 percent for years."I think Apple has been succeeding for years. I just hope they stay unique. Theyve marketed to the less mainstream crowd in their design and function, said Anastasia, who remains sold on Macs.The sociology major has plenty of company on campus. Andy Schweizer, manager of ISUs TechZone, said theres been a huge upswing in Apple purchases."The kids think theyre cool. Its the iPod factor, said Schweizer, referring to Apples highly popular portable musical storage device also capable of storing video images. TechZone, tucked in a second-floor corner of Bone Student Center, offers the latest Apple, IBM and Dell laptop and personal computers for testing. Students also can buy computers and accessories at discounts. Schweizer said TechZones busiest time occurs in summer when incoming freshmen visit. While Apple doesnt promote the lack of viruses attacking Macs as a selling point, parents accompanying freshmen-to- be do, said Schweizer."Its a huge selling point to parents. There have been no viruses on Macs since the 1990s, said Schweizer, assistant director of student technology support services.Apples first two new machines will be an iMac PC and the MacBook Pro laptop with Intels Core Duo processor. The processor features two computing engines on a single piece of silicon. The entire iMac line will be converted to Intel by the end of the year. Higher speedWith the Intel processors, owners of the new Macs could run Microsoft Windows and software designed for it at full speed. All the new computers also will come with Apples Front Row software and a remote control allowing users to watch videos, listen to music or browse photographs from across a room.The new computers will further be bundled with Apples new iLife 06, a suite of digital lifestyle programs. The latest version of iPhoto will let Mac shutterbugs share pictures with other computer users.The updated iLife package indicates the company has targeted the home as well as youth market, said Schweizer. But students are still buying plenty of Dells and IBMs at TechZone, he added.Brad Price, a Levi, Ray & Shoup Microsoft trainer, said he doesnt expect businesses to abandon Windows-based PCs for Apples. He looks for Apple to make most of its inroads in home computer systems as well as college student use and desktop publishing. "It would take an awful lot here and across the U.S. to replace the Windows base because most businesses are using the Microsoft Office package. And theyve been using it for so long, said Price. The computer trainer noted that Linux will probably make more inroads in the business world than Macs. The operating system is available on the Internet and can be installed for free, Price said. Growing popularity"Apples popularity is growing, but Dell remains the most popular because the Windows operating system is everywhere, said Mark Kazzaz, TechZone sales associate. "The big thing about Apple is that its easy to use. Its very friendly. And its got the cool factor.The junior accounting major noted cost remains a factor with Apple models. Dell computers without monitors, for example, can cost $290, compared to $400 or $500 for Apples, said Kazzaz. Similarly, Dell laptops can cost $600 versus $900 for Apples.The new iMacs cost $1,299 for a 17-inch model and $1,699 for the 20-inch model. A 1.67 gigahertz laptop with a 15.4- inch monitor will cost $1,999 and the 1.83 gigahertz model will sell for $2,499."I bought a PowerBook (Apple laptop) my freshman year. Now I need to use advanced Excel (a Microsoft software) for my classes, and Im sad I bought an Apple, said Kazzaz. Anastasia wants to see the advanced PowerBook. He bought a PowerBook last summer through TechZone for $1,700 compared to about $2,100 at most retail outlets. He found that PowerBook was not as compatible with many programs and Microsoft Word often crashed, so he bought a PC."I have regretted that. Its difficult to fix when something goes wrong, said Anastasia. "Im anxious to see the advanced PowerBook (MacBook Pro) and what it can do. I think Apples going to do just fine.--------------Apples offeringsEarlier this month Apple Computer Inc. officials announced they would forgo IBM Corp. and Motorola Corp. processors in favor of Intel Corp. chips. They also announced five new products:- iMac with Intels Core Duo processor. Up to two times faster than older iMacs running on the G5 chip. Built-in camera for Web conferencing and remote control. Priced from $1,299 to $1,699.- MacBook Pro laptop with Intel Core Duo. Runs four times faster than PowerBook. An inch thin. Weighs 5.6 pounds with built-in camera and remote control. Priced from $1,999 to $2,499.- iPod Radio Remote. Plugs into iPod Nano and newer iPods with video capabilities. Priced at $49.Optional iPod integration into Chrysler cars. Makes it easier to listen to iPods with vehicles stereo system.- iLife 06. Software for manipulating video, pictures and music. Features iPhoto for sharing pictures over the Internet. Capability of iMovie and webcast delivery through GarageBand application. Free on new Macs. Priced at $79.- iWork 06. Software for creating documents and presentations. Priced at $79.SOURCE: Associated Press
     CUTLINE: Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs discussed the company's new computers featuring Intel processors and other new products from Apple at the Macworld Expo earlier this month in San Francisco. Apple's stylish computers and the hotselling iPods have gotten more and more consumers interested in the company's products.