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hbgator

Tue 28 Feb, 2006


Apple unveils iPod home stereo, mini computer with Intel chi

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Apple Computer unveiled a new mini-computer designed as a hub for digital entertainment,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> and a home stereo system linked with its popular iPod music player.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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Apple chief executive Steve Jobs showed off the new-generation <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"Mac Mini"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> and the <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"iPod Hi-Fi"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> at a press conference at the company's headquarters in Cupertino,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> California.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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As expected,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> the new Mac mini PC will run on microprocessors made by Intel Corp.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Apple is switching all of its PCs over to Intel chips,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> a process that Jobs has said will be completed this year.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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The mini PC is Apple's answer to the so-called digital media hubs that run on Microsoft's Windows Media Center platform.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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Apple,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Microsoft and makers of consumer electronics are all seeking a share of the nascent market for devices that can run entertainment applications that are either downloaded from the Internet or transferred from other digital media.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"Now,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> the performance just goes into the stratosphere,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Jobs said before showing how the new computer can be linked to a television to play shows and music.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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Jobs also demonstrated how it could be linked up to another computer in the room with a remote control and wireless connection software called <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"Bonjour.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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Using <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"Front Row"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> software,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> the Mac Mini can be linked to other Macintosh computers to play any movie or music stored in one of the devices,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Jobs said.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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The Mac Mini Solo was priced at 599 dollars and the dual-core Mac Mini Duo at 799 dollars,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Jobs said.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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Jobs then turned to a second black-cloth draped pedestal and uncovered a <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"audiophile"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> quality home stereo base for Apple's internationally top-selling iPod music players.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"This thing is a lot more under the hood than it seems like,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Jobs said with a with a wave toward the compact iPod Hi-Fi,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> which was priced in the <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"iPod economy space"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> at 399 dollars.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>
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<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"I'm an audiophile,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> Jobs said.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> <b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"I've had stereos costing,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> well I won't say because you'll think I'm crazy.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> But,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> costing a lot more.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> And,<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b> I'm thinking of getting rid of mine for this.<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>"<b style="color:#FFA34F"></b>