On one hand, Apple has made major upgrades to an already superior machine, the iMac computer, and on the other, Microsoft is launching its next operating system, Windows 7.
Their announcements come within two days of each other, with Microsoft following Apple's lead.
Microsoft will also be showcasing several new computers which have incorporated the all new Windows 7. The two companies have been trying to cut into each other’s market share for long now.
Products from Apple
Apple's new products have been made available as soon as they were announced, and even though the upgrades are significant, the price increase is not.
The upgraded MacBook, with a 13.1 inch screen, has inducted some features that were earlier available only in the higher priced models of Apple, and all this without an extra penny. It is, thus, still costing $999. The added feature is a charger, which can go up to seven hours, non removable memory, and the multi touch track pad.
The iMac now comes in two models, with 27 and 21.5 inch screens, both LED backlit. Apple has introduced its new multi-touch mouse in both.
Apple Mac Mini, their cheapest desktop, which comes without a mouse, a screen, or a keyboard has received a face lift too.
But the most significant change has been in their wireless mouse, called Magic Mouse, which costs $69. The entire upper touch surface of the mouse is touch-sensitive, and it can recognize the difference between two or one finger use. This triggers certain functions like right clicking and backward and forward maneuvering on the Safari Web Browser.
But Apple still lacks the blu-ray discs, which as market analysts predict, can be the only glitch in their sales.
Companies prefer Microsoft’s OS
After months of trial and speculation, the Windows 7 is here to redeem the disaster that Vista was.
A few companies have already prepared their products which run on Windows 7. The touch screen feature, which is an important part of this OS, has lured many.
Hewlett Packard Co. is ready with its long line of Windows 7 powered products. In the lower price range is the TouchSmart 300, a desktop with a 20 inch screen, costing around $900.
Next in line, the TouchSmart 600 will cost $1000 and above. It will boast of a 23 inch screen, and its upgraded and costlier version, costing $1600, will have a video resolution of 108 op.
The TouchSmart Tx2, costing about $800, is a tablet whose screen can lie flat facing upwards, while the LD4200tm has a 42 inch screen, and is costing $2,800.
Toshiba Corp. is also incorporating windows 7 in its two Satellite branded laptops, the M505, and the U505.
The last supporter of Microsoft is Acer, which has come as a surprise. They are going to launch a laptop which can show 3-D movies, but alas, still with the glasses.
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