Apple launches upgraded MacBook in India

New Delhi, June 28 : US-based Apple Computers, global makers of iPods and computers, today launched its upgraded MacBook in India, featuring the Intel Core Duo processor and a 13-inch glossy widescreen display, thereby completing its Intel-based notebook lineup.

''The new MacBook is five times faster than the iBook and upto four times faster than the 12-inch power book. Together with the 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros, the new MacBook replaces both of these,'' Apple Asia Pacific Portables Product Marketing Manager Yeo Eng Yiong told reporters here.

Apple had entered the Intel Core Duo-based notebooks early this year with the launch of the 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pro in January and February, respectively.

On plans of unveiling any more products in India, Mr Yiong replied in the negative. ''All our products including the Macbook launched today have been in a span of six months. We have no plans to look at further new products,'' he said.

The new 1-inch thin MacBook with a battery life of upto six hours, is available in three models and is priced at Rs 66,900 and Rs 77,800 for the 1.8 GHz abd 2.0 GHz respectively in a white cover, and Rs 87,600 for the 2.0 GHz in black.

The 13-inch glossy widescreen display display is 70 per cent brighter than the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook with a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels, from the earlier 1024 by 768 pixels.

''Most consumers want a glossy display which is why the MacBook clearly targets them, while professionals prefer an anti-reflection screen and the MacBook Pro caters to that segment,'' Mr Yiong said.

The new MacBook also includes the operating system -- Mac OS X version which has a sofware translation technology called Rosetta, that enables customers to run most of these applications seamlessly.

Apple recently shut down its new Bangalore centre.

UNI