Apple launches speedy PowerBooks

Described by Apple as 'faster and more affordable', there are new 12-,15- and 17-inch PowerBooks. Featuring processors running at speeds of up to 1.67 GHz, and priced from ?1,049, the machines are aimed at creative and business professionals. ...more

And also today (03-September-2001), for the record...

Here, in brief, are some of the day's other stories. BT rebrands itself Ahead of its spin-off, the BT Wireless division is henceforth to be known as mm02, or just 02 to its consumer friends. Confused as to the meaning? It's obviously a marketing thing. ...more

IBM takes G3 to 1GHz

IBM has announced a new G3 PowerPC processor - the 750FX - capable of running between 700MHz and 1GHz, the first PowerPC chip to break the 1GHz barrier. The processor, unveiled at the Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, California, uses IBM's advanced 0.13 micron copper process with Silicon-on-Insulator technology and includes 512K on-die level 2 cache. ...more

Quantum computers offer hope for idle processing

When is a running program not running? When it's on a quantum computer, according to a report in the New Scientist. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have devised a method of running a basic database query, via very specialised optical equipment, without actually sending a photon through the program. Instead, by means of a Zeno effect, the photon is prevented from actually entering the program by repeated measurement of it against various components of the program. ...more

Apple upgrades iMac line with Core 2 Duo chips

Apple has upgraded its entire iMac line, adding Intel's recently introduced Core 2 Duo processor to all the models, including a new 24in version. The machines range from two 17in models with either a 1.83GHz or 2GHz processor, through to the 2. ...more