Embracing the Unconventional:

SPEAKER_17 opens with a homage to individuals who defy societal norms, referring to them as “misfits,” “rebels,” and “troublemakers.” These are the people who do not conform to rules or the status quo. Despite the criticism they may receive, these individuals are celebrated for their ability to bring about change and push humanity forward.

Event Broadcast:

Jobs outlines the scope of the event, mentioning it is being webcast live, in partnership with Akamai, to an audience of over 14,000 people. This gives an impression of the reach and technical prowess behind the presentation.

Innovations in Hardware:

Jobs introduces a new Apple mouse that aims to transform the user’s experience. The mouse features optical tracking technology, eliminating the need for a mouse ball and thus avoiding performance degradation over time. Not only is this a technological advancement, but it also comes with ergonomic benefits as the whole surface acts as a clickable button.

Customization and Adaptability:

The new mouse is designed to cater to various user needs. Whether it’s a child’s small hand or an adult’s large hand, right-handed or left-handed individuals, the design is adaptable. Additionally, the mouse has adjustable force settings, offering a customized click experience to users.

Standardizing the Experience:

Jobs reveals that the new optical mouse will be standard across all of Apple’s desktop line, marking it the first time an optical mouse is made a standard feature with a personal computer. A new keyboard layout that incorporates feedback from Apple users is also being made standard. Both the mouse and the keyboard will be available for upgrades at $59 each.

Marketing:

The innovations are not just to be kept within the tech community; a TV commercial is also in the works to showcase the new mouse. This indicates the company’s confidence in its new product and its willingness to market it aggressively.

Jobs wraps up this segment by showing a commercial, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovating the user experience. The entire presentation underscores the importance of not only technological advancements but also the role of disruptive individuals in bringing about such change.

Introduction to Power Mac G4:

The speaker discusses the Power Mac G4, describing it as an “awesome product” loved by professional users. It’s easy to access components and is built on the PowerPC G4 chip, which contains a velocity engine that significantly enhances its speed.

Velocity Engine and Gigaflops:

The PowerPC G4 chip features something called a ‘velocity engine,’ allowing the chip to run at over three and a half gigaflops per second. A gigaflop is defined as a billion instructions per second. The speaker gives a comparison with the speed of light to illustrate the concept of a gigaflop, stating that the machine executes instructions so quickly that light emitted from the display has not even reached the user’s face yet.

Speed Comparison with Pentium III:

The speaker introduces a real-time performance comparison between a 500 MHz G4 and a 1000 MHz Pentium III, using Adobe Photoshop as the testing software. The aim is to determine how efficiently each processor performs in a real-world scenario.

Test Setup and Execution:

Phil Schiller, the VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, comes on stage to execute the test. The Power Mac G4 runs on Mac OS 9, while the Pentium III runs on Windows 2000 Pro. Both machines run a sequence of tasks in Photoshop that are commonly used in the graphic design industry.

Test Results and Implications:

The 500 MHz G4 completed the test faster than the 1 GHz Pentium, finishing in 100 seconds versus the Pentium’s 124 seconds. This performance indicates that MHz is not the only measure of a chip’s speed; architecture also plays a crucial role.

Introduction of Dual-Processor G4:

Towards the end of the segment, the speaker teases the introduction of a dual-processor G4, aiming to double the performance, and sets the stage for another head-to-head comparison with a 1 GHz Pentium III.

The segment makes a compelling case for the Power Mac G4’s capabilities, not only in terms of MHz but also in overall architecture and real-world performance. It challenges the traditional metrics of computing power and sets the stage for the introduction of even more advanced technology.

Product Overview:

The presentation primarily focuses on the capabilities of the Power Mac G4, which is designed around the PowerPC G4 chip. The product is hailed for its easy accessibility to components and is targeted toward professional users.

Performance Metrics:

The PowerPC G4 chip has a feature known as the “velocity engine,” allowing it to operate at over 3.5 gigaflops per second. One gigaflop equals one billion instructions per second. The speed of the chip is illustrated with a light-speed analogy, highlighting its impressive capabilities.

Comparison with Pentium III:

A demonstration is conducted comparing a 500 MHz G4 to a 1 GHz Pentium III using Photoshop for benchmarking. The G4 completed tasks in 100 seconds, while the Pentium took 124 seconds. This suggests that MHz is not the only factor contributing to performance; architecture matters as well.

Multi-Processor Systems:

The next stage of the product line includes dual-processor models. A dual 500 MHz G4 outperformed the 1 GHz Pentium III by completing tasks in 61 seconds. These dual models aim to set a new standard in personal computing performance.

Product Lineup:

Three models of Power Mac G4 will be available—400 MHz, 450 MHz, and 500 MHz. The two high-end models will come standard with dual processors, marking a first in the history of personal computers.

Future Prospects:

The presenter hints that there is more to come, signaling that this is just the beginning of their advancements in computer technology.

This segment emphasizes that architecture and multi-processor systems can significantly outperform higher clock speeds, challenging common perceptions of computing performance.

Gigabit Ethernet:

The new Power Mac G4 models feature Gigabit Ethernet integrated directly into the motherboard, replacing the typical 100 megabits Ethernet in most systems. This feature offers high-speed networking and is presented as a value addition since standalone Gigabit Ethernet cards are expensive.

Demonstration of Gigabit Capabilities:

A live demo showcases the G4’s built-in Gigabit Ethernet’s power and utility. By running professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro, the demo shows video being played and edited in real-time across a Gigabit Ethernet connection. This highlights the capacity for high-quality video transfer and editing over the network, offering new application areas for professional users.

Enhanced Storage:

Every new Power Mac G4 model will come with increased built-in storage, with options ranging from 20 to 40 gigabytes. These storage drives will take up only one of three available drive bays, allowing for further internal storage expansion.

Additional Features:

The Power Macs will also ship with a new optical mouse and pro keyboard. These enhancements come as part of the standard package, emphasizing the value the company aims to provide.

Pricing and Availability:

Despite the added features and capabilities, the pricing of the new Power Mac G4 models will remain unchanged. The products are available immediately, demonstrating a commitment to customer value and speed-to-market.

Overall System Architecture:

With dual processors in the top-end models, Gigabit Ethernet, and increased storage, the new Power Mac G4 is posited to continue its tradition as the fastest personal computer available.

The segment emphasizes how the new Power Mac G4 is tailored to offer robust performance and flexibility, targeting professional users who require high-speed connectivity and extensive storage, all without a price increase.

Overview of Mac OS X:

The speaker discusses Mac OS X, Apple’s new operating system, highlighting its significant overhaul. It is said to have features like preemptive multitasking, protected memory, and advanced networking capabilities. It’s designed to work efficiently with the dual processors in the new Power Macs, and a public beta version is expected to release in early September, with a full release in early 2001.

Introducing Aqua:

Aqua is the new user interface for Mac OS X. The speaker emphasizes its ease of use and modern look. While a full demo isn’t given, Aqua’s interface is said to be one of the major improvements in Mac OS X.

User Interface Innovations:

The speaker presents a demo of the user interface, focusing on its intuitive design. For instance, dialog windows are directly associated with the application window they belong to, solving the issue of identifying which dialog corresponds to which app. This feature aims to simplify multitasking.

Save Panel Design:

The speaker describes the “Save” panel as a simplified user experience. The panel offers a pop-up list for common locations, with the option to expand to a more detailed browser for complex tasks. The philosophy is to keep the interface simple while offering complexity only when necessary.

Finder and Navigation:

The Finder in Mac OS X has also seen updates. It’s designed for easier navigation and offers different views—Icon, List, and a new Browser View. Browser View allows users to navigate using columns, and a preview function provides a quick look at documents, even enabling previews of movies and MP3s.

The Dock:

Lastly, the speaker introduces the Dock, a feature for quickly accessing most-used apps, documents, and miniaturized windows. The Dock aims to enhance productivity by providing easy access to frequently used resources.

The presentation paints Mac OS X as a groundbreaking operating system with advanced features designed for both simplicity and power, aiming to set new standards in usability and functionality.

Dock Functionality:

The Dock in Mac OS X is a versatile user interface element designed for convenience and ease of access. Users can resize the Dock according to their preferences. When more applications or documents are added to it, the Dock will automatically shrink to fit the new items. Applications can be dragged into or out of the Dock easily, simply creating or breaking links without affecting the actual files.

Miniaturization:

The Dock solves a problem related to window miniaturization on Mac. When a user wants to minimize an application window, it automatically shrinks into a thumbnail within the Dock. This feature is crafted with detailed animations, helping users track where each window is minimized to and from, and offers a more organized way to toggle between tasks.

Media Playback:

The Dock is also integrated with QuickTime, allowing users to play multimedia files like trailers directly from it. Features like slow-motion playback are easily accessible, exemplifying the Dock’s multimedia capabilities.

System Resilience:

The speaker presented a special application called the “BOM app,” designed to test the system’s resilience by deliberately attempting to crash it. The test showed that even when one application crashed due to extreme conditions, it did not affect the stability of other running applications, showcasing the robustness of Mac OS X.

Conclusion:

The Dock serves as a central hub for applications, documents, and even media playback, highlighting the user-friendliness and multitasking capabilities of Mac OS X. Additionally, the operating system’s resilience against application crashes is demonstrated, promising a stable user experience.

Collaboration with Adobe:

The speaker emphasizes the strong and productive relationship between Apple and Adobe. Bruce Chisholm, the president of Adobe, is invited to the stage to discuss their collaboration. Adobe is working closely with Apple, dedicating hundreds of engineers to adapt key Adobe software for compatibility with Mac OS X. These include popular applications like Photoshop, InDesign, GoLive, Premiere, and After Effects.

The New G4MP:

Adobe reveals that their commitment to Apple’s platform includes optimizing applications for Apple’s new hardware, described as the G4MP. This new machine is touted as the “ultimate Photoshop machine,” designed to handle the large and complex files that Adobe’s creative software typically manipulates.

Microsoft Partnership:

Following the discussion on Adobe, the speaker shifts focus to another vital partnership, this time with Microsoft. The relationship with Microsoft is described as improving, and the companies have been closely working on a major new product tailored for Mac customers.

Microsoft Office 2001 for Mac:

The new version of Microsoft Office for Mac, named Microsoft Office 2001, is highlighted as the next big collaborative product. Kevin Brown, the General Manager of the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft, is invited to introduce the new version, which is praised for its quality.

Conclusion:

The segment underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in the development and optimization of Mac OS X. Both Adobe and Microsoft are committing substantial resources to ensure their software suites are fully compatible and optimized for the Mac platform, highlighting the collaborative nature of tech innovation.

Introduction:

The speaker outlines the new features of Office 2001 for Mac, set to release in October. This version is notable for being the first to introduce new applications and features since its inception in 1991.

Entourage:

The application Entourage is a significant addition to the Office suite. It combines email, address book, calendar, task list, and notes in one platform. The address book entries are color-coded, and Entourage supports category synchronization with Palm handheld devices, a feature unique to the Mac version.

Word Enhancements:

Word 2001 introduces a Project Gallery with over 400 designs to facilitate document creation. It also offers “Design Wizards” to handle complex formatting tasks, and both of these features are exclusive to the Mac version. The interface is more “Mac-like” than ever, with new formatting palettes to streamline the formatting process.

Excel Improvements:

Excel 2001 introduces the “List Manager” to help users keep simple lists. It offers tools for sorting and formatting that persists even after sorting. Excel also features improved export to HTML tools, again a Mac-only feature.

PowerPoint Features:

PowerPoint 2001 supports “Multiple Masters,” allowing for greater slide design flexibility. A significant update is the ability to save presentations as QuickTime movies, leveraging the large QuickTime user base for better sharing capabilities.

Compatibility & User Experience:

Office 2001 aims for improved compatibility with Office for Windows and other popular Mac applications. Many of the new features are available only on the Mac version, highlighting Microsoft’s focus on enhancing the Mac user experience.

Apple-Microsoft Partnership:

SPEAKER_13 and Jobs discuss a collaboration between Apple and Microsoft. A reusable plastic case inspired by Apple’s industrial design is in the works for a software product. The teams from Redmond and California were thanked for their efforts.

Mac Office Version:

Jobs talks about the Microsoft Office version for Mac, calling it the best version of Office available on the platform. This suggests a strong focus from Microsoft on delivering quality software to Mac users.

Focus on Gaming:

Both SPEAKER_11 and Jobs discuss Microsoft’s interest in bringing games to the Mac platform. There is particular emphasis on the Mac game developer Bungie and their upcoming game, Halo.

Bungie Acquisition Concerns:

Jobs mentions the Mac gaming community’s concerns regarding Microsoft’s acquisition of Bungie and what it could mean for the future of Bungie games on the Mac. These concerns are meant to be addressed by Ed Fries, Microsoft’s VP of Games.

New Game-focused Company:

SPEAKER_11 announces a new company formed between Apple and Microsoft, along with Peter Tampi from Bungie. The company aims to bring Microsoft’s line of games to Mac, including Age of Empires II and Flight Sim 2002.

Halo on Mac:

SPEAKER_06, a co-founder of Bungie, confirms that Halo will be released for Mac. This statement aims to alleviate concerns about Bungie’s acquisition affecting the availability of its games on the Mac platform.

Halo Demo:

SPEAKER_06 and various other speakers present a dramatic demo of the upcoming Halo game, emphasizing its high-stakes storyline and advanced military hardware features. The demo seems to serve as an assurance to the audience of the quality of games that will come to the Mac platform.

iMac’s Timeline:

Jobs outlines the history of the iMac since its introduction in the summer of 1998. Despite initial skepticism from competitors, the iMac gained immediate popularity among customers. Subsequent iterations introduced a range of colors and new features, such as slot-loading CD and DVD drives, fanless operation for silence, and enhanced audio systems.

Sales Figures:

By summer 2000, Apple has sold 3.7 million iMacs over its three generations. To put this in perspective, Jobs points out that this equates to more than 5,000 iMacs sold per day, or around 200 per hour, essentially selling one iMac every 18 seconds.

Market Research Insights:

Based on market research, 30% of iMac buyers were first-time computer buyers, and another 14% switched from Wintel (Windows-Intel) platforms to the Macintosh. This indicates that almost 44% of iMac customers during this two-year period were new to the Macintosh ecosystem, signifying the iMac’s role in expanding Apple’s customer base.

Internet Connectivity:

Jobs reveals that 89% of the iMacs sold are connected to the Internet, emphasizing the success of the “i” in iMac which stands for Internet. This large percentage underscores Apple’s achievement in making the iMac a gateway to the online world.

Continuing Innovation:

Nine months after the last iMac update, Jobs announces the launch of four new iMac models. These models maintain the iMac’s core attributes: award-winning design, quick Internet access, and powerful hardware features, including a fast G3 processor and Rage 128 Pro graphics.

New Features:

All new iMacs will have a Harman Kardon sound system, slot-loading CD and DVD drives, and convection cooling for fanless, quiet operation. They wake from sleep in less than 15 seconds, providing users with quick access.

Entry-Level iMac:

The entry-level iMac comes with a 350MHz G3 processor, 64MB of memory, 7.5GB of storage, and a CD-ROM drive. Priced at $799, it features a new color, Indigo. The model aims to be the best internet appliance on the market.

iMac DV and iMovie:

The iMac DV is designed for digital video (DV) editing, featuring Apple’s iMovie software. It comes with FireWire connectivity, enabling direct links to disk drives and camcorders. It’s priced at $999, breaking the $1,000 price barrier to make iMovie accessible to more people.

iMac DV+:

The iMac DV+ offers enhancements over the iMac DV, such as a faster 450MHz processor, 64MB of memory, and a 20GB hard drive. It also includes a DVD-ROM drive, making it an upgraded option for users who want more features.

Color Options and Pricing:

New color options include Indigo, Ruby, and Sage. The models come with an optical mouse and pro keyboard. Pricing strategies aim to make these feature-rich iMacs accessible, strengthening their market position.

Introduction of New Models:

The speaker introduces four new models of iMacs, each with specific features targeting different user needs. These models aim to improve upon the existing iMac line with enhanced speed, storage, and connectivity features.

Design and Aesthetics:

The speaker stresses the importance of design in the iMac lineup. New colors like Indigo, Ruby, Sage, Graphite, and Snow have been added to make the products more aesthetically appealing. The colors are described as refined and influenced by the popularity of the color graphite.

Technical Specifications:

Each new iMac model comes with different levels of specifications. The entry-level model starts at $799 and features a 350MHz G3 processor and 64MB of memory. The iMac DV Special Edition, priced at $1499, is the top-tier model and comes with a 500MHz processor, 128MB of memory, and 30GB of storage.

Unique Features:

All new iMacs include features like a fast G3 processor, Rage 128 Pro graphics, 56K modem, USB, Ethernet, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The computers are designed for efficient cooling without the need for a fan, allowing for quiet operation.

Usability:

One of the key selling points is ease of use. The iMacs are designed to get users onto the internet in less than 10 minutes and offer quick wake-up times when resuming from sleep. Special software like iMovie is included in some models, targeting users interested in digital video creation.

Pricing and Availability:

The speaker outlines the pricing for each model, hitting aggressive new price points at $799 and $999. All models are said to be available immediately, except for the $799 model, which will be available in early September.

Distribution:

Lastly, the speaker announces a new distribution partnership with Circuit City, expanding the retail presence of the new iMacs.

The speaker emphasizes that these updates aim to offer greater value, enhanced features, and more choice to consumers.

Circuit City Partnership:

The speaker announces a strategic partnership with Circuit City, one of the largest distributors of computers and camcorders. For the first time, Circuit City will place camcorders next to iMac DVs to demo the iMovie feature. This is a unique cross-promotion that hasn’t been attempted before by Circuit City.

Emphasis on New Colors:

The new iMacs come in various colors, marking the first change in color options since January 1999. The speaker believes that these new colors add a significant aesthetic value to the iMac lineup, setting them apart in the market.

TV Commercials:

The speaker introduces the new TV commercials as a medium to inform people about the new iMacs and their unique features. The commercials feature iconic music from artists like Elvis, Dion, and Cream, among others.

Endorsement of Music:

Elvis, Dion, and Cream are cited as contributors to the music in the commercials. The speaker shares that they personally closed the deal with Elvis’ music and mentions that Kermit the Frog’s song particularly resonates with them.

Public Viewing:

The speaker invites the audience to get a closer look at the iMacs at an unspecified booth. The new line is described as spectacular, and the speaker reiterates that this marks a major milestone for the iMac as it celebrates its second birthday.

The presentation segment highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and multimedia advertising in driving the new iMac’s market success.

Significance of iMovie:

The speaker emphasizes the importance of iMovie as a product that encapsulates Apple’s core DNA. iMovie, as per the speaker, is a result of the amalgamation of various technologies, such as digital camcorders and Firewire, which Apple invented. This technology synergy allows seamless digital video capture and editing.

Technical Aspects:

The speaker explains that iMovie works well with digital camcorders through a Firewire connection, allowing almost broadcast-quality video editing. iMovie’s software has been internally developed by Apple and supports a range of features including DV resolution maintenance and QuickTime compression for web distribution.

Announcement of iMovie 2:

The speaker announces the launch of iMovie 2, an upgraded version of their popular video editing software. It comes with a new user interface that is easier to use and incorporates elements from Mac OS X, though it runs on Mac OS 9. It has been designed based on user feedback, with enhancements in audio editing and new effects.

Demo and Features:

A detailed demo showcases various features of iMovie 2. The interface allows switching between camcorder and editing views, offers better volume control, and is designed for efficiency. Clips can be added infinitely, and transitions and titles are easier to manage. New effects like sepia tone and soft focus are introduced. Users have greater control over audio and video, including clip speed adjustments and direction reversals.

Audio-Video Editing Capabilities:

One standout feature is the advanced audio editing, where users can overlay audio from one clip to another. The timeline has been improved for better editing control. The speaker demonstrates how clips can be cut, pasted, slowed down, sped up, and even reversed in direction, all while maintaining high-quality output.

Quality Assurance:

The speaker stresses that the editing process maintains almost broadcast quality, ensuring that the final output, whether written back to a camcorder or converted to a VHS tape, will be of high quality.

The presentation appears to be an extensive introduction to iMovie 2, highlighting its advanced features, ease of use, and the quality of output it can produce.

Core Philosophy:

The speaker emphasizes that the core of Apple’s mission is to be at the intersection of art and technology. While they are proud to build fast personal computers, their deeper aim is to help people express themselves creatively. This philosophy is embodied in products like iMovie.

iMovie 2:

The speaker proudly introduces iMovie 2, a software that aligns with Apple’s mission to blend art and technology. iMovie 2 allows users to easily edit videos, and it will be included for free in all new desktop Macs. An upgrade is also available for $49 via web download beginning in late August.

Accessibility and Usability:

iMovie 2 is designed to be user-friendly; the speaker illustrates how someone can go to the beach, capture footage, and come back to edit it easily with iMovie. No manual reading is necessary. It caters to those who may not have prior editing experience.

iTools and iDisk:

To extend functionality, the speaker discusses iTools introduced by Apple in January. iDisk, one of the key iTools, allows users to upload files to Apple’s servers with a simple drag-and-drop action. It provides 20 megabytes of storage for free.

Website Integration:

Apple has simplified the process of sharing created media by allowing iMovie files to be saved as QuickTime movies, uploaded to iDisk, and integrated into websites. Users can also use the enhanced Homepage Builder application to automatically lay out a web page and publish it, all hosted free of charge for Mac customers.

Conclusion:

The speaker closes by expressing pride in the work at Apple, which allows people to combine art and technology in meaningful ways. The new products, iMovie 2 and iTools, exemplify this vision by offering both high performance and user accessibility.

Homepage Builder Introduction:

The speaker introduces the concept of Homepage Builder, a web development tool that is extremely user-friendly and aimed at Mac users. With Homepage Builder, users can create a website with pre-designed templates, and the tool integrates seamlessly with other Apple features like iTools for easy navigation.

Educational Features:

Homepage Builder offers a suite of functionalities targeted at educators. Teachers can create web pages for assignments, school events, and newsletters, allowing easy communication with parents and students.

Photo Album Creation:

One of the tool’s standout features is its photo album creation capabilities. Users can select a theme and choose photos stored in their iDisc to generate a photo album automatically. Thumbnails are created on-the-fly, and users can customize the layout easily by dragging and dropping images.

Interactive Features:

The speaker notes that Homepage Builder allows unprecedented interactivity. Users can move items freely around the webpage, choose themes, and change text with a level of convenience not commonly seen in other web development tools.

Video Integration:

Beyond photos, Homepage Builder also supports the easy inclusion of videos via QuickTime. Users can add an iMovie page to their site and select a QuickTime movie stored in their iDisc for instant publishing.

End-to-End Solution:

The speaker emphasizes the complete end-to-end solution provided by Apple. Users can capture video footage, edit it using iMovie, compress it into QuickTime, and upload it to iDisc. Using Homepage Builder, they can add this video to their website which Apple hosts free of charge.

Accessibility and Cost:

Homepage Builder is available for free to every Mac user, offering an accessible platform for web development that doesn’t require programming knowledge or hosting capabilities.

The speaker describes the tool as a groundbreaking development that facilitates creative and functional web design with unparalleled ease, especially for Mac users.

Product Announcements:

The speaker discussed a variety of new offerings including new Power Mac G4s with dual processors, revamped iMacs with new colors and features, upcoming releases of Mac OS X, Microsoft Office 2001, and games from Bungie. They also mentioned iMovie 2 and Homepage Builder.

Four Quadrants Strategy:

The speaker emphasized that their product strategy of four quadrants has been in place for two and a half years and has served them well. Today marked the first expansion of that strategy, notably not into portables but into desktops.

New Desktop Machine:

The new machine, called the Power Mac G4 Cube, is said to combine the power of the Power Mac G4 with the elegance, silence, and miniaturization of the iMac. This creates a new class of machine, a high-performing and highly compact desktop.

Technical Specifications:

The G4 Cube will feature a fast G4 chip, up to 1.5 gigabytes of memory, and up to 40 gigabytes of storage. It will also support multiple I/O options including a modem, ethernet, USB, firewire, and even airport wireless networking.

Design and Miniaturization:

The G4 Cube’s distinct feature is its 8-inch cubic form factor, a quarter of the size of the current Power Mac G4. Despite the compact size and high performance, engineers have managed to cool the machine without a fan, making it virtually silent.

Accessibility and Security:

The engineers designed the G4 Cube for quick access to all components. Users can simply turn the cube over and lift all the technology up by pushing down on a handle. A Kensington lock ensures security.

Final Thoughts:

The speaker concludes by expressing pride in the G4 Cube’s innovative features and compact, elegant design. The product marks a significant expansion in their ongoing product strategy.

This summary captures the major points about the G4 Cube and situates it within the context of broader company strategies and offerings.

System Overview:

Jobs introduces the Power Mac G4 Cube, a new compact and visually appealing computer system. The cube-shaped system comes with a 450MHz G4 processor, 64MB of memory, 20GB of storage, and is priced at $1799. A more advanced model featuring a 500MHz processor and 128MB of memory is also available exclusively through the Apple online store for $22.99.

Peripherals and Accessories:

The G4 Cube system is complemented with a range of peripherals, including Apple-designed stereo speakers in collaboration with Harman Kardon. Additionally, the system includes a new optical mouse and pro keyboard. Three new displays are also introduced—two LCDs and a CRT—featuring modern designs and built-in USB ports for convenient connectivity.

Innovative Features:

Unique features of the new display products include single-cable solutions that carry video, USB, and power, effectively reducing cable clutter. The new CRT display even incorporates ColorSync and comes calibrated from the factory, offering reliable color reproduction throughout its lifespan.

End-User Perspectives:

Various users lauded the G4 Cube for its compactness, powerful capabilities, and elegant design. It’s described as an ultimate desktop movie-making machine, equipped with iMovie 2 software. The machine appeals to both professionals and general users, particularly those in design, publishing, and video editing.

Technical Advances:

Experts also noted the impressive computational power of the G4 Cube. With 3.5 billion operations per second, the Cube is described as a supercomputer packed into an 8-inch cube. It offers expandable memory up to 1.5GB and a configurable hard drive up to 40GB. It is air-cooled, thus eliminating the noise from fans.

Design Philosophy:

The G4 Cube is intended to be visually and audibly unobtrusive, fitting into various aesthetic settings. Designers aimed for simplicity and elegance, and the Cube is said to belong to a harmonious family of Apple products, each complementing the other.

Conclusion:

The Power Mac G4 Cube is portrayed as a groundbreaking product in terms of design, functionality, and computing power. Accompanied by new peripherals and displays, it is targeted at both general users and professionals, offering a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing computing experience.

Product Launch Announcement:

Jobs announces the introduction of the PowerMac G4 Cube, expanding Apple’s desktop product lines. This development is significant as desktops constitute over 75% of the company’s unit volume, which are all new as of the announcement.

Team Acknowledgment:

Jobs emphasizes the unique talent and emotional investment of the Apple team. A round of applause is initiated to recognize the efforts of Apple’s team members present in the auditorium and those connected via satellite feed.

Symbol of Innovation:

The optical mouse is highlighted as a symbol of innovation and as a product that exemplifies the new direction Apple is taking. Not only is it bundled with all the new desktop computers, but attendees are also given an opportunity to receive one upon exiting the event.

Closing Remarks:

Jobs thanks the audience for attending and reiterates the significance of their new products, symbolized by the optical mouse. Attendees are told that they will receive this new product if they have a special ticket, which can be found under their seats.

Additional Segment:

While not directly related to the main topic, the text concludes with lyrics and statements from SPEAKER_03 and SPEAKER_04, suggesting a celebratory or motivational mood as the event comes to a close.