Apple attempt to gatecrash Win 7 launch with product updates

Apple unveiled several new products today, some of which have been rumored for quite some time. This was a significant update for Apple especially considering that they didn't hold a special event to announce these products. The timing is suspicious considering Microsoft is due to launch their new Windows 7 operating system in just two days time.

The biggest change was that the MacBook line has adopted the unibody look that the MacBook Pro uses. The model looks very similar to the Pro line but is in the traditional white color. The laptop can be outfitted with an LED-backlit display, new glass multi-touch track pad, and a built-in battery with 7 hours run time. Only one SKU is available that will have a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM (up to 8GB), an NVIDIA 9400M GPU, 250GB hard drive and the standard SuperDrive.

The Mac Mini also got a couple of updates including a new server option. The base model can be equipped with a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, 2GB of Ram and a 160GB HDD for $599.99. The second configuration can be outfitted with 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo, 4 GB of ram, and a 320 GB HDD all for $799.99. Both units will still ship with the same GeForce 9400M GPU and 8x SuperDrive

Also more interestingly with the Mac Mini is a new server option that ships with two 500 GB HDD's, no optical drive, a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a GeForce 9400M. The Mini will ship with Snow Leopard server with unlimited clients; retails for $999.99

Apple also updated the iMac line as well; Apple now offers a 21.5 inch model as well as a 27 inch model, both are 16:9 displays and in all aluminum casing. The widescreen panels are LED backlit and have a 178 degree viewing angle. The 21.5-inch iMac has a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, while the 27-incher comes in at 2,560 x 1,440 all on IPS panels. Pricing starts at $1,199 with multiple configuration options which you can find here.

Finally, Apple is introducing a new mouse dubbed "Magic Mouse" that will replace the Mighty Mouse. The Bluetooth device will feature one button and a multi-touch surface that will allow for gestures like the track pads. The device does not have a scroll wheel either but the battery does last four months.