Type of Article: MacMinute Web Site

Apple Computer has confirmed to CNET that they have laid off workers in their iTools/iServices group in an effort to “maximize efficiency.” Apple has also stated that this is not indicative of broader cuts to come.

IBM hopes to surpass Motorola by producing a PowerPC chip that will clock in at 2GHz by mid-2002. The chip technology will also allow IBM to produce a 1GHz model by the end of 2001. The new chip likely will mean faster Apple computers, which are based on the PowerPC, according to News.com.

Apple dealers in the U.S. report receiving new iBooks faster than they ever thought they would. Ten days since their debut, a large number of dealers contacted by MacMinute confirm receiving a good number of low-end iBooks with CD-ROM to fill orders as well as DVD-ROM models. “They are trickling in, but we really didn’t expect any this soon,” one dealer told us. No dealers we contacted report getting CD-RW or DVD/CD-RW combo units as of yet.

AOL Europe released a study to show interest in the Internet for Europeans is still high. In part the study says two-thirds of those that have been online for more than three years say going online has made their lives better. Thirty-six percent have logged on for the first time in the last year and 20 percent in the last six months.

Canon announced today the PowerShot S110 Digital ELPH camera. The 2.1 megapixel camera incorporates new features including direct print capabilities from the Canon Card Photo Printer CP-10, 20 frame-per-second movie clips with audio and more. Among other included software, the camera comes with QuickTime 4.1 from Apple. The PowerShot S110 is expected to be available in June for a suggested retail price of US$599.