Brand: MacNews

Connectix today posted Virtual PC 5.0.1, an update to its popular PC emulation software. The new version improves compatibility between version 4.x and 5.x drive images, improves dragging and dropping of files between Mac to Windows, adds support for data DVD-Rs, and includes bug fixes. Virtual PC 5 sells for US$99 with DOS, $199 with Windows 98 and $249 with Windows 2000.

Other World Computing has begun shipping its line of Laptop Screen Protectors (LSPs), which are designed to prevent damage to laptop monitors while the laptops are closed. The 100 percent natural, top-grain cowhide protectors fit across the laptop’s keyboard to prevent the keyboard and buttons from coming in contact with the LCD.

ATI has released a Retail Update for Mac OS 9.x that provides improvements for owners of retail Radeon Mac Edition and Rage 128 Mac products such as the Rage Orion, Nexus 128 and Xclaim VR 128. The driver requires OpenGL 1.2.2 or higher, which is currently only available in Mac OS 9.2.1 or later. The update is not designed for users with a similar ATI graphics card that came with their machine.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today introduced a “totallyre-designed iMac from the ground up,” which features a 15-inch flat-screen display attached to a hemisphere base by a chrome arm. Three configurations are being offered, with all models featuring 2 FireWire ports, 3 USB ports, AirPort support, nVIDIA GeForce2MX graphics, and a new white-keyed Apple Pro Keyboard and white-colored Pro Mouse.

Apple today lowered the price of the low-end, CD-ROM iBook to US$1,199, a reduction of $100. Additionally, the mid-range DVD model has been dropped from the line-up, while the DVD/CD-RW combo-drive model has been reduced to $1,499. Finally, a new, high-end iBook with a 14-inch screen and combo-drive was introduced at $1,799.