Brand: MacNews

Intel today unveiled its 2GHz Pentium 4 processor, which will find its way in PCs later this week. Systems featuring Intel’s high-end processor will start as low as $1,500 — less than Apple’s entry-level Power Mac G4, by comparison.

Focus Enhancements today announced FireStore, which allows DV footage to be recorded directly to a FireWire hard drive without the need for a computer. FireStore is compatible with FireWire drives that are formatted as FAT 32 volumes, which is supported by Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Mac OS 9 operating systems. FireStore is available now for US$995.

In less than two weeks, availability of Apple’s high-end 700MHz iMac has gone from two days to 15 days for both end-users who buy through the Apple Online Store, as well as dealers buying direct from Apple or through distributors. “700MHz iMacs are no where to be found,” one dealer told MacMinute.

After lowering the price of its PowerBook G4 in the US to US$2,199 and $2,999 on Friday, Apple today cut the price of the laptop in other regions of the world. In Japan, for example, the new prices are 259,800 yen ($2,163) and 359,800 yen ($2,996); and in Europe: 2,590 euros ($2,355) and 3,504 euros ($3,186). For price cut information specific to your country, visit your country’s Apple Web site.

iRez has begun shipping its StealthFire 1394/FireWire webcam, which can capture video at 30 frames per second at a resolution of 640×480. The camera is available alone for US$129.95, or with a headset and microphone for $149.95. A bundle with the headset and a 3-port FireWire PCI card is also available for $169.95.