Apple to launch Powerbook PCs

Apple will introduce a fresh set of products in mid-February at Macworld Expo in Tokyo to help meet demand for Powerbook products, which have been in short supply.

Although Apple refused to comment on future products, the line-up is likely to include the Powerbook 3400, a Power PC 603e-based system that will come in speeds of 180MHz and 200MHz.

According to a company source, Apple will sell the product as a multimedia system and aims to take some of the shine off the recent launch of Intel MMX machines.

But the Powerbook 3400 is unlikely to come cheap. US reports suggest prices will start at about $4,500.

An Apple representative con- firmed the company has started shipping its 1400/133 Powerbook, which includes a 133MHz rather than a 117MHz Power PC processor.