iMac gets mixed reception - no G5 PowerBook yet

Analysts have broadly welcomed Apple's new iMac, and expect it to revive the company's desktop sales. Credit Suisse First Boston reflected the general mood saying, 'We believe the release of the new iMac gives Apple a much needed boost in its underperforming consumer desktop product line.' It added that it expects 'strong demand out of the gates for what appears to be a compelling product'. ...more

Apple unveils iTunes Music Store

As expected, Apple yesterday unveiled the new iTunes Music Store, an online collection of more than 200,000 songs to buy and download. However due to what Apple described as 'international legal issues' - believed to stem from differing licensing rights around the world - the service is only available for Mac users in the US. Or as the Terms of Sale puts it, 'Purchases from the iTunes Music Store are available only in the United States and are not available in any other location. ...more

Next iPod to be wireless - analyst

Ever-optimistic Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes that Apple will counter the imminent arrival of Microsoft's 'iPod killer' with the release of a new, wireless iPod model. 'Apple has stated that ease of use is a key element of the iPod, so wireless functionality is an obvious next step for the product line,' Munster wrote in a note to investors. 'Apple has also stated that the pace of iPod innovation will not change. ...more

BBC exec warns of online charges

A BBC executive has warned that the corporation might have to consider charging for online content. In an interview with the Financial Times, Ashley Highfield, director of new media, said that the cost of providing content on the Internet may well outstrip the BBC's income from the licence fee. He suggested that users of the corporation's services might face additional payments in order to access all the content on offer. ...more

Forty-seven new broadband exchanges

BT has confirmed broadband ready-for-service dates for another 43 exchanges, though potential users will have to wait until February or March to get connected. ADSL will be available on the following dates from the listed exchanges. ? 25th February 2004:, Galston, Leven, Lochgelly, New Mills ? 10 March 2004:, Billinge, Hale, Hightown (LV), Manor Park, Moore, Rainford ? 17 March 2004:, New Oakley, Stewarton ? 24 March 2004:, Ballingry, Girvan ? 14 April 2004:, Bledlow Ridge, Caton, Chrishall, Clifton Hampden, Coln St Aldwyns, Corscombe, Cranfield, Durley, Enstone, Glenrothes South, Goudhurst, Halland, Hatton-on-Lune, Ide Hill, Longparish, Medbourne Green, Mursley, Pencaitland, Perranporth, Petham, Rhu, Rotherfield Greys, Selborne, Sutterton, Weston, Woodchurch, Wormshill ? 21 April 2004: Dollar However, there are still 145 exchanges that have reached their trigger levels, but are awating RFS dates. ...more