Apple Computer Inc. announced price increases for...

Apple Computer Inc. announced price increases for some of its personal computers, external drives, monitors, printers and expansion kits. The immediate price hikes result from rising component costs and changing global market conditions, according to Charles Boesenberg, Apple USA senior vice president of sales and marketing. The two biggest price jumps, at 29% each, are in the Macintosh II, increasing to $4,869 from $3,769, and the LaserWriter IINT Controller Card, up to $2,699 from $2,099. The Apple IIGS rises 15% to $1,149 from $999. The price of the Macintosh Plus remains unchanged at $1,799.