TECHNOLOGY - Aug. 2, 1996

Apple Unveils New Home, Business PCs: The new line of Power Mac and Performa personal computers is Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple Computer Inc.’s biggest product introduction since Gilbert Amelio took the helm in February. The new PCs are important as Apple enters what historically has been strong back-to-school and holiday sales months. Apple needs the new models to stem a slide in sales and market share as the No. 3 PC maker struggles to return to profitability, analysts said. The new machines aren’t priced as low as some competitors’ offerings. Apple said that is reflective of its decision not to get involved in price wars, which hurt the company last year. The new machines, which have processors almost as fast as Intel Corp.’s Pentium Pro chips, include five Power Macintosh models with prices starting at $2,299 and going up to $5,699. There are two new Performa home models, which start at $2,399. All include an eight-speed CD-ROM drive.