New Macs Feature Latest PowerPCs

A new round of Macintoshes featuring the latest high-performance PowerPC processors was scheduled to arrive in early August. New systems from Apple and Power Computing will range from dual, 180-MHz 604e systems to more-affordable 603e desktop systems. Here are the highlights.

Power Computing

Phone:    (512) 388-6868

Fax:      (512) 388-6798

Internet: 
http://www.powercc.com

PowerTower Pro 225: The company's high-end system features a 225-MHz PowerPC 604e; 16 MB of RAM (expandable to 1 GB); a 2-GB, AV-capable ha rd drive; an eight-speed CD-ROM drive; 1 MB of Level 2 cache; six PCI expansion slots; built-in Ethernet (AAUI and 10BaseT); and other features, for $4995. For a 200-MHz PowerPC 604e in the above configuration, subtract $500. Other less expensive configurations with 180-MHz 604e and other processors are available, as are AV configurations with extras such as an internal Iomega Jaz drive.

PowerTower 200e: With a 200-MHz 604e, 16 MB of RAM, a 2-GB AV-capable hard drive, 2 MB of on-board video memory, a quad-speed CD-ROM drive, and a 512-KB Level 2 cache, $3595. With a 180-MHz 604e, subtract $300.

Apple Computer

Phone:    (800) 767-2775
Internet: 
http://www.apple.com

Apple's first dual-processor system, the 9500/180MP, will feature dual 180- MHz 604e processors and an eight-speed CD-ROM drive. The new 9500/200 will be based on a 200-MHz 604e, which scored a 5.1 and a 4.3 in the BYTEmark integer and FPU tests (compared to a 4.4 and a 3.6 in a 180-MHz PowerPC 604-based system). Prices were unavailable at press time.

The new Performa 6400 features a 180- or 200-MHz 603e processor with an optional 256-KB Level 2 cache, 16 MB of RAM, a 1.6- to 2.4-GB IDE hard drive, two PCI slots, and an optional Apple Video System.