But until OS X comes out, most programs won't be able to hit top speeds. The new machines also come with gigabit Ethernet, a super fast new networking standard that offers 10 times the performance of most current office networks. Phil Schiller, Apple's vice president of worldwide product marketing, said the Cube was aimed at home offices and small offices where space may be at a premium. At the low end, Apple had a new mouse and keyboard, but no striking new technology for its breakthrough iMac machines. Apple's new optical mouse actually has no button.
Users click by pressing down on the front of the mouse.
The low-end iMacs are only available in blue, and the choice gets greater as you go up the line. Most of the big announcements at the Expo came from Apple, but a few other major players had flashy new products. Microsoft demonstrated its new Office suite of programs, due out in October. The audio company Harman Kardon showed off its bizarre new SoundSticks transparent speaker system, two tubes that look like clear plastic octopus tentacles and a gigantic jellyfish of a subwoofer. Hopefully, they sound as good as they look.