Mumbai: Apple has launched a new iMac G5 computer and two new models of its bestselling iPod mobile music player in India, simultaneously with their global release. The iMac G5 features a built-in iSight video camera for instant video conferencing and Apple's new breakthrough 'front row' media experience. The new iPod has a 2.5-inch colour screen, and can play video as well as songs and store photos and other data. The iPod nano, is a full-featured iPod with a colour screen that holds 1,000 songs yet is just about the size of four credit cards held together. All three products can be purchased from any Apple dealer in India.

The iMac G5's new 'front row' technology is a simple-to-operate software that plays music, photo slideshows, DVDs and iMovies, as well as popular movie trailers from apple.com. It can be controlled from up to 30 feet away using the new Apple remote, which has only six buttons (Microsoft's media centre remotes typically have over 40 buttons). The new iMac G5 is much thinner than its predecessor. The built-in iSight video camera enables video conferencing using iChat AV software. The new iMac G5 also includes 'photo booth', which lets users take photos with the built-in video camera, add effects and share them via email or use them as icons.

The new iMac G5 is half an inch thinner and 15 per cent lighter than before. The 17 inch model has a 1.9GHz G5 processor, while the 20 inch model has a 2.1GHz processor. Both models have a DVD writer, 512 MB RAM expandable to 2.5GB, 160GB and 250GB hard drives, a 10/100/1000 wireless Ethernet card, Bluetooth and an ATI Radeon graphics card with 128MB of video memory. RAM is easily upgraded via a flap on the bottom edge.

Apple's new Mighty Mouse features up to four programmable buttons and an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction - vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. Bundled software includes Mac OS X Tiger, iLife '05, games, Apple Works and a 2006 World Book.

Video iPod The new iPod with its 2.5-inch color screen can display artwork and photos, play video - including podcasts and home movies - and can hold up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or over 150 hours of video. Both are available in white or black.

The new iPod is 30 per cent thinner and has 50 per cent more storage than its predecessor, for the same price. It features a click wheel for one-handed navigation. It can play video on a television set using optional accessories. Apple's new iTunes6 software is now available as a free download from apple.com. The 30GB model has up to 14 hours of battery life and the 60GB model up to 20 hours.

iPod nano The iPod nano is just 5mm thick and ultra-lightweight. It fits in a pocket without making it bulge or sag. It holds 1,000 songs or 25,000 photos, has a colour screen and click wheel. The 4GB model costs Rs18, 200 and the 2GB model costs Rs15,200. Both models are available in white or black.

iPod nano has the same 30 pin dock connector as the iPod, and works with all iPod accessories, including home stereo speakers and car adapters. Its auto-sync technology can automatically download a user's digital music collection, photos or podcasts and keep it up-to-date whenever the iPod nano is plugged into computer using USB 2.0. It has up to 14 hours battery life and completely skip-free playback, as well as a stopwatch, world clock and screen lock.

Optional accessories designed for iPod include a universal dock, Apple remote, Apple iPod AV cable, iPod camera connector and Apple socks - six colouful protective socks.

iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 6, or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000, XP, and iTunes 6. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, it makes desktop and notebook computers, iPod portable music players and runs the iTunes online music store.