Apple Adds Dual-Processor G5s To Power Mac Line

Apple has unveiled its new Power Mac G5 desktop line, with every model packing a pair of 64-bit processors.

The top-of-the-line Power Mac G5 sports dual 2.5-GHz PowerPC G5 CPUs, each with an independent 1.25-GHz front-side bus; the entry-level model includes a pair of 1.8-GHz processors.

All of the new G5s are loaded with Mac OS X 10.3, the version of Apple's Unix-based operating system, dubbed "Panther."

The machines also come standard with either the Nvidia GeForceFX 5200 Ultra or the ATI Radeon 9600 XT graphics card, Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800 and 400 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, and integrated support for 802.11g wireless networking. An optional Bluetooth module is also available.

Memory capacity ranges from 256 MB to 512 MB, depending on the model.The dual 1.8GHz G5 lists for $1,999, while a mid-range model--sporting two 2.0-GHz PowerPC processors--is priced at $2,499. Both are available now.

The dual 2.5GHz G5 is slated to ship next month at a top-of-the-line price of $2,999.