In an event held at Apple's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, CEO Steve Jobs introduced three new iMacs, two with 20-in. LCD screens, and one with a 24-in. monitor. The 20-in. screens offer 1680- by 1050-pixel resolutions; the 24-in. screen has a resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels.

The new iLife suite came with updated versions of all its applications. The iPhoto and iMovie programs received the most extensive revisions, with iMovie rewritten completely, allowing users to make high-quality movies quicker and easier, according to CEO Steve Jobs.

A number of tweaks were added to Numbers (a spreadsheet application), which allows users to view two spreadsheets on the same page and to print their charts more easily without breaks in the data.

Jobs also demonstrated new features in iPhoto, part of the revamped iLife '08 suite; new links between both iPhoto and Apple's iPhone, and the company's .Mac online service; and other iLife '08 applications, including a refreshed iWeb and a totally redesigned iMovie.

The new keyboard is more MacBook-like and comes in an optional wireless version.

The announcements came amid the back-to-school buying season, an important annual sales period for Apple. And they seemed likely to shore up the company's Mac products.

All these products are available immediately in Apple's retail stores and at the company's Web site.

(Agencies)