Apple Computer Inc finally launched its impatiently awaited PowerPC 603e-based PowerBook portable computers as the PowerBook 5000 and 2000 series, and reconfigured the PowerBook 500 to create a new 68040-based PowerBook 100 entry-level model starting at $1,650. The PowerBook 5000 series is to be available on September 11, while the PowerBook 2000 and 100 models are expected in mid-October. Prices for the new 117MHz and 100MHz PowerBook 5300 models will start at around $2,200: the 5300 family is designed to give desktop-level performance in a notebook; it weighs 6 lbs and disk capacity goes to 1.1Gb; it has a 10.4 display and the battery does up to five hours between charges. The 100MHz PowerBook Duo 2300c subnotebook model is designed to be the smallest Pow erBook and is $3,500 to $4,700. It weighs about 5 lbs and also comes with up to 1.1Gb disk. The 190 and 190cs use a 66MHz 68040 and come with a 500Mb disk. All have infra-red communications system.
