Apple Computer chose the same day as IBM Corp to launch its first PowerPC 604-based machine – the Power Macintosh 9500, previously code-named Tsunami. Predictably, the first machines are aimed squarely at the power-hungry pre-press and digital video users, the same customers that jumped at the Power Macintosh 8100/100 and 110. The 9500 comes in 120MHz and 132MHz versions, priced at ú4,000 or ú4,725 respectively. Neither machine has video support on the motherboard. The 120MHz model will come bundled with an accelerated video board, with 2Mb of Video RAM as standard, enabling it to display 16.7m colours on a 17 screen. With an an extra 2Mb, the maximum screen size can go to 21. Maximum screen resolution with the expansion video memory is 1,280 by 1,024 with 32,768 colours.

Nitro

The 132MHz box will come with a choice of third party boards. On both machines, the boards fit into one of the six available PCI slots. Both models have 512Kb Level 2 cache and built-in floppy and quad-speed CD-ROM drives. The slower machine has a 1Gb internal hard drive fitted as standard, the faster machine has 2Gb. The chassis can take an extra two half-height hard drives, and one removable media drive. Meanwhile, Apple was refusing to comment on a report in US publication MacWeek that laid out the company’s plans for 604-based PCI Mac. The report said four new PCI-based models will be announced on August 7 during MacWorld in Boston. At the top it sees another 120MHz PowerPC 604-based machine, the Power Macintosh 8500/120. Previously known as Nitro, it is thought to have three PCI slots. All the others are 601 boxes. The 100MHz Power Mac 7500, formerly TNT, sits at the top, with the three-slot model costing around $2,200 with 2Mb of Video RAM and an optional Level 2 cache. At the bottom of the range, is the Power Mac 7200, which will come in 75MHz and 90MHz versions, and is code-named Catalyst. The slower machine is expected to start at $1,400 and will come with 1Mb of Video RAM and optional 256Kb L2 cache. The paper’s sources expect the 90MHz model to cost about $1,600. Ahead of the PCI Mac announcements, Apple has cut the prices of some existing Power Macintoshes and PowerBooks.