NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES INVERSION™ FOR THE PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM AND XBOX 360® 

– Innovative Gravity Wielding Combat Revolutionizes Third-Person Shooter Genre – 

– 21st October 2009 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S today announced INVERSION™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft  and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Developed by Saber Interactive, INVERSION takes players on a whirlwind journey complete with nonstop firefights, and a suspense-filled storyline. Packed to the brim with action, INVERSION also introduces revolutionary gravity-wielding combat, zero gravity environments, vector changes, and a unique destructible cover system. INVERSION is planned for release in 2010.

INVERSION is a third-person co-op shooter that combines hard-hitting, adrenaline-pumping action with a revolutionary gravity manipulation engine. Featuring the Grappler weapon, players will be able to manipulate gravity for their own purposes. The Grappler can be used in countless combat situations by maneuvering massive objects as shields or projectiles, and moving camped enemies out of concealed cover so they can be blasted away. The Grappler is also a key tool for tactical situations and puzzle solving as players can lift, move, or create cover objects at their whim. The awesome power of gravity is right at players’ fingertips. Additionally, INVERSION is one of the first games to feature the HAVOK destruction engine which bestows INVERSION with massively destructible environments including an elaborate cover system.

Set in the near future, the tranquil peace enjoyed by mankind shatters with an unforeseen invasion by an unknown enemy called the Lutadore. Armed to the teeth with futuristic gravity-controlling weapons, the Lutadore easily overrun the city’s defenses. Unbeknownst to all, mysterious anomalies have surfaced in conjunction with the invasion. Random regions in the city have entered zero gravity or have suffered vector changes, throwing the world into topsy-turvy chaos. Assuming the role of Davis Russel, a hotheaded 28-year-old cop, or Leo Delgado, Davis’ neighbor, players will embark on a journey through the war ravaged gravity twisted disorienting streets of their home town and beyond, to find Davis’ missing child. 

“INVERSION will turn the shooter genre upside down, literally,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “Saber Interactive’s innovative gravity manipulation feature will blow away any preconceptions of what a contemporary shooter should be.” 

“Working with NAMCO BANDAI Games on a project of this caliber is a complete thrill,” said Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive. “We are doing things in INVERSION that most people didn’t think possible on the current generation of consoles. We can’t wait to get INVERSION in the hands of gamers across the world.” 

“We are delighted to see Havok Destruction incorporated as an important gameplay element in INVERSION,” said David O’Meara, Managing Director for Havok.  “The talented team of developers and artists who is creating INVERSION has really embraced the Havok Destruction technology and we can’t wait to see the final results.” 

For more information about Inversion, please visit www.namcobandaigames.eu.

We wanted to let you know that BitDefender has today announced its 2010 consumer line of products  have all received Microsoft Windows® 7 certification, providing customers enhanced security, as well as innovative user interface features and reliability improvements. 

 “Our ISV community is alive with innovation, and we’re committed to helping our partners drive the next generation of software experiences,” said Ross Brown, Vice President of ISV and Solutions Partners for the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. “Adding compatibility for the latest Microsoft operating systems helps ISVs to stay ahead of the competition and give their customers access to cutting-edge technologies.” 

“Working together with Microsoft to achieve this certification allows BitDefender to meet the changing needs of our customers and provide the very best in security solutions to our users,” said Vince Hwang, BitDefender Global Director, Product Management. 

“These include intuitive user interfaces with usage profiles that cover anyone from gamers to parents, as well as improved security and reliability features including Active Virus Control, an innovative technology that monitors programs running on a user’s computer and detects malware-like actions as they execute.” 

For more information regarding BitDefender or BitDefender products, please visit http://www.bitdefender.com.

LAST RIDE wins coveted “Black Pearl” award at prestigious 

Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF)

Local filmmaker Glendyn Ivin’s debut feature LAST RIDE has just won the Black Pearl award for “Best New Narrative Director” at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in Abu Dhabi. The Award, including a cash prize of USD$50,000, was presented to Ivin by Iranian filmmaking great, Jury President Abbas Kiarostami. Previous Black Pearl winners included Australia’s Steve Jacobs for DISGRACE. Ivin introduced LAST RIDE at MEIFF after successful screenings recently at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Ivin said from Abu Dhabi, “It is a huge honour to receive this award from this festival and this jury. For me just making the film has been a dream come true, so being with the film at festivals around the world and in particular here in Abu Dhabi is like icing on the cake, but winning this award – plus receiving the Black Pearl from one of my heroes, Abbas Kiarostami – is a whole lot of sweet icing!” 

A desperate father, played by Hugo Weaving, takes his ten year old son, Chook (Tom Russell), on the run after committing a violent crime. As the two journey into the desert and an unknown future, their troubled relationship and the need to survive, see them battling the elements and each other. Chook eventually takes control and the choices he is forced to make have a devastating effect on both of their lives. LAST RIDE is an unforgettable love story between a father and a son.

Kingston Technology and SPYRUS Partner to Deliver Maximum Data Security for Government, Enterprise Customers

DataTraveler USB Flash Drives to Offer Unparalleled Level of Security

Sydney, Australia – October 20, 2009 – Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it has formed a partnership with SPYRUS, Inc., the leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced hardware-based encryption, authentication, and digital content security products. Under the partnership, Kingston will incorporate patented Secured by SPYRUS technology into its DataTraveler USB Flash drives to deliver unsurpassed levels of security and encryption to government agencies and enterprise customers as well as consumers.

“SPYRUS hardware-based security was specifically designed to protect sensitive Department of Defense data, and we are proud to join with Kingston to introduce the strongest security protection available for government and enterprise markets in over 100 countries,” said Tom Dickens, Chief Operating Officer for SPYRUS. “Our proven technologies surpass all others to protect customer data against the proliferation of cyber crime, cyber attacks and data loss.”

“The partnership allows us to address the latest requirements for secure USB Flash drives from governmental agencies that manage sensitive information. Features such as Suite B compliance and the XTS-AES Mode of Operation are examples of the advanced cryptographic capabilities we now have access to,” said Vaughan Nankivell, Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand for Kingston Technology. “Kingston’s long-standing reputation for quality, customer service, global distribution reach and U.S.-based manufacturing defines our ability to deliver the most secure USB flash drives available.”

Since its inception in 1992, SPYRUS has worked extensively with U.S. government agencies to develop security technologies that meet strict standards established to protect the country.

Kingston’s first product utilizing Secured by SPYRUS technology will be introduced to the marketplace in early Q4. For more information, visit www.kingston.com/anz.

To discuss this product on Kingston Blog, please go to www.kingston-blog.com.
To try the game “Challenge Your Memory”, please go to www.kingston-blog.com/challenge_your_memory/en/.
To find out if your Kingston product is genuine, Kingston also provides an online verification site: www.kingston.com/asia/verify. To try the game “Search for Genuine Kingston”, please go to http://anti-counterfeit.kingston-blog.com/en_index.jsp.

About SPYRUS, Inc.
SPYRUS, Inc. provides high-assurance security technology for the U.S. Government, industries required to comply with security regulations, and everyday users who want the best protection for sensitive information. Secured by SPYRUS security technology is designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in the USA. SPYRUS hardware and software support the strongest commercially available cryptographic algorithms, including elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and AES-256, which exceed the U.S. Government Suite B standard. SPYRUS holds patents in the U.S. and abroad that enable solutions for secure authentication, secure communication, and full disk encryption, as well as patents relating to data protection and rights management for digital content. SPYRUS, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California. See www.spyrus.com for more information.

About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/anz.

SPYRUS, the SPYRUS logo, Secured by SPYRUS and Suite B On Board are either registered trademarks or trademarks of SPYRUS, Inc., in the U.S. and/or foreign jurisdictions. All rights reserved. All other marks may be the property of their respective titleholders.

Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All other marks may be the property of their respective titleholders.

UBISOFT^® ANNOUNCES NEW DETAILS OF ASSASSIN’S CREED: LINEAGE SHORT MOVIES 

AUSTRALIA – October 20, 2009 – Ubisoft^® today announced the first of the three episodes from the new Assassin’s Creed: Lineage short movies will debut on YouTube. Beginning on October 27, 2009, YouTube will have the first episode of the short movies on its homepage in eight countries throughout the world for a period of 24 hours. 

Developed by Ubisoft’s Hybride Technologies, the visual effects studio behind 300 and Sin City, Assassin’s Creed: Lineage combines live action and computer generated imagery (CGI) to explore the events that happen just before the Assassin’s Creed II game starts. The short films revolve around Ezio’s father, Giovanni Auditore da Firenze, and give insight on the game’s back story and universe. 

The short films will whet the appetite of game players and fans of this type of cinematography in advance of the in-store release of the video game on November 19, 2009. Assassin’s Creed: Lineage will also introduce some of the characters that players will meet in the game: both foes and friends of the family, like Lorenzo de Medici, the Italian statesman and de facto ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Italian Renaissance period. 

“Ubisoft is excited to share a new Assassin’s Creed experience with the public. The Assassin’s Creed Lineage film series is part of Ubisoft’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its intellectual properties by bringing them to multiple entertainment mediums, providing gamers with a more immersive experience when they play as Ezio, the master assassin of Assassin’s Creed II,” stated Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. 

To view the trailer, head to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKg67z861KI

Resident Evil 5 ‘Versus Mode’ is now available for European Xbox Live Gold Members to download for just 240 points, down from the original price of 400 points.

The offer is only available until 26th October so get downloading this spine chilling addition to the survival horror now before it’s too late.

The theme was Summer and the host was Nintendo as the game giant allowed people to come in and try five new games.  Peter Rowsthorne and Maude Garrett from Nickelodeon Australia were the MCs of the night, with Rebecca Gibney as a special guest, but the stars of the show were the games.  Nintendo has always been known to have very strong first-party development, making it difficult for third-party developers to compete, but in recent years, they have to in order to participate in the success of all-conquering Wii and DS.  From what we saw that night, Nintendo are back to their strengths as can be seen by the games shown and the fun had by all on the night.

New Super Mario Bros Wii

The star of the show no doubt was New Super Mario Bros Wii.  Shown on four massive LCDs, this is a game everyone was looking forward to.   The game is based on the original Super Mario Bros, employing familiar levels, characters and powerups but with 4 players simultaneously playing.  I was quite sceptical about how the four players would work but Nintendo have dissolved those doubts.  The players can play competitively or cooperatively and Nintendo have put in a lot of thought to include features that allow for both styles.  The game is controlled by the Wii remote and even uses the accelerometer in some cases.  An intelligent zooming camera system, similar to Smash Bros allows the 4 players to constantly be on screen. The gameplay and control is simple enough for people to just jump in and play and the difficulty level seems just right, not being too difficult but difficult enough that you need to be alert.  Couple this with the four players (and the chaos that ensues), this is going to be one winner. I can envisage Wiis flying off the shelves when this game releases.

Wii Fit Plus

The original Wii-fit has come and is still doing well, but Wii Fit Plus has just been released.  Wii Fit Plus comes with even more yoga, strength and balance exercises as with the original but Nintendo seems to have really taken a step back and had a good hard look at the different minigames. They really gone up a notch in terms of quality, variety and fun.  For example, Golf swings was something I would not have thought about, but it is included in Wii Fit Plus.  Flying as a bird through an obstacle course is another inclusion.  Some favourites like the Hula-hoop make a welcome return though.  Also, you are now able to create your own program of exercises AND yes, you can weigh your favourite canine.  Wii Fit has spent a lot of time at the top of the Australian charts and fortunately for Nintendo, it certainly seems that there’s still loads of life left in this franchise.

Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box

Apple Unveils New iMac With 21.5 and 27-inch Displays

Features LED-Backlit Displays, Available Quad-Core Processors & the New Wireless Magic Mouse

SYDNEY, Australia – 21 October 2009 – Apple today unveiled an all new iMac line featuring brilliant LED-backlit 21.5 and 27-inch widescreen displays in a new edge-to-edge glass design and seamless all aluminium enclosure. The new iMac line, starting at recommended retail price A$1599 inc GST, is the fastest ever with Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance.* Every new iMac ships with a wireless keyboard and the all new wireless Magic Mouse, the world’s first mouse with Multi-Touch technology pioneered by Apple on the iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpad.

“The iMac is widely praised as the best desktop computer in the world and today we are making it even better,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With brilliant LED displays and the revolutionary Magic Mouse, the new iMac delivers an amazing desktop experience that we think customers will love.”

The new iMac features stunning LED-backlit displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for watching movies and TV shows from iTunes, or editing and watching your own videos or photos using iLife. The new 21.5-inch iMac features a high resolution 1920-by-1080 pixel display. The 27-inch iMac features a beautiful 2560-by-1440 pixel display that offers 60 percent more pixels than the previous 24-inch model. Both 21.5 and 27-inch displays use IPS technology to deliver consistent colour across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle.

The iMac comes standard with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse featuring Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch technology. Instead of needing mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Using intuitive gestures, a user can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Mouse can be configured as either a single button or two button mouse, according to the user’s preference. The wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse work seamlessly with the iMac’s built-in Bluetooth capabilities to provide a clean, cable-free desk top.

The iMac features improved graphics across the line with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics in the 21.5-inch model, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics in the 27-inch model. The new iMac line now also features 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory and capacity up to 16GB across four SO-DIMM slots. Every iMac features a built-in iSight video camera, mic and stereo speakers integrated into the thin aluminium and glass design. iMac includes built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a total of four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and a new built-in SD card slot.

Apple today also announced that the Mac mini, the world’s most energy efficient desktop,** is now faster, offers more storage and comes standard with double the memory. Starting at RRP A$849 inc GST, the entry level Mac mini features a faster 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, a 160GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a SuperDrive. The RRP A$1099 inc GST Mac mini features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory and a larger 320GB hard drive. Apple now offers a RRP A$1399 inc GST Mac mini that is specially configured with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server. Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server features two 500GB hard drives for a total of 1TB of server storage in the tiny 6.5-inch square by 2-inch tall Mac mini enclosure.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, both iMac and Mac mini extend their leadership in green design. iMac and Mac mini meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieve EPEAT Gold status.*** The new iMac now features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Both iMac and Mac mini use PVC-free internal components and cables, contain no brominated flame retardants, use highly recyclable materials, and feature material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organise and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilisation and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

Pricing & Availability
The new 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac and Mac mini lines are now shipping and available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/au), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers. The Intel Core i5 and i7 quad-core iMacs are available for order and will begin shipping this November. Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server is available from the Apple Store and Apple’s retail stores.

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a recommended retail price of A$1599 inc GST, includes:
• 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
• 500GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a recommended retail price of A$1999 inc GST, includes:
• 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a recommended retail price of A$2199 inc GST, includes:
• 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 2.66 GHz Core i5 iMac, for a recommended retail price of A$2599 inc GST, includes:
• 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
• 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with 8MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics; with 512MB GDDR3;
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• four USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

Build-to-order options for the 27-inch Core i5 quad-core iMac include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor.

*Based on estimated results of industry-standard SPECint_base2006 and SPECfp_rate_base2006 rate tests. SPEC is a registered trademark of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC). Testing conducted by Apple in October 2009 using preproduction 27-inch iMac Intel Core i5-based 2.66 GHz units and shipping 24-inch iMac Intel Core 2 Duo–based 3.06 GHz units. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of iMac.

**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.0 database as of October 2009.

***EPEAT is an independent organisation that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognised as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

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, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Apple Introduces Magic Mouse—The World’s First Multi-Touch Mouse

SYDNEY, Australia – 21 October 2009 – Apple today introduced the new wireless Magic Mouse, the first mouse to use Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch technology. Pioneered on iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads, Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and will be available as a Mac accessory at just recommended retail price A$99 inc GST.

“Apple is the Multi-Touch leader, pioneering the use of this innovative technology in iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Apple’s Multi-Touch technology allows us to offer an easy to use mouse in a simple and elegant design.”

Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. Using intuitive gestures, users can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be easily configured from within System Preferences.

The Magic Mouse laser tracking engine provides a smooth, consistent experience across more surfaces than a traditional optical tracking system. Magic Mouse uses Bluetooth wireless capabilities to create a clean, cable-free desktop and its secure wireless connection works from up to 10 metres away. To extend battery performance, Magic Mouse includes an advanced power management system that works with Mac OS X to automatically switch to low power modes during periods of inactivity. The wireless Magic Mouse is powered by two AA batteries which are included.

Pricing & Availability
Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and is available at the end of October through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/au), at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers for a recommended retail price of A$99 inc GST. Magic Mouse requires Mac OS X Leopard version 10.5.8 or later.

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, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Multi-Touch, iPhone, iPod touch, iMac, Apple Store and Leopard are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple Updates MacBook With LED-Backlit Display, Multi-Touch Trackpad & Built-in Seven-Hour Battery

SYDNEY, Australia – 21 October 2009 – Apple today updated its popular MacBook with a new, durable polycarbonate unibody design featuring a brilliant LED-backlit display, a glass Multi-Touch trackpad and Apple’s innovative built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery life. Inheriting technology and design features from the MacBook Pro line, the new MacBook is an ideal consumer notebook for students and new Mac users, and is available for recommended retail price A$1299 inc GST.

“The new MacBook includes many of the great features found on the innovative MacBook Pro, such as an LED-backlit display, glass Multi-Touch trackpad and built-in long-life battery,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the only lineup of notebooks all featuring unibody enclosures, LED-backlit displays and long-life battery technology, there’s never been a better time to switch to a Mac.”

The new MacBook features a unibody, polycarbonate enclosure that makes it lighter and more durable. The new design includes a unique non-skid bottom surface and at just 2.1 kilograms, the sleek MacBook slides easily into a backpack or briefcase. MacBook comes standard with a bright, LED-backlit display with the same wide-angle viewing technology used in the MacBook Pro line. The new MacBook has a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and powerful NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics.

The new MacBook includes Apple’s innovative built-in notebook battery for up to seven hours of wireless productivity on a single charge, and up to 1,000 recharges.* At nearly three times the lifespan of conventional notebook batteries, Apple’s built-in battery results in fewer depleted batteries and less waste. Depleted batteries can be replaced for RRP A$ 199 inc GST, which includes installation and environmentally responsible disposal of your old battery.

The energy-efficient MacBook joins the industry’s greenest lineup of notebooks, with every Mac notebook achieving EPEAT Gold** status and meeting Energy Star 5.0 requirements. The entire Mac notebook line now comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Mac notebooks contain no brominated flame retardants, use internal cables and components that are PVC-free and are constructed of recyclable materials.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organise and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilisation and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

Pricing & Availability
The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/au), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers.

The new MacBook, for a recommended retail price of A$1299 inc GST, includes:
• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
• 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 1066 MHz front-side bus;
• 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
• 250 GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in iSight® video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one audio line in/out port, supporting optical digital out and analog in/out;
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad;
• built-in, 60WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe® Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, or 320GB 5400 rpm, 500GB 5400 rpm hard drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*A properly maintained MacBook battery is designed to retain 80 percent or more of its original capacity during a lifespan of up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. For more information visit www.apple.com/au/macbook/features.html.

**EPEAT is an independent organisation that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognised as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

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, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.