Apple is cashing in on the popularity of its iPhone and iPad to boost demand for its oldest product, the Macintosh.
The company launched its new MacBook Air at an event dubbed "Back to the Mac" at its Cupertino headquarters.
The computer is seen as a marriage of what Apple has learned from desktop computing and mobile devices. Like the iPad, the Air will have no hard drive and rely on flash memory.
"It's like nothing we've ever created before," said Apple boss Steve Jobs.
"We see these as the next generation of MacBooks. We think all notebooks are going to be like this one day. We've been inspired by some of the work we have done on iOS and want to bring them back to the Mac," said Mr Jobs.
The new MacBook Air is 0.11 inches thick at its thinnest point. Apple said the computer's battery life lets users surf the web for seven hours. In standby mode, the battery can last 30 days.
Models start at $999 and are now shipping.
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| The MacBook Air is 0.11 inches thick at its thinnest point |
'Still in the game'
Analysts said the new product sends out a clear signal to the industry.
"This is a strong reminder to everyone out there that Apple is still in the PC business," said Michael Gartenberg, research director with Gartner.
"They are still making a lot of money in the PC business and if anyone thinks they are getting out of that business given the money they are making they are very mistaken."
In an overview, Apple said the Macintosh accounted for a third of the company's revenue or $22bn in the fiscal year that has just ended.
They sold 13.7 million Macs last year, which is three times the sales they had in 2005. The firm also cited research figures that showed Apple now controls 20.7% of the US consumer market and accounts for one in every five computers sold.
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| The first Macintosh made its debut on 24 January 1984 |
Other features
Apple also unveiled a new version of the Macintosh operating system, called Lion, to be released next summer.
The new OS is designed to take advantage of some of the things like multi-touch gestures on horizontal rather than vertical trackpads.
"After a short period of time you fatigue and after an extended period of time, your arm wants to fall off," said Mr Jobs.
The company also revealed that Macs will soon have an application store mirroring the one that exists for the iPhone and the iPad.
It will open in 90 days.
Apple also unveiled an update to its flagship software suite iLife. The new edition includes updates to iPhotos, iMovie, GarageBand, iDVD and iWeb.
With the updated iPhoto feature, it will be easier for users to email photos and turn pictures into books and cards.
bbc.co
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