Apple Macs get second iPhone-like controller

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple Inc. unveiled the latest update to its line of desktop computers today, promising faster speeds and offering the option of multi-touch controls similar to those used on the iPhone.

Apple said its new line of iMac desktops, with new processors from Intel Corp. and new graphics chips, are the company's fastest ever. The iMacs, which tuck the inner workings of the computer behind the flat-screen monitor, cost $1,199 to $1,999 based on speed and screen size.

Windows computer makers such as Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. have turned their similar all-in-one desktop computers into touch-screen media centers where families can, for example, browse through photos and play music.

Apple, however, has maintained that while touch screens work well on the iPhone and the iPad, they don't make sense on a Mac.

Its MacBook laptops have track pads that respond to the two-finger pinch and pull controls of the iPhone, and before the holidays Apple introduced a touch-sensitive mouse that responds to the same gestures.