Apple Cuts Prices

Apple Computer Inc., maker of the colorful iMac personal computer, slashed prices on some machines in a bid to clear out inventories before the company introduces new products at a trade show next week. Apple trimmed prices on its line of PowerMac computers favored by graphic artists and Web designers. The fastest PowerMac G4 was reduced to $2,500 from $3,500, while the slowest PowerMac G4 dipped to $1,300 from $1,600, said Michael Koidahl, president of Seattle-based Westwind Computing, an Apple dealer. Apple’s sales slumped in the second half of last year as consumer demand dried up and some systems lacked key features. Apple officials declined to comment on the price cuts. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company’s shares were unchanged at $14.88 on Nasdaq.