Apple crates OS X

Apple Computer has started shipping computers with its next-generation operating system installed, about two months ahead of schedule.

Apple has billed the OS X operating system as the biggest software overhaul for its flagship line of computers since the company launched its first graphic-based system for the Macintosh in 1984.

"We want to get this out there," CEO Steve Jobs said at the company's annual developers' conference.

"We're betting our future on X. This is a total commitment on Apple's part."

Apple started selling OS X on a stand-alone basis in late March and had not planned to bundle the software with new computers until July but said it accelerated that timetable because of the positive response to the new system.

Every Mac shipped will have both OS X and its predecessor OS 9.1 with a setting that will allow users to choose between the operating systems, Jobs said.

Jobs also urged developers to deliver so-called native software - or software built on the new operating system - to impatient Mac users.

"The person that gets the native apps out the soonest may be the one who wins," said Jobs, noting that software makers Macromedia and FileMaker, Apple's database software subsidiary, have already begun shipping products.

The company, which has a loyal following among graphics designers and other creative professionals, has taken steps to expand its share of the personal computer market from its current level of five percent.

Part of that effort is a plan to open 25 retail stores in the United States this year.

Apple said its first two retail outlets posted stronger-than-expected sales and customer traffic figures during their first weekend of operation.

The stores attracted 7,700 visitors and sold a combined total of US$599,000 in merchandise.

"We were blown away with the numbers," Jobs said.

Apple also introduced its new Mac OS X server and said it had begun shipping WebObjects 5, Apple's application server for Web publishing and enterprise application development.