Apple Bolsters Notebook Lineup

Apple (AAPL) unveiled an important step to bolster its product lineup on Tuesday, launching three sturdier notebook computers that remain faithful to the company's sleek signature designs.

The new MacBooks are aimed mostly at consumers whose computers are bulging with digital libraries of photos, music and movies. They don't boast flashy new features, but offer faster processors, beefier storage capacity and stronger wireless connectivity. Energy-efficient Intel(INTC) processors keep the width of the MacBooks to one inch by saving room on cooling fans.

The introduction of the notebooks comes amid growing interest in Apple products -- and notebook computers in particular. Apple's share of the computer market crept up in the last quarter, both globally as well as in the U.S., according to data-tracking firm IDC.

Sales of high-margin MacBooks are central to Apple's financial future as shipment growth has widely outpaced unit sales of desktops. In the last quarter, IDC said MacBook shipments grew 79%, compared to 37% when including desktops -- and 28% for the entire notebook industry.

Analysts and investors have said Apple is benefiting from a "halo effect" related to the iPod music player. PC users who own the device have become more interested in Macs as they are exposed to Apple's products through iTunes' music, podcasts and movies. The iPhone, expected to arrive in stores in June, may only increase that effect.