Only a day after announcing that Intel-based Macs are shipping, Appleis overall value is already creeping close to PC powerhouse Dell. Apple closed Wednesday with a market cap value of US$71.71 billion, while Dell closed the day at $73.52 billion. Appleis stock is also on the rise, closing at $80.86, Dell closed at $31.35. The numbers show an even stronger interest in Apple by investors than they had only two days ago.

The introduction of the Intel-based iMac, and the pending release of the MacBook Pro was good news for investors, as was the announcement that over 14 million iPods sold during the holiday quarter, bringing the total for the year up to 42 million. Microsoftis five year commitment to continue to develop Office for the Mac also helped to ensure investors that the Mac is a valid platform, and that Apple is in a strong position in the PC market.

Analysts were pleased with Appleis announcements at Macworld Expo, even raising their already optimistic projections on the computer makers value.

Looking forward, the strong product line Apple currently has, along with the release of more new products throughout the year to complete the transition to an all Intel-based Mac line up, is bound to keep analysts and investors paying close attention for the next few months.

Apple has been trading in the pre-market at US$83.90, up 3.04 (3.76%).

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