Apple Computer announced Saturday a new logo in celebration of its 30th birthday, a logo that captures the essence of both the companyis longstanding corporate imagery, as well as the spirit of a birthday party. "What better way to move forward into the next 30 years than by evoking the power of one of our most cherished times, birthdays," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a statement.

"We look forward to moving forward under our new corporate identity," said Apple vice president Phil Schiller in a statement. "This gives us the opportunity to start our marketing off with a clean slate."

Apple Computer was officially incorporated on April 1st, 1976, 30 years ago today. Based in part on comments from Steve Jobs at Januaryis Macworld Expo in San Francisco, many have expected some form of celebration from Apple, though a high percentage of them expected it to be in the form of a new iPod, Mac, or perhaps a new flagship service.

The companyis move to unveil a new corporate logo to replace one of the most successful logos in the history of corporate America therefore came as a surprise, albeit a pleasant surprise to most.

Contacted by The Mac Observer for his opinion, former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassée expressed his enthusiasm for the new look, saying, "Their new logo eclispes even the power and majesty of the old one," said Jean-Louis Gassée. "Hope, lust, and birthday cakes...what more could you want?"