Apple not flattered by another iMac look-alike

Australian-based FishPC is advertising a translucent PC on its Web site that looks very similar to Apple’s trendy iMac. "I’m not a legal expert so I’m not sure if there are copyright or trademark infringements involved," said Apple spokesperson Alec Rosen. "But it looks pretty darn close to an iMac." Apple has aggressively pursued other PC manufacturers selling all-in-one systems built around a 15-inch monitor and available in translucent colors. In March, the Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker settled lawsuits with Daewoo and Emachines for iMac knockoffs. Apple had alleged the Emachines’ eOne and Daewoo subsidiary Future Power’s E-Power copied the iMac. Future Power later vowed to re-release the E-Power without a translucent case. FishPC claims its system "Changes all the rules. It’s a statement. It’s hip. It’s groovy." The translucent PC is available in five colors--purple, blue, red, navy and orange. It contains a 450-MHz processor, 64-MB of RAM, 8.4-GB hard drive, 56K modem, network card, speakers, USB support, floppy drive, StarOffice software and Windows 98. The purple, blue and orange colors are striking similar to the grape, blueberry and tangerine colors--or flavors--of Apple’s iMac. The iMac has been an immensely popular and successful consumer desktop for Apple and is credited sparking the company’s recovery. On Wednesday, Apple revealed it had beat analysts estimates for its fiscal 2000 second quarter earnings by seven cents a share.