Cupertino, California - Quicker graphics, cutting edge processors, and a completely novel aluminium casing: those are the highlights of the completely reworked laptop line from Apple, as presented by CEO Steve Jobs at a recent press conference in Cupertino.

Apple also used the occasion to announce new lower prices for its portable computers, including a MacBook starting at 950 dollars. Many fans were nevertheless disappointed that Apple chose not to enter into the inexpensive netbook market, a class that includes machines for less than 300 dollars.

Berlin - Job prospects for IT specialists continue to be bright. A survey conducted by the industry association BITKOM in Berlin found that almost one-third of the companies polled had vacant positions.

By far the most jobs were available at software publishers and IT service companies. The results are not surprising: most IT projects now include consulting, individual programming services, and training phases, BITKOM president August-Wilhelm Scheer notes. Projects of that complexity require a high number of employees.

Software publishers and IT service companies have created roughly 100,000 new jobs in Germany alone since 2000. With 518,000 workers, the majority of the 829,000 jobs are in the information technology and communication (ITC) branch.

Ratingen, Germany - Computer maker Asus is now offering a PC in the style of Apple's iMac: all hardware is contained within the monitor. The Eee Top features a touch-sensitive 40-centimetre screen, the company announced.

The computer, based on the technology behind Asus' Eee PC mini laptop, allows for the display to be controlled using either a stylus or the user's finger. A keyboard and mouse are also included in the delivery.

Dusseldorf - Folding electronic carts and text-reading mobile phones are just some of the latest gadgets exhibited at the recent Rehacare Fair in Dusseldorf for the handicapped.

Around 758 exhibitors from 30 countries attended the show.

First there's Luggie, a folding electronic cart intended as a travel aid. Folded, it's about as big as a suitcase and weighs 21.5 kilograms including batteries. Its patented mechanics allows the suitcase to unfold in seconds and turning into a cart with a maximum speed of 6.5 kilometres an hour and the capacity to climb grades of up to eight degrees.

Swiss producer FreeRider Corp hopes to start production in January and sell the Luggie for about 2,000 euros (2,663 dollars) each.

Srinagar, Oct 26 : Jammu and Kashmir People''s Conference has launched a mass programme calling for boycott of forthcoming elections in the state.

Peoples'' Conference party leader Sajad Gani Lone said his party''s village-level units would campaign for poll boycott.

"We have launched a programme to boycott elections. People Conference is a cadre-based party. We have passed a resolution that all our village-level units will work as anti-election boycott units till the elections. We will run boycott campaigns in their respected villages," said Lone.

The All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference has called for a complete boycott of the elections scheduled to be held in seven phases.

Miami - As if it were a generational war, Florida's Cuban- Americans are divided by age over centre-left Democrat Barack Obama and centre-right Republican John McCain for the White House.

As in earlier elections, particularly the controversial vote in 2000 when the country was left hanging for weeks like so many ballot chads, Florida is likely to play a key role on November 4.