Apple Computer Inc. on Monday introduced its new professional desktop computer line called the Mac Pro, which will use the Intel Corp. Xeon chipset, as Chief Executive Steve Jobs took the stage at the iPod and Mac maker's annual conference for software developers.

The new Mac Pro line, which will cost about $2,500, replaces the Power Mac line and will use dual Xeon chips in each computer.

The new Mac is twice as fast than the one it replaces, Philip Schiller, head of Apple worldwide product marketing, told conference attendees.

Jobs also previewed the next version of its OS X operating system, code-named Leopard to an audience of thousands at Moscone Center in San Francisco.

There's some top secret features we're going to keep a little close to the vest, Jobs said on stage.

Apple has not announced a launch date for the next operating system.

Shares of Apple rose 79 cents, or 1.16 percent, to $69.09 on the Nasdaq during the presentation.

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