CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple, basking in the success of the iPhone and iPad, is bringing the look of those mobile devices to its computers as well.

"What would happen if an iPad hooked up with a MacBook?" asked Apple CEO Steve Jobs during a launch event at the company's headquarters. With that, he introduced a new version of the MacBook Air laptop.

Like the iPad, the new Air has no hard drive. It relies instead on flash memory, which is pricey but more durable if dropped or bumped. The Air also has longer battery life than earlier models.

The computers start at $999 and go all the way up to $1,599, depending upon the size of the screen and the amount of storage. The first MacBook Air sold for over $2000.

The new Air laptops are available today.

Additionally, Apple said it will add the popular App Store, now available on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, to Macintosh computers.

"We've been inspired by the work we've done on the iPad, and we want to bring it back to the Mac," Jobs said.

As with the iPad and iPhone, Jobs says he will split revenues with outside software developers, keeping 30% of the fees. Apple will begin accepting submissions from developers in November.

The App Store will be added to Macs, as a download, within 90 days. It will also be featured as part of Apple's upcoming operating system update, Lion, which is expected in summer 2011.

Apple also added its "FaceTime" video chat service, available now for the iPhone and iPod Touch, to Macs. It's out today as a beta download at apple.com.

Additionally, it introduced a new version of its iLife software suite, with new versions of its iPhoto, iMovie and Garage Band programs. The new iPhoto has added templates for slideshows, while iMovie has 15 different ways to turn your video clips into movie trailers accompanied by music from the London Symphony Orchestra.

Apple said it sold 13.7 million Macintosh computers, worth $22 billion, last year, and that nearly 50 million Macs are in use worldwide.

The idea about apps to the computer is pretty ingenious.  It is so obvious and right before us that we don't even see it. How did the other computer makers miss it themselves.   Once apps became big for phones yes it is logical forcthem to be on computers.  Apple sees the forest from the trees and the otter just can't get out of their own way.

I saw the new Mac Book Air at the store today. It looked really nice and thin. Not sure if I would buy one but it did impress me.

I haven't seen the new one yet, is it even thinner??  I understand how thin makes it lighter, but i get the feeling its going to crack or snap or something!  Still prefer the solid feel of the macbook and macbookpros.

seems many people have good comments on the new macbook air. here are some pics about this new product.

Looks good! But im afraid that if i get one it might crack its really thin! And i really had some pretty bad experiences with thin laptops especially when im working with people has anyone tried insuring their laptop yet? : )

There have not been any reports that the old version was flimsy and damage prone.  The flash memory instead of the typical hard drive is more hardy and resistant to breakage.   Admit though never liked the look of the old air v

Reading this article just gave me an idea. Wouldn't it be great if there were a 141 app? It's times like this when I wish I could design applications rather than just wish for one. Haha! It would be so nice if I was in TST and could just open a 141 app and search for the nearest WG and then get directions to her place using google maps. I love my iPhone, but I would love it a whole lot more if there was an app for this site.