Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL) Tuesday launched its next generation for its consumer notebook, iBook.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs says the theme for the redesigned laptops is "Your life. To go."

"We really think this will be core the key to our new philosophy that our computers are a Digital Hub," says Jobs at the Cupertino-based company's campus.

Previously, code-named Marble, The laptop has dropped the color, handle and shape of previous iBooks - not to mention two pounds off its weight - to make it look more like its professional model counterpart, the G4 titanium. The newer version is also stark white in color compared with traditional notebooks.

"It couldn't be more black and white," says Jobs comparing the new iBook to closest Dell computer counterpart.

The revamped iBook runs a 500MHz G3 processor with a screen resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels and comes with four configurations. The top end model includes a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. Prices for the four models range from $1,299 to $1,799. Apple says it will drop the price for educators to $1,199.

The company was even more excited to announce a pre-order for 23,000 units of the new iBooks from Henrico County Public Schools in Richmond, Virginia. The new iBooks are expected to begin shipping in mid-May.

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Jobs says the iBook is growing in popularity as a tool for schools because of its wireless networking Airport technology. Apple says it has sold more than 500,000 models of its Airport networking platform. The iBook has sold 700,000 units since it was first introduced in 1999.

OS X Now Burns

Jobs also announced updates to Apple's newest operating system, OS X.

The second software update, which was posted today at noon, allows OS X users to download CD-burning software for free, something lacking in its initial release.

Current OS X users will be getting automatic update messages from Apple letting them know about the available changes.