SAN FRANCISCO — Three years after rewriting the books on computer design and simplicity with the iMac, Apple Computer Inc. on Monday unveiled updated models with a flat-screen display, faster processor and a new look.

        The revamped iMac looks nothing like its egg-shape predecessor or any other PC for that matter. A 15-inch liquid crystal display attaches by a chrome swivel bar to a white base that holds the guts of the computer.

        “This is the best thing I think we've ever done,” said Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder and chief executive, during a two-hour speech at the Macworld Expo trade show.

        The basic configuration, which will cost $1,299 and be available in March, runs on a 700 megahertz G4 processor. It has 128 megabytes of memory, a 40 gigabyte hard drive and a rewritable compact disk drive.

        The middle model, available in February, has twice as much memory and a combination rewritable CD drive and DVD player. It is priced at $1,499.

        The flagship model, which will start selling for $1,799 this month, has an 800 MHz G4 processor, 256 megabytes of memory, a 60 gigabyte hard drive and a combination “SuperDrive” that can write and record CDs and DVDs.

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