New iBooks were not the only change from Apple on Tuesday. The company also served up a redesigned Apple Store online. The new design demonstrates Apple's increased emphasis on software, analysts said. "It seems that Apple has made the online experience match closely with their retail stores as a place to not only buy computers but the entire life cycle associated with them," Jupiter's Gartenberg said. While typically known for computers, Apple has been using software as a key differentiator between Macs and PCs. Under the three-column redesign, Apple Store online customers are greeted with a rotating image selling different items such as the new iBook. Below that image comes Apple's top-selling hardware -- notebooks and the iPod music player -- followed by another row with Macs. But software gets stronger placement on the page -- two rows showing box shots of Mac OS X 10.2, the iLife digital media suite and Final Cut Express. The redesign also places more emphasis on peripherals and third-party software. "The greater emphasis on peripherals and software helps focus the Apple experience as a one-stop shop for the digital lifestyle," Gartenberg said. Down the right-hand column, Apple lists top sellers, new items and staff favourites. Apple estimates that more than 40 percent of sales come through its online store.
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