The Leopard operating system crafted for Apple's Macintosh computer boasts more than 300 new features and the "Ultimate" version is priced at 129 dollars.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs bills Leopard "the best upgrade we've ever released."

Leopard features touted by Apple reflect the company's hip style and focus on making tasks easier for computer users.

A Time Machine feature automatically backs-up music files, pictures, applications, and "absolutely everything" a person puts on their Macintosh, according to Apple vice president of platform experience Scott Forstall.

The operating system also enables users to remotely search for files on all computers connected to their network.

Leopard also has simple tools for people to create "widget" applications that stream feeds from websites onto small windows on computer screens.

For example, a Macintosh user could keep a continuously updated best-selling book list or the views from chosen web cameras on a desktop screen, Forstall demonstrated.

Leopard is also designed with better text-reading, Braille support, and closed captioning for people with disabilities.

Leopard e-mail allows users to create virtual equivalents of fancy stationery decorated with personal photographs.

Modifications to iChat allow people linked via web cameras to share slide show presentations, playfully distort their pictures or insert fake backdrops.

Apple originally planned to launch Leopard at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco in June.