Apple's shares (AAPL) closed today at $76.90 which is the highest stock value on Apple's financial history, while the stock reached a day high of $77.89. Apple's market capitalisation is now more than $31 billion. As comparison, it was less than $4 billion a few years ago and now it is half the capitalisation of HP (HPQ).

Today, Apple has announced new, speed-bumped Powerbooks with some new features and slight price drops. The new Powerbook line is now competitive again over PC laptops. Signs of the Mac mini's big succes are already appearing and are probably also the reason why the stock has climbed so much.

On after hours trading, Apple is slightly down to $76.70.

UPDATE: Apple's shares (AAPL) have surged again today, breaking once again history records by reaching $79.63 on markets close. The stock price is down to $79.30 on after hours trading though.