NEW YORK  —  Apple Computer Inc (AAPL) on Wednesday introduced new versions of its hugely popular digital music player, including an 'iPod mini' than can store more songs and has improved battery power.

Apple unveiled an "iPod mini (search)" with 4 gigabytes of memory at around $200, as well as an "iPod photo (search)" model with 60 gigabytes for about $450.

The company said both "iPod mini" models featured improved battery life of up to 18 hours.

Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple is the No. 1 seller of portable digital music players — often called MP3 players — which allow users to carry thousand of songs on a device smaller than wallet. According to Banc of America Securities, Apple's share of the MP3 player market rose to 40.2 percent in the December quarter, up from 37.5 percent in the Sept. quarter.

Apple also introduced an iPod Camera Connector (search) for about $30, that lets users link their digital camera to an iPod photo model — which has a built-in color screen. Users can then transfer snapshots over to the iPod, where they can be viewed.

Apple shares climbed 84 cents, or about 1 percent, to $86.13 in Nasdaq trade.