APPLE Computer shares fell sharply yesterday following company projections of more losses and slumping sales for the struggling computer group.

Apple shares were off 3 7/8 at 17 7/8 on the Nasdaq exchange in New York after Apple said last Friday it expects to report an operating loss for the quarter to December 27th of $100 million to $150 million.

The latest projections cast a cloud over Apple's reorganisation plan, which has included job cuts and the replacement of its top executive. The company employs more than 1,500 people in a plant in Cork.

The company reports its results on January 15th.