Apple Computer Inc. said today that it would invest $100 million in Samsung Electronics, in a move to expand Samsung's production of flat-panel screens and to insure a supply for Apple's new notebook computers.

''We are pleased to partner with Samsung to insure that Apple is on the cutting edge of flat panel display technology,'' Steve Jobs, Apple's interim chief executive, said in a statement.

''With our new iBook and fast selling PowerBooks, Apple will need more flat displays than ever going forward,'' he said.

Apple introduced its iBook notebook computer last week at the MacWorld Expo. The computer, designed for consumers and the education market, has a 12.1 inch active matrix screen.