Apple has unveiled the updated edition of its signature all-in-one desktop computer, the iMac. The new iMacs are upgraded with the second generation quad-core Intel Core i processors, all new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera.
Apple claimed that the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation. The new iMacs are available in two sizes, the 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions with price tags starting at $1,999. The most expensive model costs $1,999.
Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt I/O Technology was first seen on Apple’s MacBook Pro laptops and features two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to 10Gbps each. Thunderbolt works with FireWire, USB and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch variant features two ports.
Also included is a built-in FaceTime HD camera that supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, the current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs. The new iMacs use its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
All new iMacs come with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, bundled with iLife ’11 software suite including iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand etc.
Pricing and Availability
The new iMac is available through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers, with shipping starting from May 4, 2011 in the U.S.
The following is the price list for all models of iMac.
21.5-inch iMac
- 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive : $1,199
- 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive : $1,499
27-inch iMac
- 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive : $1,699
- 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive : $1,999
Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare Protection Plan.
Closer at home, Machines has unveiled the pricing for all models of iMac on their Facebook page, but no details on the launch date in Malaysia.
Pricing for new iMacs:
- 21.5-inch 2.5GHz: RM3,799
- 21.5-inch 2.7GHz: RM4,699
- 27-inch 2.7GHz: RM5,299
- 27-inch 3.1GHz: RM6,299
