Apple Announces New iMac with Next-Gen Quad-Core Processors, Graphics, Thunderbolt

[btarunr]

Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.

“Our customers love the iMac’s aluminum enclosure, gorgeous display and all-in-one design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we've made the world’s best desktop even better.”



The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.

iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire® and USB consumer devices, 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. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera 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 iMac continues to feature 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.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop line is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Snow Leopard builds on more than a decade of innovation and includes the Mac App Store for finding great new apps for your Mac. iLife ’11 features iPhoto with stunning full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.

Pricing & Availability
The new iMac is available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US).

Images Courtesy: Apple

[wolf]

these are actually not badly specc'd at all for an entire PC in a screen, a beautiful screen I might add. I wouldn't buy one personally tho, that's just me.

Might take a gander next time I'm in the apple store having them replace a defective iPhone...

[pr0n Inspector]

In b4 blind folks start crapping.

[Mistral]

Awesome! Love the game on the first shot. Look at those detailed textures. I've never seen such on my Mac before. Truly illustrates the new models delivering 3 times graphics performance of the previous generation. I'll go and buy one right away!

Apple

[n-ster]

not a bad price... awesome screen as usual

27" screen alone is 1000$, so even the 1999$ model is well priced

[heinzter]

I have always been a mac fan. I bought my wife an macbook pro and I do have to say , it is amazing. However, for myself I went the windows way. As much as I would have loved a Mac, the price was the main deciding factor, similarly configured Imac would have cost me a nice bundle of cash, plus having to purchase all the programs again (ie, Nero, Lightroom, MS Office Pro, Publisher) which some are not available for mac.

My computer with 2 monitors (23 " ips) $2300
similar Imac (1 monitor) $3,300 To get a second monitor another $1000. ouch..

sorry Steve, I love your products, already have many, but if you only made the Imacs more affordable....

[Wrigleyvillain]

Originally Posted by n-ster

not a bad price... awesome screen as usual

27" screen alone is 1000$, so even the 1999$ model is well priced

Wow. An intelligent and fair analysis of an Apple computer and it's price. Am I at the right forum?

Indeed re. the screens. They are awesome (have one at work; TF2 looks incredible). And great timing on these for a side job I just got.

[heinzter]

I do agree. they are beautiful screens..

[mdm-adph]

Originally Posted by n-ster

not a bad price... awesome screen as usual

27" screen alone is 1000$, so even the 1999$ model is well priced

Yeah -- just stay away from those RAM and HD upgrades prices. Jeebus.

[NC37]

Someone contact Steve and tell him Apple is putting high end parts in Macs without him to stop it. 6970 in an iMac...whats next, actual "pro" level GPU in a MBP? Maybe even solid midrange? Or dare I dream, a return of the minitower!

[timta2]

As much as I would have loved a Mac, the price was the main deciding factor, similarly configured Imac would have cost me a nice bundle of cash, plus having to purchase all the programs again (ie, Nero, Lightroom, MS Office Pro, Publisher) which some are not available for mac.

You do know that a Mac can run all of that software using Boot Camp and Windows 7, right? Plus there is always the Parallels, Fusion, and other virtual machine software if you want to stay in the Mac OS.

[heinzter]

Yes I am aware that a Mac can run windows using parallels, I did consider that as an option before buying my system.

[n-ster]

Originally Posted by mdm-adph

Yeah -- just stay away from those RAM and HD upgrades prices. Jeebus.

4GB and 1TB HDD is much more than enough TBH.

Remember, these are m version GPUs, The 6970m is equivalent to a 6790 in terms of performance

And while many are Anti-Apple here, doesn't mean many aren't also objective about it and seriously, 27" IPS 2560x1440 is just BEAUTIFUL.

TBH- To Be Honest

[heinzter]

excuse my ignorance.. what is TBH?

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by Wrigleyvillain

Wow. An intelligent and fair analysis of an Apple computer and it's price. Am I at the right forum?

Indeed re. the screens. They are awesome (have one at work; TF2 looks incredible). And great timing on these for a side job I just got.

After my current experience with the imac Ill be staying away.

[chunky_lover]

Been wanting to get an i mac for a while now they have a decent GPU i might finally get one.

[Completely Bonkers]

If I could install XP or W2k3 native on an iMac I would buy two. I'm serious. Unfortunately, bootcamp compatibility was dropped for all but W7. Shame.

[MN12BIRD]

Wow this Thunderbolt port sounds like it's the be all and end all of ports! Faster than USB 3.0, compatible with DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, Firewire and external PCI-e? Damn.

[Wiselnvestor]

Originally Posted by n-ster

4GB and 1TB HDD is much more than enough TBH.

Remember, these are m version GPUs, The 6970m is equivalent to a 6790 in terms of performance

And while many are Anti-Apple here, doesn't mean many aren't also objective about it and seriously, 27" IPS 2560x1440 is just BEAUTIFUL.

TBH- To Be Honest

Ummm HD 6970m is the equivalent of HD 6850 in desktop terms.

From notebookcheck.net

http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Rad...M.43077.0.html

"The AMD Mobility Radeon HD 6970M (or sometimes called ATI Mobility Radeon HD 6970) is a high-end graphics card for big and heavy laptops. It is based on the desktop HD 6850 graphics card and therefore features the new UVD3 video processor and Eyefinity+. The codename of this GPU is Blackcomb XT and it should have a similar power consumption as the GeForce GTX 480M."

[random]

This looks really good, probably the beastliest integrated system I've seen to date so far excluding lappies. I'm surprised they didn't overprice it but thats imo.

[n-ster]

Originally Posted by Wiselnvestor

Ummm HD 6970m is the equivalent of HD 6850 in desktop terms.

From notebookcheck.net

http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Rad...M.43077.0.html

"The AMD Mobility Radeon HD 6970M (or sometimes called ATI Mobility Radeon HD 6970) is a high-end graphics card for big and heavy laptops. It is based on the desktop HD 6850 graphics card and therefore features the new UVD3 video processor and Eyefinity+. The codename of this GPU is Blackcomb XT and it should have a similar power consumption as the GeForce GTX 480M."

No it is based loosely on the 6850, but is downclocked and performs as well as a 6790

[MN12BIRD]

I really hate the miss-leading mobile naming scheme and now that iMacs are using them it's even more miss-leading. Mac owners will be all like my iMac has a 6970 and that's better than your 6870! Sad thing is it's not Apples fault it's AMDs! Who would have thought AMD's own marketing would help make Apple and by extension Intel look better!

[n-ster]

Originally Posted by MN12BIRD

I really hate the miss-leading mobile naming scheme and now that iMacs are using them it's even more miss-leading. Mac owners will be all like my iMac has a 6970 and that's better than your 6870! Sad thing is it's not Apples fault it's AMDs! Who would have thought AMD's own marketing would help make Apple and by extension Intel look better!

Not like nvidia don't do this either , not like this isn't true since countless # of years

[Wile E]

Exactly what I was waiting for. It's now time to upgrade my 1st gen Core2 iMac.

[FordGT90Concept]

Originally Posted by Mistral

Awesome! Love the game on the first shot. Look at those detailed textures. I've never seen such on my Mac before. Truly illustrates the new models delivering 3 times graphics performance of the previous generation. I'll go and buy one right away!

Apple

What game is it? Yeah, its good for a Mac but bad for Windows (looks 2006-2007ish). Is it Need for Speed: Carbon?