Core i5 iMac ships, C2D model delayed

(Update with more shipping info) Apple this morning began sending notices that it has started shipping at least Core i5-equipped versions of the 27-inch iMac. The company's first quad-core consumer desktop is now listed for Electronista and readers as "prepared for shipment" with an unspecified ship date. Such scheduling suggests that the earliest orders may arrive within the week.

Update: Apple has confirmed it's shipping the new iMacs and expects the earliest orders to arrive within the next two days.

The system has similar specifications to the regular Core 2 Duo model, such as the 2560x1440 display, 1TB hard drive and 4GB of RAM but requires a fundamentally different mainboard as the Core i5 and i7 have built-in memory controllers and an overall new architecture. They also use a significantly more advanced Radeon HD 4850 graphics chipset. Apple has never directly explained its reasons for pushing these quad-core iMacs to November, but one or both changes in the platform are commonly believed to be the cause.

While shipping the quad-core iMacs, Apple has nonetheless warned that new orders for 27-inch Core 2 Duo models are facing a shipping delay of 7-10 business days. MacNN reader Robert claims the delay is primarily the result of Radeon 4850 supplies, an explanation reportedly echoed by Apple representatives.

By Electronista Staff

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iMac, computers, Radeon, Core 2, Core i7, Apple, Core i5