Apple unveils new Core i3-, i5- and i7-based iMacs
updated 09:15 am EDT, Tue July 27, 2010
Core 2 Duo drops from iMac line
Apple today announced an updated line of iMacs. The new series is the first to completely drop Core 2 Duo as an option, instead offering dual-core Core i3 or i5 at the lower end. Higher-end systems have a choice of quad-core Core i5 or i7. Dual-core CPUs are now rated up to 3.6GHz, whereas quad-core speeds have been boosted slightly to 2.93GHz.
All systems now use dedicated ATI Radeon HD GPUs, with the 256MB 4670 as a base option, the 512MB 5670 in the middle tiers, and the 1GB 5750 at the peak -- the only option on all 27-inch quad-core systems. RAM on each system is 4GB by default, but has been upgraded to clock at 1,333MHz. SD card slots have been given support for the SDXC format, which can in theory hold up to 2TB.
Most of the iMacs ship with a 1TB hard drive, with the exception of the bottom-level option, which starts at 500GB. New this year is the option of a 256GB SSD, which can be added to a 27-inch iMac as a primary or secondary drive.
Prices start at $1,199 for Core i3-based systems, and $1,999 for quad-core machines. Each comes with a Magic Mouse, and/or the optional Magic Trackpad, Apple's new multi-touch desktop controller. Orders should currently ship within 24 hours.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2002
Same old I/O
USB 2 and FireWire 800: so last century. But hey, you get an SD card slot!