Apple introduces new iMacs

The new 27-inch iMac. Photo courtesy of Apple

Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif., updated its all-in-one iMac line with the latest Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors and powerful new graphics. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac line is the fastest ever with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz, quad-core speeds up to 2.93 GHz and discrete graphics including the ATI Radeon HD 5750. The new Magic Trackpad, with a  glass and aluminum design, gives iMac users Multi-Touch gestures and is available separately for $69.

Dual-core Intel Core i3 and Core i5, and quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors feature an integrated memory controller to access the system memory directly, allowing the new iMac to take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory. New discrete ATI Radeon HD processors deliver crisp graphics for the 3D games, creative software and technical applications. iMac displays feature IPS technology to deliver an image across a wide 178 degree viewing angle. The SD card slot on the iMac now supports the SDXC media card format. Customers of the 27-inch iMac have the option to order a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) as a primary or secondary drive. The iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch times.

Every iMac comes with Apple’s Magic Mouse and customers can also order the new Magic Trackpad as an option. The Magic Trackpad brings the intuitive Multi-Touch gestures of Mac notebook trackpads to the desktop. With its glass surface, the wireless Magic Trackpad enables users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can be configured to support single button or two button commands and supports tap-to-click as well as a physical click.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, the company says Apple’s desktop lineup is a leader in green design.

Every Mac also comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, operating system and iLife, Apple’s suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. iLife features iPhoto, with new ways to organize and manage your photos by who appears in them and where they were taken; iMovie, with features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand, which offers a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

The new iMac line is shipping now and available through the Apple Store and Apple Authorized Resellers. Suggested retail prices range from US$1,199 to US$1,999.