iMac line updated with 16:9 displays, quad-core Core i5 model

Apple on Tuesday announced a major update to its iMac line of desktop computers, replacing the old 20- and 24-inch models with new 21.5-inch and 27-inch models featuring a true widescreen 16x9 aspect ratio and impressive high-end features previously found only in the Mac Pro line, including the first quad-core processor ever in an iMac.

 The displays on both models are backlit by LEDs, marking the first time Apple has integrated this bright, instant-on lighting in a desktop computer. The 21.5-inch display has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, the equivalent of a 1080p HDTV, and features 90 percent of the resolution of the old 24-inch iMac model. The massive 27-inch model’s resolution is 2560x1440 pixels. Both use the IPS display technology used previously only on high-end iMacs, meaning both systems have good color fidelity and a 178-degree viewing angle without color shift.

These new models offer a new RAM ceiling of 16GB, double the maximum memory of previous models. The iMacs can now can be configured with up to 2TB of storage.

The low-end 21.5-inch iMac model, priced at $1199, features a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce 9400M video circuitry. A $1499 model features the same specs other than a 1TB hard drive and the Radeon HD 4670 video card. The $1699 27-inch model features the same specs as the $1499 model, but with the 27-inch display. All of those models are available immediately.

The $1999 high-end model, which won’t be available until November, brings the iMac product line to new performance heights. It’s powered by a 2.66GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor and features a Radeon HD 4850 video card. A configure-to-order option will swap in the Intel Core i7 chip for the Core i5.

I’ve been waiting to purchase a new iMac, and wanted an LED display and quad-core.  The wait is almost over.  Looks like the old G5 dual-core is going on ebay shortly.

source:macworld