Tuesday, October 20th 2009
Apple Updates iMac Lineup with 21.5-inch and 27-inch Models
Apple gave its flagship desktop computer, the iMac a healthy specifications update that warps the iMac right back into competing with the PCs of this generation. The update involves introducing two new models, a 21.5-inch one, and another massive 27-inch model, to replace the existing 20 and 24-inch offerings, respectively. The major update aims to achieve giving the iMac a true widescreen display that is at least full HD capable, powerful hardware including the advent of quad-core processors to the iMac, and a host of changes to the hardware and peripherals. Prices start at $1199.
To begin with, the 21.5-inch model features a 16:9 full HD display with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the 27-inch model comes with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution. The displays on both use IPS panels that provide a viewing angle as wide as 178°, with high color fidelity. The displays use LED backlit for uniform, instant-on illumination. Such technologies we previously found on Apple's high-end Cinema displays. Both feature enclosures that are distinctively "wide-screen", and slim at that. Both feature all-aluminum backs.
The under-the-hood changes include memory that is now configurable up to 16 GB, quad-core processors, and up to 2 TB of storage. The $1199 21.3-inch base model features an Intel Core 2 Duo 3.06 GHz processor, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, 4 GB of memory, and 500 GB of storage. At $1499, the same can be had with a 1 TB hard drive, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics. At $1699, you get the 27-inch model, with the same hardware specs as the $1499 one. Finally, at $1999, is the 27-inch model slated for November, which features Intel Core i5 2.66 GHz quad-core processor, and ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics. With this model, you will be able to opt for a more powerful Core i7 "Lynnfield" processor.
Other hardware and peripheral changes include an SD card slot right below the optical-drive slot towards the user's right side, a new version Apple wireless keyboard, and the all new Apple Magic Mouse. Users can opt for wired input devices for no change in price. The Apple Magic Mouse brings multi-touch technology to the mouse. The entire top-area of the mouse is a multi-touch surface, which lets you not only click and scroll, but also to scroll in any direction, and perform multi-touch actions with some applications. It uses Bluetooth to communicate with the computer, and uses two AA batteries. A wired version is also available. Existing Mac owners can buy the Magic Mouse single piece for $69. The 27-inch iMac will use adapters that will take display input from external sources that turn it into a standalone display, or HDTV. Both these new iMacs also feature redesigned speakers that improve bass response, and reduce distortion.
Source:
Macworld
To begin with, the 21.5-inch model features a 16:9 full HD display with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the 27-inch model comes with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution. The displays on both use IPS panels that provide a viewing angle as wide as 178°, with high color fidelity. The displays use LED backlit for uniform, instant-on illumination. Such technologies we previously found on Apple's high-end Cinema displays. Both feature enclosures that are distinctively "wide-screen", and slim at that. Both feature all-aluminum backs.
Other hardware and peripheral changes include an SD card slot right below the optical-drive slot towards the user's right side, a new version Apple wireless keyboard, and the all new Apple Magic Mouse. Users can opt for wired input devices for no change in price. The Apple Magic Mouse brings multi-touch technology to the mouse. The entire top-area of the mouse is a multi-touch surface, which lets you not only click and scroll, but also to scroll in any direction, and perform multi-touch actions with some applications. It uses Bluetooth to communicate with the computer, and uses two AA batteries. A wired version is also available. Existing Mac owners can buy the Magic Mouse single piece for $69. The 27-inch iMac will use adapters that will take display input from external sources that turn it into a standalone display, or HDTV. Both these new iMacs also feature redesigned speakers that improve bass response, and reduce distortion.
37 Comments on Apple Updates iMac Lineup with 21.5-inch and 27-inch Models
It's embarrasing that it is Apple that is yet again innovating... and us PC'ers can only hope for the time when this tech trickles down to us cheapskates.
I am getting very close to buying an Apple and bootcamping it.
:nutkick:
Joking aside, sadly apple solders the chips to the logic board which prevents upgrades :/
That nice resolution would be the only real reason I would get one...
There are more reasons to get an Mac laptop than an desktop. It's pointless to have a desktop that can't play games. Especially when you have 27" monitor.
Anyone who thinks that buying Apple is right disappoints me.
You want a magic mouse? Get a USB one. There are millions created for PC.
Just because Apple makes dare-I-say 'luxurious' hardware items doesn't mean they don't exist for "PC's".
I really take offense when you call PC owner "cheapskates". The truth is we know what we should waste thousands on and what NOT.
/517th Apple rant
-You can't do gaming,
-There are cheaper solutions for watching h-def movies, or you could just plug your hdtv to your Mac laptop.
I guess you want to surf webs in high resolution, and read texts in h-def. I meant no offends, the monitor is truly nice, but that didn't give me enough reason to spend that much.
Beside, do iMac even have a blu-ray drive?
Speaking for myself here I enjoy getting 5+ hours of battery life and have the option for more power when I want it, I enjoy the slim aluminum stream line design of mac's, the great customer support when I want it, and the usability of OSX over windows. I could by a pc that has a quad core and a gtx 285 stuffed in it running hot as hell with only an hour of battery life but choose not to. I could buy a Roush Mustang that would smoke my BMW but don't. It all come down to personal pref is all not everyone buys a computer or builds one with gaming ability being first on the list. Granite this is TPU so gaming being number one is kind of expected. LOL
@kid41212003: It has an 8x DVD+/-RW drive. No HD videos for you (at least not on a disk). :(
You can play BD on these. External bd rom drive, vmware. Only reason they don't come with is because theirs no software to support blue ray at the moment, if ever. lol
As for looks, meh, Ive never liked macs looks. Underpowered, overpriced... the only thing it has going for it is this fabled "usability" they keep touting. Honestly, if you cant figure out windows, theres no hope for you in the computer world anyway, and you sure as hell won't figure out a mac, especially once you realize that you have to jump through hoops (albiet far less of them than a few years ago) to interact with your peers who have PC's. If Macs were priced right, i'd jump all over something like this, but the value just isnt there. I cant see how anyone would want the BMW over the Rouch Mustang (no offense to you personally, woody you just had a good metaphor, that I happen to not agree with lol) The mustang is easily modifiable, easy to get parts for, faster, and stronger. The only thing the BMW has on it is its quieter and more expensive. Quite a good metaphor really.
I wont even begin on the Apple flame thread lol
That Magic Mouse is pretty sweet though. Can't wait for that tech to come to PC - especially with multi-touch support in Win 7.
There's no guess work with buttons and feedback is instantaneous.. Motion sensing has a large processing overhead which leads to delayed responses and even more annoying, incorrect interpretations of the motions. The only reason why it exists is because Apple refuses to put holes in their products, no matter how useful or necessary (e.g. vents on laptops, standard display connectors, etc.). My estimate is that it will be as unsuccessful as the "Mighty Mouse."