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.