Apple today announced a large-scale refresh of its Mac line of computers. The refresh includes new models, and hardware updates on existing ones. Highlights include: 1. a complete transition to Intel 2010 Core Series processors (i3/i5/i7, across the board), a speed step up on existing SKUs, and a brilliant new Cinema display. To begin with, the entire range of iMac desktops now feature Core i3/i5/i7 processors, moving forward from Core 2 Duo that featured on the lower models. The lineup starts with Core i3 processors with speeds of up to 3.06 GHz (at the 21.5" $1,199 point), Core i3 3.20 GHz (at 21.5" $1,499 and 27" $1,699 points), and 2.80 GHz Core i5 quad-core (at the 27" $1,999 point).

Earlier, the 27", $1,999 model featured a 2.66 GHz Core i5 processor. Each of these models optionally offer faster processors. While the 21.5" $1,199 model packs ATI Radeon HD 4670 512 MB graphics, the $1,499 and $1,699 models come with ATI Radeon HD 5670 512 MB graphics, and the 27" one packs ATI Radeon HD 5750 1 GB. All models pack 4 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333 MHz memory.Next up is a similar specifications update for the top of the line Mac Pro. This highly scalable and customizable workstation from Apple comes in two basic price-points from where customers can expand or buy the system with its default configuration. At $2,499, the Mac Pro is driven by a single Intel Xeon W3530 2.80 GHz quad-core processor with 8 MB of L3 cache, 3 GB of triple-channel ECC DDR3-1066 MHz memory, ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 GB graphics, 1 TB of HDD storage and room for expansion, while at $1,000 more, the $3,499 model is powered by two Xeon E5620 2.40 GHz quad-core processors (dual-socket), 6 GB of memory, and HD 5770 1 GB as well. These models have the option of single and dual socket six-core processors.

Apple topped it off with a new 27-inch Cinema display that makes use of the latest display technologies. The new display maintains an aspect ratio of 16:9, with a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (same as 27" iMacs), with an IPS panel, ambient light sensor that adjusts the display to the lighting conditions, and makes use of LED-backlit that makes illumination more uniform when compared to CFL-based illumination. Other features include a built-in iSight camera, and 3-port USB 2.0 hub. The Cinema display now only uses mini-DisplayPort as its connection. Said to release in September, the new 27-inch Cinema display goes for $999.