Tuesday, July 27th 2010
Apple Unveils Hardware Specs. Updates for iMacs, Mac Pro, and a New Cinema Display
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.
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.
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.
89 Comments on Apple Unveils Hardware Specs. Updates for iMacs, Mac Pro, and a New Cinema Display
Hard drive failed in my Ferrari One (the cheapest subnotebook available - 350€), called tech support in the afternoon, the next morning someone was at my place to pick the laptop.
8 days later I had my laptop delivered back home with a new hard drive. Plus, every electronic equipment has at least 2 years warranty in the E.U.
Let's not forget that all those Apple-loving tech support comparisons are made in the U.S.A., and unfortunately that infects the general opinion throughout the whole world.
In an answer to someone questioning the choice between a 40" 1080 screen and a 27" with higher rz, why would i care for that extra rz if movies all come in 1080 or less, and you would also need a kick ass gc to power it, when the 40 gives you near twice the area and lowers your hardware requirements, not mention its actually a tv with many video inputs and decent speakers, and probably an image near as good...
It seems to me apple isnt getting much love these days...
Oh and if Apple care is so great then why does the state of Florida not recognize their warranty program? I had to register my old laptop with a Georgia address!
Could have something to do with being a Windows user for 16 years, and only using the Mac Pro at my previous job for Folding, but still, 2 months! On top of that, felt slow and crashed about once/day.
I do that now in bootcamped 7 with the exceptions: PuTTy instead of Terminal, VMware Server instead of VirtualBox, Media Player instead of iTunes, Outlook instead of in a browser tab. In addition, also have WCG going 24/7 on 50% cores (4 cores). Didn't have any distributed computing running in OSX.
But even if OSX ran smoothly 24/7 -and maybe it can, I'm not the first user on this machine- that's not my biggest problem with it. It's just not for me ;)
EDIT: In fact I'm FORCED to use those things at school.
As far as their service, I don't know. Never had to use it.
As for people comparing to self built, you can't do that. This is an OEM computer, you have to compare it to other OEMs. iMac is simply the best all-in-one out there, thanks to having a real screen.
All graphic designer should switch to Windows!
Now upgrade the video card and DVD to Blu-ray
Yeah, plus that service call, as mac users "don't plug things in" they just don't do that".
and i think Apple is no better than dell, HP, acer. so its no where excellent.
(except for its IPS display but they ruined it with glossy finish).
oh and i forget to add, led backlight is crap, CCFL FTW
Even the best manufacturers of any product have defects. Your single experience doesn't account for the entire brand.