14 DAY TRIAL // An all-new version of the iMac will soon be available to order from Apple, bringing a stunning new design and jaw-dropping performance to the all-in-one PC segment. Pricing starts at $1,299 / €1,000 for the base configuration with a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz).
At the California Theatre in San Jose, California, Tim Cook & Co. announced a range of new products, which included a brand new version of the iMac with an all-new design and a much-needed boost in performance, after almost two years since the last refresh.
Apple is using the same type of aluminum & glass combo enclosure with a much thinner form factor, cramming pro-grade performance in a shell that has 40 percent less volume than the previous-generation iMac.
Its edge is just 5 mm thin (0.19 inches) making it look like a sheet of paper compared to its predecessors. Apple actually shows a comparison between the multiple generations of iMacs since 1998 on its website to emphasize today’s advancements in design (image further below).
The display has been completely reengineered to reduce reflection by 75 percent but still maintain brilliant color and contrast.
Inside, the all-in-one packs the third generation of quad-core Intel Core i5 processors that can be upgraded to Core i7.
Graphics-wise, customers will get the latest NVIDIA GeForce processors with up to 60 percent faster performance.
The standard for built-in memory (RAM) is now 8GB (1600 MHz) and storage begins at 1TB (traditional platter-based hard drive). Customers can also choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and a new 3TB hard drive, or 768GB of flash storage.
Apple introduces Fusion Drive, a new storage option that combines the advantages of flash (SSD) storage and the capacity of a hard drive (HDD) by including 128GB of flash with a standard 1TB or 3TB hard drive to create a single storage volume that manages files intelligently to optimize read and write performance.
On the I/O front, users get two Thunderbolt ports and four USB 3.0 ports.
The new iMac will retail for $1,299 (US) / €1,000 in standard configuration. As usual, the Cupertino mammoth will offer build-to-order options for those who want more memory, storage, and processing power. Available in 21.5-inch and 27-inch configurations, the computer will ship this November.
Commenting on the new all-in-one systems, Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said, "With a stunning design, brilliant display and faster performance, we’ve made the world’s leading all-in-one desktop computer better in every way. The all-new iMac is unbelievably thin, yet packs an incredible amount of performance and technology into our most innovative desktop.”
