14 DAY TRIAL // As expected, Apple's store is back online with upgraded Macs. All three desktop computer systems – the iMac, the Mac mini and the Mac Pro – have been equipped with NVIDIA graphics, more memory and storage, while the entry prices have remained in place.
The 20-inch iMac features a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 320GB Serial ATA hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics. Those opting for the 24-inch model can get processors as fast as a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, and a 640GB or 1TB Serial ATA hard drive. There's also the option to choose from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics cards. According to the Mac maker, the 24-inch iMac delivers a 30 percent larger display than the previous generation models.
All iMac models come with the same glossy display with a built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers. However, the new iMacs now also have a Mini DisplayPort connector, built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a total of six USB 2.0 ports (including two on the Apple Keyboard), and one FireWire 800 port. The new iMacs start at $1,199 for the 20-inch and $1,499 for the 24-inch SKU.
Apple also introduced new Mac Pros today, using Intel “Nehalem” Xeon processors and a next-generation system architecture to deliver up to twice the performance of the previous generation Pros. Starting at $2,499, the new Pro features the latest NVIDIA graphics and an updated interior for easier expansion.
“The new Mac Pro is a significant upgrade and starts at $300 less than before,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The Mac Pro features an advanced system architecture, new faster processors and our best-ever graphics options to deliver a faster, more powerful system that our professional customers are going to love.”
As for the Mac mini (the small ones always get left behind), it's still available in two forms, priced at $599 and $799, respectively. However, the compact system we've all grown to love has been beefed up quite a bit. The mini now offers a 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, up to 320GB Serial ATA hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and a SuperDrive. Topping it all is the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics “for up to five times better graphics performance than before and now with dual display support can drive two Apple or third-party displays with Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections,” according to Apple. The company adds that the new Mac mini is the most energy efficient desktop in the world.
Visit the newly updated Apple store here to have a closer look at the upgraded Macs. Details on the upgrades for each Mac are to be posted in separate articles.