Apple updates iMacs with faster processor, graphics

Mon, 04/28/2008 - 5:54am — Chauncey Dupree

Apple today upgraded its iMac selection to include faster (and more efficient) Penryn (or Montevina QX9770!?) processors - topping out at over 3 GHz. The iMacs can be configured with much burlier graphics cards (NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS) as well. Unsurprisingly, Apple didn't include Blu Ray as an option...perhaps next time?

“The iMac’s gorgeous aluminum and glass all-in-one design has been an incredible hit with our customers and is just one of the reasons Mac sales are growing three and a half times faster than PC sales,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the latest Intel processors, a faster new graphics option and more memory, customers now have even more reasons to love the iMac.”

Also Apple touts the new iMac's green credentials:

The iMac furthers Apple’s commitment to environmental progress with highly recyclable and durable materials including scratch-resistant glass and professional grade aluminum. Every model in the iMac line is rated EPEAT Silver and the power-efficient iMac also meets the stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements for power consumption. Customers who purchase any qualifying Apple computer can recycle their old PC or Mac® for free via the Apple Recycling Program.

The new iMacs are on sale immediately and start at $1200 in the US.

20", 2.4GHz, 1GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT 128MB. $1199
20", 2.6GHz, 2GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO 256MB, $1499
24", 2.8GHz, 2GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO 256MB, $1799
24", 3.06GHz, 2GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS 512MB, $2199

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Comments

which one?

Mon, 04/28/2008 - 7:06am — vjack (not verified)

I've been planning to pick up a 24" as soon as these came out. If I'm going to use it mostly for Photoshop/Aperture/Lightroom, will I want the new NVIDIA card even if I'll never use it for gaming?

What, no mini?

Mon, 04/28/2008 - 7:32am — Mark (not verified)

What, no mini update?

Why oh why!!????

((((

mini replacement

Mon, 04/28/2008 - 9:32am — Khurt Louis Francis Elliot Williams (not verified)

I'm hoping the mini update ( if there is one ) will be more of a "mini replacement". Apple could take the iMac and "fold" it into a package slight larger than the mini ( maybe the size of two minis stacked ) but with a slot for upgrading graphics and/or memory.

well heres my two cents 1.

Mon, 04/28/2008 - 6:38pm — macless :( (not verified)

well heres my two cents
1. The appletv should have a blueray and/or dvd drive to make it perfect.
2. the mini should have the what it has + the abilities of an apple tv. and should again have updates but make the second one have higher specs and be taller.
(now im broke i only had two cents)

20" display panel

Mon, 04/28/2008 - 9:53pm — 9to5Mac Noob (not verified)

Does anyone know if the new 20" iMacs have the same crappy panel, or did they by chance upgrade it?

Considering the likely cost

Tue, 04/29/2008 - 12:54pm — D'bug (not verified)

Considering the likely cost and perhaps size issues of offering a BluRay drive, it is easy to see how it isn't yet worthwhile for the vast majority of users.

I think Apple is making the right choice in holding out until Sony of whoever can provide them with a drive that also includes BluRay burning capabilities.
The ability to archive to BluRay discs would be useful, and some would probably like to author their own HD content in a form easily sent to clients/friends.
The blank media I've seen at retail was something like $25 a disc, but the prices will come down when volume ramps up.
I remember when blank CDs were $9 each.
Perhaps some remember when Apple introduced a G4 with a DVD burner available. Until the day before, a raw drive was $5000, more than the cost of the whole system.
Apple will provide enhancements when the time is right.

20", 2.6GHz, 2GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO 2

Thu, 08/07/2008 - 12:12pm — MMeeks (not verified)

Sure, $1499.00 - but as far as we are concern - It's awesome!

We're happy to use Windows/Linux via (parallels-purchased separately) - and (spaces) - which makes our Apple World much more enjoyable. Currently - we have some Windows programs that need to run until they can be replaced with more productive software.

With the new IMac Dual Core 2.6 - it does what we need it to do and more. Great for front desk operations and customer service locations. Great size to view and less area needed to host the platform.

As a Systems Manager for a large agency - I find that I will never go back to Vista or PC Based Machine anytime soon! We plan to move many more Window Workstations to the IMac as soon as possible.

Gamers - you might want to stick with your pc! Someone has to support Micro$oft.

Regards