Apple Tuesday updated its all-in-one iMacs with Intel’s Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, confirming rumors that the Cupertino, Calif. company would completely replace the Intel Core Duo line of chips powering the desktop machines. The low-end 21.5-inch iMac now sports a 3.06GHz i3 processor for $1,199.
The mid-range 21.5-inch iMac is powered by a 3.2GHz i3 chip for $1,499, while the high-end 27-inch iMac includes a 2.93GHz Quad-Core i7 processor for $1,999.
Along with revamping the processors, Apple also included the separate ATI Radeon HD 5750 for better gaming and application graphics.
“We took the world’s best all-in-one and made it even better,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of global marketing. “With the latest processors, high-performance graphics and signature aluminum and glass design, customers are going to love the latest iMac.”
Along with a new graphic processor able to bite-off any 3D images, the new Dual-core i3 and i5 chips, along with the Quad-core i7, the desktop machines can now access the faster 1333MHz memory.
The iMacs’ SD slow now supports the SDXC format, permitting use of very high-capacity storage. One option for the 27-inch iMac is a 256GB solid state drive for primary or secondary drive.
The official refresh announcement comes after a weekend of speculation that Apple may be preparing to unveil new iMacs. The new line of iMacs is now available at Apple retailers, online and authorized resellers.
