Apple unveils new iMacs with 21.5 and 27-inch displays

[AppleInsider]

Apple on Tuesday unveiled an all new iMac line dual- and quad-core iMacs featuring LED-backlit 21.5 and 27-inch widescreen displays in a new edge-to-edge glass design and seamless all aluminum enclosure.

The new iMac line, starting at $1,199, is the fastest ever with Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance. Every new iMac ships with a wireless keyboard and the all new wireless Magic Mouse, the world's first mouse with Multi-Touch technology pioneered by Apple on the iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpad.

"The iMac is widely praised as the best desktop computer in the world and today we are making it even better," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With brilliant LED displays and the revolutionary Magic Mouse, the new iMac delivers an amazing desktop experience that we think customers will love."

The new iMac features stunning LED-backlit displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for watching high definition movies and TV shows from iTunes, or editing and watching your own videos or photos using iLife. The new 21.5-inch iMac features a high resolution 1920-by-1080 pixel display. The 27-inch iMac features a beautiful 2560-by-1440 pixel display that offers 60 percent more pixels than the previous 24-inch model. Both 21.5 and 27-inch displays use IPS technology to deliver consistent color across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle.

The iMac comes standard with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse featuring Apple's revolutionary Multi-Touch technology. Instead of needing mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Using intuitive gestures, a user can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Mouse can be configured as either a single button or two button mouse, according to the user's preference. The wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse work seamlessly with the iMac's built-in Bluetooth capabilities to provide a clean, cable-free desk top.



The iMac features improved graphics across the line with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics in the 21.5-inch model, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics in the 27-inch model. The new iMac line now also features 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory and capacity up to 16GB across four SO-DIMM slots. Every iMac features a built-in iSight video camera, mic and stereo speakers integrated into the thin aluminum and glass design. iMac includes built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a total of four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and a new built-in SD card slot.



Pricing & Availability

The new 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac and Mac mini lines are now shipping and available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The Intel Core i5 and i7 quad-core iMacs are available for order and will begin shipping this November. Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server is available from the Apple Store and Apple's retail stores.

The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:

21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
500GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+ / -R DL DVD+ / -RW/CD-RW);
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
built-in iSight video camera;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
four USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.
The new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display;
3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+ / -R DL/DVD+ / -RW/CD-RW);
Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
built-in iSight video camera;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
four USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.
The new 27-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US), includes:

27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics; with 256MB GDDR3;
1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+ / -R DL/DVD+ / -RW/CD-RW);
Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
built-in iSight video camera;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
four USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.
The new 27-inch 2.66 GHz Core i5 iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display;
2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with 8MB shared L3 cache;
4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB;
ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics; with 512MB GDDR3;
1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+ / -R DL/DVD+ / -RW/CD-RW);
Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);
built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
built-in iSight video camera;
Gigabit Ethernet port;
four USB 2.0 ports;
one FireWire 800 port;
SD card slot;
built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.
Build-to-order options for the 27-inch Core i5 quad-core iMac include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor.

Back in September, sources first told AppleInsider that Apple was ready and waiting with a redesigned iMac line with a new look.

The new 16:9 screen aspect ratio supports previous rumors that Blu-ray was planned as an option in the new iMac lineup. However, sources claimed that feature was pulled at the last minute, before manufacturing began last month.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[mello]

My cousin just bought an iMac last week. Does Apple have a 14-day window where he could bring
back the iMac he bought for a new one?

[macsdounix]

As almost always.

[Cory Bauer]

Originally Posted by teckstud

No Blu iMac- WTF?
Yet they state it's "Perfect for HD video????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, pretty damn lame. They're not cheaper, they're not thinner, they've got gorgeous 16:9 screens but no Blu-Ray.

[belunos]

Those prices are actually pretty good.. I was expecting over 2k for the 27" imac

[Postulant]

Looks like I'll be heading to the Apple Store today.

[infinitespecter]

Originally Posted by Cory Bauer

Yep, pretty damn lame. They're not cheaper, they're not thinner, they've got gorgeous 16:9 screens but no Blu-Ray.

The major upgrade here is the option for Core i5 and Core i7 processors. Looking at the speeds, they look like desktop class processors as well.

[joelsalt]

Originally Posted by teckstud

No Blu iMac- WTF?
Yet they state it's "Perfect for HD video????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obv. they mean from the iTunes store. Technically 720p is HD.

edit: flame if you want, but a 27" screen will not significantly benefit from 1080p over 720p. Actually I doubt anyone could tell the difference.

I know that isn't the only reason for BRD though.

[infinitespecter]

Originally Posted by teckstud

And no matte and still ugly black border- puke.
I now have to wait 6 more months.

You have to wait a lot longer than that. This is a totally new facelift for the iMac, and they seem to keep them around for a couple of years before making changes.

Originally Posted by teckstud

I hope you check the price for that upgarde to fries.

I don't understand what you mean, exactly, but it does look to be expensive as hell. The Core i7 option isn't even standard, so I imagine you are looking at close to Mac Pro prices for that one. I'd love to check, but the store is still down.

[Cranky]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cranky
Fiscal 2009 ended in September. Fiscal 2010 is already upon us. Do you honestly think that SJ would pass up all that Christmas loot and wait until January 2010 to release the new iMacs?


this reply to the above was written by the all knowing all seeing teckstud:
Funny- did he say Fiscal 2010? Did I miss that? It reads like he's implying the holiday season and 2010 are 2 different things. He would have stated Fiscal 2010 including holiday season if your interpretation is to be valid.



I guess I was wrong, huh. - NOT!!!!

[Cory Bauer]

Originally Posted by teckstud

iTunes is scrapping the bottom of the barrel as far as HD is concerned. I've sen better looking DVDs then some of that crap. Look at any Criterion DVD.

Yup. And if you're seated in front of that 27" screen and blowing up Apple's horseshit 720p video to fullscreen, it's going to look like ass. Sure it'll look fine from 8 feet away, but I don't sit 8 feet from my desktop monitor.

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by teckstud

No Blu iMac- WTF?
Yet they state it's "Perfect for HD video????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, the aspect ratio anyway. Ooh, image 1280x720 iTunes HD movies on that 2560x1440 screen.

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by teckstud

iTunes is scrapping the bottom of the barrel as far as HD is concerned. I've sen better looking DVDs then some of that crap. Look at any Criterion DVD.

It's like HD-lite on cable. They have to keep the bandwidth down to be able to stream it better.

[bdkennedy1]

I think something important to note is that Apple removed all the wires except the power cord. While I think that's kinda cool, it sucks too because there are 2 less USB ports.

[BenRoethig]

If you want a real keyboard with a number or decent sized arrow keys, looks like you're SOL from here on out.

[digitalclips]

Love it all ... but they need a full keyboard for the iMac with numeric key pad as a BTO ... maybe they do?

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

I think something important to note is that Apple removed all the wires except the power cord. While I think that's kinda cool, it sucks too because there are 2 less USB ports.

Which I guess is why there are 4 on the back of the unit now.

[macosxp]

Well, that's great, but...

With an HD display, why no Blu Ray?

And more importantly, what use is the great screen when it's blocked by an ultra-glossy sheet of glass? No matte option?

[BenRoethig]

Originally Posted by Rob55

It's like HD-lite on cable. They have to keep the bandwidth down to be able to stream it better.

Not only that, current video compression technology isn't all that good. 1080P equivalent movies would take up way too much space.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by teckstud

iTunes is scrapping the bottom of the barrel as far as HD is concerned. I've sen better looking DVDs then some of that crap. Look at any Criterion DVD.

I'm still thinking that a video event is in the cards for early next year (jan/feb) announcing the tablet, 1080p Apple TV and iTunes store, with an outside chance of a 720p iPhone/iPod Touch dock and Blu-ray build to order options.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by macosxp

Well, that's great, but...

With an HD display, why no Blu Ray?

And more importantly, what use is the great screen when it's blocked by an ultra-glossy sheet of glass? No matte option?

Rumors indicated that Blu-ray was coming but that it was pulled at the last second for some unknown reason, much like the iPod touch cameras. Most people prefer the glossy option and it sells better in stores, but I agree that matte should be an option for those that want it.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I thin you are correct and therefore I will wait. Funny the iMac is begining to look like an actual TV itself.

27" is the same size as my parents TV, and has a larger viewable area for movies due to the aspect ratio. If I were in a different situation, I would consider for a secondary TV/media center. Would be nice if they built in a tuner or at least video in.

Edit: As many people have pointed out, the 27" model does support video in!!

[digitalclips]

Re the magic mouse: If this new one is really as good as or better than a wired one for accuracy and sensitivity I am getting one for my 8 Core Mac Pro as I cannot use the current wireless mouse for high end graphics work. I look forward to some reviews in this area.

[Revolume]

there is also an aluminum apple remote if no one noticed...

[Frank777]

Anyone know the Canadian pricing? The Store's not back up yet.

[Rob55]

Originally Posted by digitalclips

Re the magic mouse: If this new one is really as good as or better than a wired one for accuracy and sensitivity I am getting one for my 8 Core Mac Pro as I cannot use the current wireless mouse for high end graphics work. I look forward to some reviews in this area.

Don't you have a Wacom Intuos 3 or 4 for the graphics work?

[vinea]

Originally Posted by cmf2

27" is the same size as my parents TV, and has a larger viewable area for movies due to the aspect ratio. If I were in a different situation, I would consider for a secondary TV/media center. Would be nice if they built in a tuner or at least video in.

Yah, the only thing missing is HDMI in.

[Jerseymac]

Geez, you guys are a tough crowd.

You got the quad core and the Nehelem (whatever) processor and the larger led backlit screen and a nice new magic mouse and all you do is complain about the blu ray. Can't you get a hang on external blu ray and use that?

I'm going to buy one this very minute. Even if it does have the glossy screen that I didn't want. If Jobs and Ive built it this way, it must be right for ME.

[infinitespecter]

It looks like the Core i7 option isn't as expensive as I expected. $200 over the cost of the Core i5, so $2200. Not good, but not terrible.

[solipsism]

The PPI for the new displays are 202 and 208 for the 21.5” and 27” displays, respectively. In comparison the MacBook is 113 and the iPhone 163 ppi.

Originally Posted by infinitespecter

The major upgrade here is the option for Core i5 and Core i7 processors. Looking at the speeds, they look like desktop class processors as well.

They all look to be desktop-grade chips. I understand the 27” getting desktop fairly easily with that extra room, but the 21.5” iMac getting them when the 24” already got hot with non-Extreme notebook-grade CPUs. I look forward to seeing what they are doing to keep it cool.

Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo processor Desktop (LGA 775)
• E7600 (3M cache, 2 Cores, 2 Threads, 3.06 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB 45nm) $133
• E8600 (6M L2 cache, 2 Cores, 2 Threads, 3.33 GHz 1333 MHz FSB 45nm) $266

Intel® CoreTM i5 processor Desktop (LGA 1156)
• i5-750 (8M L3 cache, 4 Cores,4 Threads, 2.66 GHz 45nm) $196

Intel® CoreTM i7 processor Extreme Edition Desktop (LGA 1366/1156)
• i7-860 (8M L3 cache, 4 Cores, 8 Threads, 2.80 GHz 45nm) $284

[majortom1981]

Why no core 2 quad or core i5 options on the smaller imacs?

[DaveGee]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I thin you are correct and therefore I will wait. Funny the iMac is begining to look like an actual TV itself.

I'm glad you mentioned that....

"Mini DisplayPort for video input and output (adapters sold separately);"

Is this (above) a new feature? Because for the longest time I though my wife's 24" iMac would have made a PERFECT 'TV' that I could watch while she wasn't using it. (or a college kid etc). The only thing I was always upset about was the fact that the flat panel iMacs only did 'video out' and their wasn't a simple way to have the iMac accept the signal from our HDMI cable boxes (yea with xtra hardware I could but I said simple (and cheap/free).

This is really great news cause I can get 1 HD cable box have it route to a HDMI switcher (remote operated) and have mine and my wife's (future) iMacs both connected to the HDMI switch.

This way whoever isn't using their system can do double duty as the computer room TV.

Dave

[Cory Bauer]

Anyone notice the swank new aluminum 3-button remote option when you BTO at the store?

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by vinea

Yah, the only thing missing is HDMI in.

Can you get that anywhere? I haven't seen a single tuner with that capability, I was looking for one earlier this year with no luck. It seems that they don't want us recording their precious HD programming.

[edwin2213]

Does anyone know if the hard drive is user replaceable?

[sheff]

not a fan of 16:9 sorry

[Bloodshotrollin'red]

Utterly underwhelming.

[dreyfus2]

Originally Posted by cmf2

27" is the same size as my parents TV, and has a larger viewable area for movies due to the aspect ratio. If I were in a different situation, I would consider for a secondary TV/media center. Would be nice if they built in a tuner or at least video in.

Well, if you read carefully: the 27" model does have video in!

[Hattig]

Originally Posted by joelsalt

Obv. they mean from the iTunes store. Technically 720p is HD.

edit: flame if you want, but a 27" screen will not significantly benefit from 1080p over 720p. Actually I doubt anyone could tell the difference.

I know that isn't the only reason for BRD though.

Sitting at 2 foot away, or 10 feet away?

Distance is a key component of perceiving HD resolutions.

At 2 foot, you could tell the difference between iTunes store 720p and BluRay 1080p.

I'm looking at the 21.5" with discrete graphics right now for myself. The IPS screen is a major plus point over Mac Mini + third party monitor. I figure I'll use the computer for four years. Tempted to get the 27", but the money ramps up and is hard to justify when I need a new kitchen. If I had got a bonus earlier this year then yes, I might even get the top of the range. Darn recession.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by dreyfus2

Well, if you read carefully: the 27" model does have video in!

I'm seeing that now. Intriguing to say the least.