Apple Updates iMac With Faster Processor, Graphics

Apple on Monday updated its iMac consumer desktop computer, adding the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor and more powerful graphics.

The new iMacs feature faster processors across the product and they also feature a 1066 MHz front-side bus and up to 4GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory. The 24-inch iMac also has an optional NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB of video memory, delivering what Apple says is up to two times standard performance for graphic intensive applications.

The new iMacs also feature AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; Gigabit Ethernet; built-in iSight video camera; a total of five USB 2.0 ports (including two on the Apple Keyboard); and one FireWire 400 and one FireWire 800 port.

The new iMacs come in three basic models. The $1,199 20-inch with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus; 1GB RAM; a 250GB Serial ATA hard drive; and an ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB GDDR3 memory.

The mid-range $1,499 20-inch model has a 2.66GHz processor with 2GB RAM, a 320GB hard drive and an ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory. The high-end $1,799 24-inch has a 2.8GHz processor, 2GB RAM, a 320GB hard drive and an ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory.

Build-to-order options include a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB of video memory and up to a 1TB Serial ATA hard drive on the 24-inch iMac; up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM and up to 750GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 2.66 GHz 20-inch iMac; and up to 4GB of DDR2 SDRAM and up to 500GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 2.4 GHz 20-inch iMac.

All iMac models are available immediately.

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