Apple unveils new iMacs with quad-core processors, better graphics and Thunderbolt

Apple unveils new iMacs with quad core processors, better graphics and ThunderboltAs expected, Apple rolled out new iMacs today. The new machines pack Sandy Bridge and quad-core processors, even on the low-end 21.5-inch model.

The new desktops are also shipping with AMD Radeon HD graphics and two Thunderbolt ports on the 27-inch models. The new machines can support one external display, leaving the other Thunderbolt port available for other I/O such as external drives. This alleviates the problem of daisy-chaining that Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro owners will face.

All of the new models ship with 4GB RAM, 4 USB ports, 1 FireWire 800 port, a FaceTime HD camera and the same design with edge-to-edge glass that Apple has been using for over a year.

The new iMacs start at $1,199, as before. The top stock iMac ships with a Core i5 processor, but a custom machine can be configured with the following specs for $3,649.00:

  • 3.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
  • 16GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 4x4GB
  • 2TB Serial ATA Drive + 256GB Solid State Drive
  • AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5

You an see the whole line up here:

Apple unveils new iMacs with quad core processors, better graphics and Thunderbolt

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About Stephen M. Hackett

Stephen Hackett, formerly a Lead Mac Genius at Apple, now spends his days running the IT department of a large non-profit in Memphis, TN. He writes about Apple, design and journalism at forkbombr.net. Like all twenty-somethings, you can find him on Twitter. Oh, and he has a dogcow tattoo.

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Justin

The iMac appears to support two displays, not just one as this article states.

http://www.apple.com/imac/performance.html

The 27-inch iMac includes a second Thunderbolt port for even more expansion possibilities. Connect up to six more devices or a display or two.

No mention of whether there are resolution limitations on the third display -- whether it could drive two 27" cinema displays, for instance.

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Marilyn Halpin

Stephen, do they do display mode? I'm looking at Apple's site and can't seem to find that info. I'm wondering if that's even an option on the 27" any longer. :-/

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