Apple has announced the launch of the updated iMac all-in-one desktops with fourth generation Intel quad-core (Haswell) processors, new graphics, next-generation Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options.
The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for enhanced graphics performance, while the high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation, as claimed by Apple.
Customers also have the option of upgrading to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.
The iMac comes standard with 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. iMac also comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other high performance peripherals.
Just like the new MacBook Air devices that were unveiled in June, the iMac now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station, iMac delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster than the previous generation, according to Apple.
The iMac now also features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation. The popular Fusion Drive option combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash to deliver shorter boot times and faster access to apps and files. Customers can configure their iMac with a 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, and all-flash storage options are now available in configurations up to 1TB.
"iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Inside its ultra-thin aluminium enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage."
The iMac ships with OS X Mountain Lion, that offers Messages, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay Mirroring, Dictation, Game Center and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper.
iCloud is integrated with OS X, Mountain Lion making it easier to keep content up to date across the customers' Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of Rs. 99,900 inclusive of VAT, and with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M for a suggested retail price of Rs.1,14,900 inclusive of VAT.
The 27-inch iMac is available with a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of Rs.1,39,900 inclusive of VAT and with a 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M for a suggested retail price of Rs.1,54,900 inclusive of VAT.
The previous generation 21.5-inch iMac was priced at Rs. 85,900 and upwards, while the 27-inch version was priced at Rs. 1,22,900. Apple doesn't usually increase prices of new iterations of Mac products when it introduces them. However, it's likely that the increased pricing of the new iMac is due to the diminishing value of the Rupee against the Dollar.
The new iMac is available starting today through select Apple Authorised Resellers.
Technical Specifications (Base model, Rs. 99,000)- 21.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 1920-by-1080 resolution
- 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz) with 6MB L3 cache
- 8GB (two 4GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 memory
- 1TB (5400-rpm) hard drive
- Intel Iris Pro graphics
- FaceTime HD camera
- Stereo speakers
- Dual microphones
- Headphone port
- SDXC card slot
- Four USB 3 ports
- Two Thunderbolt ports
- Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately)
- 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
- Apple Wireless Keyboard/ Magic Mouse/ Magic Trackpad
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking
- Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
- OS X Mountain Lion
- Height: 17.7 inches (45.0 cm)
- Width: 20.8 inches (52.8 cm)
- Stand depth: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm)
- Weight: 12.5 pounds (5.68 kg)
Technical Specifications (27-inch, Rs. 1,39,900)- 27-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1440 resolution
- 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz) with 6MB L3 cache
- 8GB (two 4GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 memory
- 1TB (7200-rpm) hard drive
- NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M graphics processor with 1GB of GDDR5 memory
- FaceTime HD camera
- Stereo speakers
- Dual microphones
- Headphone port
- SDXC card slot
- Four USB 3 ports
- Two Thunderbolt ports
- Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately)
- 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
- Apple Wireless Keyboard/ Magic Mouse/ Magic Trackpad
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking
- Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
- OS X Mountain Lion
- Height: 20.3 inches (51.6 cm)
- Width: 25.6 inches (65 cm)
- Stand depth: 8 inches (20.3 cm)
- Weight: 21 pounds (9.54 kg)