Apple Upgrades iMac Line

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today introduced the company's new lineup of all in one iMac systems, replacing the previous lineup. The new models come in two form factors: one with a 20-inch screen, one with a 24-inch screen. Both now sport aluminum enclosures like the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro systems. The new systems are based around Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors running at clock speeds up to 2.8 GHz.

The new iMacs are thinner than their predecessors but retain their slot-loading SuperDrives, multiple USB 2.0 and FireWire 400/800 ports, and analog and optical audio I/O. They also include gigabit Ethernet and Mini DVI video out ports and come standard with 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR wireless technologies.

There are three primary configurations available:
  • A 20-inch model running at 2.0 GHz for $1,199;
  • A 20-inch model running at 2.4 GHz for $1,499; and
  • A 24-inch model running at 2.4 GHz for $1,799.
Build to order options can push the iMac up to 2.8 GHz with storage capacity up to 1 TB. The 2.4 GHz models ship with an ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory. The 2.0 GHz model ships with an ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128 MB GDDR3 memory.

Apple also introduced a new wireless keyboard and mouse for the new systems, both of which use Bluetooth for communications.

All of the new models and peripherals are available now.

Apple also launched a new version of iLife, the company's suite of software for creative production and digital asset organization. iLife 08 includes updates to iPhoto, GarageBand, iDVD, iMovie, and iWeb.

iWork 08 has also been released with updates to Pages and Keynote. It's available today for $79.

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About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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