Apple has updated its iMac and Mac mini desktop lines. The iMac
update doesn’t include a quad-core option as many have hoped but does
include a 24-inch iMac that’s priced more affordably. There’s also a
Mac mini with new integrated graphics.
For the same US$1,499 price as the previous generation 20-inch iMac,
the new 24-inch iMac delivers a 30 percent larger display, twice the
memory and twice the storage, according to Apple. Delivering up to
five times better graphics performance, the updated Mac mini now
features the same groundbreaking Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated
graphics introduced with the aluminum unibody MacBook family.
Apple Chief Operating Officer says that the Mac mini is the world’s
most energy efficient desktop, drawing less than 13 watts of power
when idle. All iMac and Mac mini systems come with Mac OS X 10.5
(“Leopard”) and iLife ’09.
The iMac line starts with the 20-inch iMac for $1,199 with a 2.66GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 320GB
Serial ATA hard drive and Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics.
The 24-inch iMac features a 1920-by-1200 pixel widescreen display
and, as mentioned, starts at $1,499. The 24-inch iMac includes up to
a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a
640GB or 1TB Serial ATA hard drive, and a variety of graphics
technology from Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics to the
NvidiaA GeForce GT 130 or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics.
Every iMac features a glossy display with a built-in iSight video
camera, mic and speakers in a thin aluminum and glass design. The new
iMac also includes a Mini DisplayPort connector for a pure digital
signal to Apple’s new 24-inch LED Cinema Display with adapters
available for DisplayPort, VGA, DVI and Dual-Link DVI displays. iMac
includes built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth
2.1+EDR; Gigabit Ethernet; a total of six USB 2.0 ports (including
two on the Apple Keyboard); and one FireWire 800 port.
Starting at $599, the Mac mini is a tiny desktop measuring 6.5 by 6.5
by 2-inches. Available in two models, Mac mini features a 2GHz Intel
Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, up to 320GB
Serial ATA hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and a
SuperDrive. The Mac mini features Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated
graphics for up to five times better graphics performance than before
and now with dual display support can drive two Apple or third-party
displays with Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections.
Both iMac and Mac mini exceed current Energy Star 4.0 requirements
and are leading the industry as early adopters of the more stringent
Energy Star 5.0 requirements which will become effective later this
year, according to Apple. Both iMac and Mac mini use PVC-free
internal components and cables and contain no brominated flame
retardants. Both iMac and Mac mini purportedly feature
material-efficient system and packaging designs and use highly
recyclable materials. Apple’s new desktop lineup joins its recently
introduced aluminum unibody MacBook family in achieving EPEAT Gold
status.*
The new iMac and Mac mini lines are now shipping and available
through the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores
and Apple Authorized Resellers.