Apple today updated its iMac with next generation quad-core processors, new graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera.

Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation, Apple said.

The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for Apple's customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller and a new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. Graphics on the new iMacs is also powered by new AMD Radeon processors.



iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt is featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to a 10Gbps each. Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

iMac also includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple?s FaceTime software for widescreen video calling. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, the current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple?sMagic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system, and iLife, Apple?s suite of applications for creating and sharing photos, movies and music.

The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US).

Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.