iMac

Apple on Tuesday released an update to its [iMac](http://www.apple.com/imac/) desktop computer. In the past, I may have said “Apple’s consumer desktop,” and while it technically is, these are powerful computers.

According to Apple, the entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro integrated graphics. 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.

If you want a bit more power, you can upgrade to the quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

iMac also now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Apple said the iMac comes standard with 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive—that is configurable 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.

Great article from Stephen Hackett. This brought back some memories.

Unlike Dave, the lampshade iMac was not my favorite. I like the new design.

Om Malik:

While rest of the crowd was taking time playing around with the iPad Mini, I spent my time with both the 27-inch and 21.5-inch models of the new iMac. And after 10 minutes, I knew I wanted one. First, the display screen, while not eligible for Apple’s Retina label, is drop-dead gorgeous. The color and the contrast is amazing. The dreaded reflections are almost nonexistent. You cannot resist the urge to reach out and touch the screen and flick things around much like on an iPad.

I agree completely. You just won’t believe your eyes when you see this new iMac.

Dave Hamilton explains some of the details about Apple’s new Fusion Drive.