Apple Announces New T-Bolt, Quad-core iMacs
Apple has announced a refresh for its iMac line, adding in support for Intel’s Thunderbolt technology and next generation quad-core CPUs.
Those of you holding off on purchasing an iMac because you were expecting a refresh any day can breathe easy and prepare for a little shopping, because Apple today announced the new line. The 2011 models marry Intel’s quad-core Core i-series CPUs with AMD Radeon HD graphics and a little Thunderbolt action for good measure. Facetime users will be pleased to note that the new iMacs will ship with support for that, too.
Prices start at just under $1,200 for the 21.5-inch model, which boasts Intel’s 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU, AMD’s Radeon HD 6750M graphics and a 500GB HDD. Things go up from there, with a 21.5-inch, 2.7 GHz quad-core Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive configuration driving the price up to $1,499.
There are also two new 27-inch iMac options: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for $1,699; and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for $1,999. Shoppers can upgrade to faster Core i7 processors (up to 3.4 GHz), additional hard drive capacity (up to 2TB), a 256GB solid state drive, and additional RAM at extra costs.
Check out Apple’s online store for all the details.

And the Applonians will devour it like candy.
27" 2560x1440 IPS Display: $1000
Intel Core i5 2400: $190
Radeon HD 6970M: comparable to Radeon HD 6850 (but with less power consumption): $170
4GB DDR3 RAM: $40
1TB 7200RPM HDD: $60
Power Supply (whatever it may be): $60-80
Casing: $100
Peripherals: $100
Total: ~$1750
Paying $250 more to have it all in one case doesn't seem like a bad idea at all. I can see these being popular with video editors and maybe people who do 3D rendering.
...the price is actually reasonable for what you get, as long as that is all you want. Once you buy an iMac, that's it. No room for upgrades. But for what you get, the price is actually not too far off from the parts-only price. And that's desktop prices, not the mix of mobility parts that the iMac uses (which are actually more expensive in the end).
What you don't get...the iMac is one of the best-designed computers out there, both for form and function. I had one of the older white G5 iMacs on my desk at work and was constantly complimented on what a nice monitor I had, the folks not realizing that was the whole computer.
If you look at the hardware ONLY with no upgrades or extras, Apple has a reasonable product.
And no I'm not an Apple "fan-boy", I own 2 windows pcs self built, and a windows laptop. However I work with macs on a daily basis and can say with confidence that their PCs are good quality. You generally get your money's worth
Do you pay a premium? Probably. Is it worth it? Undoubtedly. Is this a gamer's dream system? Absolutely not, since it isn't upgradeable. Is this a good machine for someone new to computing? Without a doubt!
Could I buy a similar system from Dell? Again, most likely. Would that person get the same level of support? I have had experience with this in the past, and I can say, resoundingly, no, because the first call I made, I got "Neal" with a very distinct Mumbai accent, and he couldn't do anything more than read me a script off his screen. And this was corporate support. I can't imagine the horrid state of consumer support.
I think you're making a mistake. It is 6970M, a mobility version and it is NOT comparable to a 6850. Not even close.
then:
"27" 2560x1440 IPS Display: $1000"
WHAT?
Didn't think I'd be saying this but... i think u r an idiot. Well, sorry, maybe u r just a troll, in which case it's fine i guess.
Hm, might be I am an idiot myself for writing post in the apple article. I'll be better laughing hysterically in a corner.
Actually, yeah it is. Research before you post. It has the exact same core configuration as the HD 6850 and the only difference between both is the fact that the 6970M is clocked 14% lower in the Core and 11% faster on the Memory. In reality it should be around 12% faster. So yes, they are comparable. The 6970M is the mobile version of the desktop Radeon HD 6850.
Well, Dell's 27" IPS is around that price too. However, I just wonder if Apple's IPS would work with Windows 7
Go here and shut up: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&sku=224-8284&redirect=1
The Dell U2711 uses the exact same panel. It's $950 now because of temporary savings, but normally it's $1000.
He was only stating his opinion dude. Chill out. Who's trolling... looks like you to be honest.
I know it is based off 6850. Perhaps we're looking at diff sets of numbers because from what I see, the 6850 still pulls ahead of the 6970M.