Apple Announces New T-Bolt, Quad-core iMacs

By Jane McEntegart
published

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.

Jane McEntegart
55 Comments Comment from the forums
  • 11796pcs
    All of the clock speeds and brands look very familiar, but something is very wrong... I swear I saw all of this stuff online for a ton less... oh wait I'm reading an Apple article :)
    Reply
  • kilo_17
    Kind of neat to see that one has Mobility 6970 graphics in it.
    Reply
  • WHComp
    Ridiculously overpriced, but that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
    Reply
  • Mobility discrete cards. In what is supposed to be a desktop solution.


    And the Applonians will devour it like candy.
    Reply
  • scatrdfew
    Apple makes a very nice product. These prices seem reasonable to me for the brand/quality you'll be getting. People that own Macs love them for a reason.
    Reply
  • pangedit
    Sweet...I ve been wanting to get a mac to see what the fuzz is all about. this maybe a good opportunity to finally get one :/
    Reply
  • AppleBlowsDonkeyBalls
    Didn't think I'd be saying this but I think it's worth it.
    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.
    Reply
  • AppleBlowsDonkeyBalls
    Actually, I forgot to add the motherboard. Add $100 for that and you get ~$1850. $150 to get it in this form factor, even if it's not very expandable, is a no-brainer.
    Reply
  • Houndsteeth
    OK, looking at the componentry, comparing it to part prices on NewEgg, etc., and the first thing I have to say...

    ...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.
    Reply
  • But that's the problem with all-in-ones. Not expendable and (already) outdated way before the monitor is.
    Reply