New iMacs Get Thinner Displays Beefed Up Graphics

The new iMacs gets a thinner form factor, measuring 5 mm at their thinnest point.
The new iMacs gets a thinner form factor, measuring 5 mm at their thinnest point.

Apple has revealed two revised models in its iMac lineup, set to be released later this year.

The new 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs both sport improved CPU and graphics performance and offer a thinner form factor than their predecessors. The 21.5-inch iMac will include a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor operating at 2.7 GHz or 2.9 GHz and will include either an Nvidia GeForce GT 640M graphics processor or GeForce GT 650M graphics processor, both of which include 512 MB of GDDR5 memory. At its thinnest point (the edge), the 21.5-inch iMac measures 5 mm in depth. (Stand depth is 6.9 inches.) Its screen resolution is 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.

The 27-inch iMac will include a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor operating at 2.9 GHz or 3.2 GHz and will include either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M graphics processor or a GeForce GTX 675MX graphics processor. The GTX 660M includes 512 MB GDDR5 memory; the GTX 675MX offers 1 GB GDDR5 memory. Like its smaller sibling, the 27-inch iMac measures 5 mm in depth at its thinnest point; its stand depth is 8 inches. Its screen resolution is 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.

Other features common to both new models include:

  • Front-mounted FaceTime HD camera (720p);
  • Support for video mirroring and extended desktop modes with resolutions up to 2,560 x 1,600 on a 30-inch external display;
  • Dual microphones;
  • Combo headphone jack for analog stereo and optical (mini-Toslink) audio out, along with support for Apple's iPhone headset with microphone;
  • Quad USB 3.0 ports;
  • Dual Thunderbolt ports;
  • Mini DisplayPort;
  • Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port;
  • Wireless keyboard and mouse; and
  • 802.11n (single-band) WiFi plus Bluetooth 4.0 wireless communications.

The new 21.5-inch iMac is expected to be available in November starting at $1,299. The base configuration offers a quad-core, 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 processor with Nvidia GeForce GT 640M graphics (with 512 MB of GDDR5 memory), 8 GB 1,600 MHz DDR3 system memory, and 1 TB storage (5,400 RPM). A 2.9 GHz model offering a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics (also with 512 MB of GDDR5 memory) will be available for $1,499.

The new 27-inch iMac is expected to be available in December starting at $1,799. The base configuration offers a quad-core, 2.9 GHz Intel Core i5 processor with Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M graphics (with 512 MB of GDDR5 memory), 8 GB 1,600 MHz DDR3 system memory, and 1 TB storage (7,200 RPM). A 3.2 GHz model (also with a quad core i5 processor) with Nvidia GeForce GTX 675MX graphics (with 1 GB GDDR5 memory) will be available for $1,999.

Additional details can be found on Apple's iMac portal.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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