by Apple announced on September 24 that it has updated its iMac range to include the new Intel fourth-generation Haswell processor, new graphics, and faster wifi and PCIe storage options, although there is little change to the external design of the amazing all-in-one desktop computer. There are four models, based around two screen sizes. To have a 21.5-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology and 1920 x 1080 resolution. The other two have a 27-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology at a 2560 x 1440 resolution.
The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac has a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz, the new Intel Iris Pro graphics for faster integrated graphics performance, 1TB of hard disk and 8Gb of 1600MHz RAM.
The high-end 21.5-inch model features a 2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 775 graphics, 1TB of hard disk and 8Gb of 1600MHz RAM.
The 21.5-inch versions can be configured with 1TB Fusion Drive, or 256GB or 512GB of flash storage. Memory can also be upgraded to 16Gb.
The low-end 27-inch model has a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz of up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 775 graphics, 1TB of hard disk and 8Gb of 1600MHz RAM.
The high-end 27-inch model has a 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 775 graphics, 1TB of hard disk and 8Gb of 1600MHz RAM. This can be upgraded to a 3.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and/or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.
The larger models can be configured with a 3TB hard drive, 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, or 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of flash storage. Memory can also be upgraded to 16Mb or 32Mb.
The iMac now supports the new 802.11ac wifi. (Apple announced an 802.11ac router earlier in the year, so that’s helpful.) When connected to an 802.11ac base station, it delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster than the previous generation.
The updated iMac also features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation, according to Apple. The Fusion Drive is an integrated solid-state drive with a traditional hard drive, which gives the speed of flash storage and the capacity of an HDD. So it should really fly with the new PCIe storage option, especially when booting up.
As standard, the iMac 2013 range comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports.
Prices range from $1,299 for the 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with the Intel Iris Pro, to $1,999 for the 27-inch iMac with a 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M.
The new iMac is now available through the Apple Online Store, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorised Resellers.
The next release of Apple’s desktop operating system, OS X, is codenamed Mavericks. Apple has said Mavericks will be available between September and November. Several reports have set the official release date as late October.
