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Comparing the old iMacs with today's new models

imacs

Earlier today, Apple updated the iMac line with Thunderbolt, quad-core processors across the line and a HD camera for FaceTime. Prices start at US$1,199 for the 21.5", 2.5 GHz model and climb to $1,999 for the big daddy. How do the specs compare to the previous models? Here are some of the highlights.

Processor

There are still two basic models: 21.5" and 27". Each starts with two configurations, beginning with the processor. As of January 2010, the 21.5" model sold with a 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 or a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3, while the 27" model featured either a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 or a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5.

Today, the 21.5" machine offers either a 2.5 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 or a 2.7 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5, while the 27" iMac features a 2.7 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 or a 3.1 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5. That's the first time quad-core has been available across the entire iMac line. (The previous 27" model had an i7 build-to-order option, but that processor wasn't the current Sandy Bridge variety.)

Additionally, the previous models featured a 3 MB shared L2 cache, with a build-to-order 8 MB shared L3 cache option for the 27" iMac. Current models feature a 6 MB on-chip shared L3 cache across the board.

Display

The display resolution is the same as it's been. The current options are 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution for the 21.5" model and 2650 x 1440 pixel resolution for the 27" iMac.

Apple notes that the current iMac displays feature "in-plane switching," or IPS. Originally designed by Hitachi in 1996, IPS improves color and contrast at sharp viewing angles.

RAM

Current models all start with 4 GB of RAM, just as previous models did. The current 21.5" models are upgradable to 8 GB of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM from Apple, while the 27" models can house up to 16 GB of the same.

Graphics

Previous models featured either a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M or an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256 MB on the 21.5" model, while the 27" model offered the ATI Radeon HD 4670 or an ATI Radeon HD 4850 with 512 MB.

The new iMacs are clearly improved. The base 21.5" model sports either an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512 MB or an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512 MB, while the 27" starts with either that same Radeon 6770M or an AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 1 GB.

All this at the same price points. The new iMac line is clearly compelling. Maybe I'll finally replace my long-suffering G4.



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Earlier today, Apple updated the iMac line with Thunderbolt, quad-core processors across the line and a HD camera for FaceTime. Prices...
 

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RK

The topic is misleading. Where is a real comparison? Summarizing tech specs is absolutely no help.

Because there are still lots of 2010 models in the shelfs, it would be interesting to see real world tests! Something that shows the differences in CPU and/or Graphics power.

I am sure there will be stunning results if you compare the same app or game with a higher-clocked i3 and a lower i5 processor. Maybe i5 new and older is intersting as well!

Multiple cores means nothing IMHO. Useless, if there are is no heavy support in the app. Would be interesting to see Finder/System tasks and typical applications: iApps and professional apps.

I bet, PS does only have a handful of filters which benefit from multi-cores. A buying advice should be devided in two usergroups: hobbyist and pros.

CU

May 11 2011 at 8:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cootified

Not worth it.
Wait for the all-new one in September.

May 05 2011 at 1:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
re quired

What about the ability of these new iMacs to be used as external monitors??? Something the older version 27" could do. Inquiring minds need to know.

May 04 2011 at 1:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Francis Bourgouin

If you look here : http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/shop_mac/family/imac/select?mco=MjIwNTQyNjE

It's 16Gb DDR3 for every models (21.5" and 27")

May 04 2011 at 12:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian - HUB

You know what I am most excited about regarding the refresh? The option to choose either a Magic Mouse OR Magic Trackpad! I know, the small things...but I have a stack of Magic Mice (Mouses) that no one seems to want...

May 04 2011 at 10:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Brian - HUB's comment
Dan

Brian... I would take one off your hands, I am not going to pay the $60 BestBuy wants for a Magic Mouse, but love to have one for my MacBook.

May 09 2011 at 2:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aylwardreed

Excellent article. Clear and informative. Good job Dave.

These iMacs are looking REALLY compelling!

May 04 2011 at 9:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Yaron

Paul, I feel your pain mate.
However, keep in mind that the price you see advertised in the American online store does not include sales tax. The Americans have a really dodgy method of sales. They sucker you in with the price, then at the counter they add another 10%, or 15% or whatever the sales tax is. And, the sales tax in America varies from state to state. So in reality they probably pay closer to $3100, but yes, we still get shafted!!!

May 04 2011 at 5:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Boyo

okay TUAW you missed a bit.

1. They also come in 27" 3.4GHz i7 Sandy bridge
2. They also come with 2GB AMD video graphics
3. (For the commentators who say SSD takes weeks) I ordered mine a 10am MST and it will be here Thursday.

What I can't wait to see, is how many monitors I can daisy chain to the two thunderbolt ports. 12?

May 04 2011 at 2:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Aussie fanboy

Can't believe the price disparity. On the Australian Apple Store the fully spec'd 27" iMac is $3,600 AUD. Buy the same unit off the US store and the equivalent price is $2,800.

Given the ship sails right past Australia surely shipping can't be the reason.

Not to mention how software/apps are 30% more expensive than the US store.

C'mon Apple give us a break...

May 04 2011 at 1:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Yaron

When will Apple finally fit their iMacs, actually all of their computers with bluray players/burners???

May 03 2011 at 9:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Yaron's comment
mabhatter

Never!!!!

now get back under your bridge please.

May 03 2011 at 10:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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