The 1st Desktop Computer With Thunderbolt I/O Technology

       Apple computers announced a new generation of iMac models, running at speeds up to 3.4 GHz and powered by the next generation of Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors. The models also build in support for the new Thunderbolt high-speed peripheral connection interface that debuted in Apple’s MacBook Pro line earlier this year.The watchword of the new model is “performance,” thanks to improvements in the processor line, graphics architecture, and Thunderbolt ports.

       In terms of processors, Apple has shifted to Intel’s second-generation Core technology—codenamed “Sandy Bridge”—for the iMac line. “Even in the top-end, moving from the old quad-core configuration to the new quad-core configuration has seen 30 percent faster performance.“

       Processors aren’t the only place that the iMac has seen a significant boost; the desktop line now sports the latest generation of AMD Radeon HD discrete graphics processors. The new machine comes in four basic configurations: two 21.5-inch models with a 2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 and 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor respectively, and two 27-inch models with a 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 and 3.1GHz Quad-Core Intel i5. Apple is also offering build-to-order Web-only options to bump the 21.5-inch model to a 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, and the 27-inch model to a 3.4GHz Intel Core i7; the i7 processor upgrades add $200 to the cost.

       The low-end 21.5-inch model sports a 500GB hard drive and an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB of video RAM, while the more powerful 21.5-inch configuration has a 1TB hard drive and an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512MB of video RAM. The 2.7GHz model has an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512MB of video RAM, while the 3.1GHz model has an AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 1GB of video RAM. Apple has announced that it has updated the all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, new graphics, and Intel's "groundbreaking" high-speed Thunderbolt I/O. It says its 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model has two ports.

       The model with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive  will set you back $1,499  and the  27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive costs $1,699. Those who have more money than sense can get hold of the 21.5-inch iMac, which is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for $1,199.