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iMac gets overhauled

by on29 April 2008


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Apple gets first dibs on new Intel processor, again


Apple has given its iMac range a once over and upgraded the lot with new processors, more storage options and new graphics cards. Starting with the processor upgrades, the entire range will use Penryn-based mobile CPU's from Intel, all with 6MB L2 cache and a 1,066MHz FSB with the basic model now starting at 2.4GHz.

From there the next step is a 2.66 and 2.8GHz option, with the top of the range model topping out at 3.06GHz. This is pretty much the same processor as Intel's upcoming Core 2 Duo X9100, but with a higher TDP. Intel seems to have a new habit of giving Apple first dibs on "special" versions of upcoming processors, which must be frustrating for Intel's other big-name partners.

The new graphics options start with a Radeon HD 2400 XT on the most basic model, but go up to a Radeon 2600 Pro quite quickly. The top of the range models will also have the option of getting some Nvidia love thanks to an 8800 GS with 512MB of GDDR3 memory, but this is reserved fro the 24-in models.

The basic model comes with a 250GB hard drive, although the 24-in models are available with a 1TB option. The rest of the features remain pretty much the same and the base model will cost US$1,199 or €999 with the top of the range model with the 3.06GHz processor, the 8800GS, 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive setting you back US$2,199 or €1,919.

It seems that Apple has not caught on that the U.S. Dollar is worth a lot less than the euro, as the top of the range model is almost US$800 more expensive in Europe, and even without VAT it's still some US$300 more expensive. The base model works out at about US$360 more, or about US$115 without VAT.

You can find more details about the updated specs here

Last modified on 29 April 2008
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