iPad – yes the iPad

Just when you thought the consumer desktops days were numbered, Apple pulls yet another rabbit out the hat, updating their desktop all-in-one iMac line adding some of the features and enhancements we’ve seen in Apple’s more portable products like the MacBook Pro and iPad – yes the iPad.

Ok, well the rabbit is not a total surprise. With the MacBook Pro moving to the Intel Core “i” series processors and with each release adding more graphics power, we knew it was a matter of time until they infiltrated the iMac line. Ok, pretend you were surprised!
So you’ll now find the more powerful Intel Core i3, Core i5 and i7 processors integrated into specific 21.5” & 27” iMac Models. These processors feature an integrated memory controller to access the system memory directly, allowing the new iMac to take full advantage of the screaming 1333 MHz memory now standard on all models, so you get a better performance overall. You’ll also see a boost in graphics capability with new ATI Radeon HD discrete graphic processors.
But behind one rabbit is yet another surprise, something that I didn’t expect, but eluded to when I mentioned the iPad.
While the screen sizes stay at 21.5” & 27” respectively, the updated iMac displays feature the same IPS (In Plane Switching) technology, as found in the iPad, so that you’ll get the same incredible high-definition visual, whether you’re right in front of it or perched at a wide 178 degree viewing angle.
iMac 21.5”
Let’s look at some of the models. The entry level iMac ($1299) 21.5” (1920×1080) gets a respectable 3.06Ghz Intel Core i3 with 4MB shared L3 cache, 4GB 1333Mhz DDR3 SDRAM (exp to 16GB) and a 500GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive. Its graphics will now be driven by the ATI Radeon HD 4670 w/ 256MB of memory. This is certainly a great bang for your buck!
An alternate 21.5” model ($1599) is equipped with a 3.2GHz Intel Core i3 ATI Radeon HD5670 with 512MB Ram and a larger 1TB (Terabyte) Hard  Drive.
Built-to-order models allow for a 3.6GHz Intel Core i5, 2TB of storage and up to 8GB Ram.
iMac 27”
The 27” models (2560×1440) have a few more options with respect to processors.
The standard model ($1799) ships with a 3.2 GHz Core i3, 4MB shared L3 cache, 4GB Ram and a 1TB 7200 RPM Serial ATA hard drive.
Optional options for this model are a 3.6GHz Core i5, 2TB and 16GB of ram.
iMac 27” Quad Core
For some serious computing the iMac 27” 2.8Ghz Quad-Core ($2099), features an Intel i5 processor with 8MB of shared L3 cache. It has a high-powered ATI Radeon HD 5750 w/1GB GDDR5 memory and also a 1TB 7200 SATA  hard drive.
Built-to-order options include a 2.93 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor; a 2TB hard drive, and up to 16GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM.  256GB solid-state drives (SSD) are also available on these models.
All iMacs ship standard with:
• slot-load Dual-Layer 8x SuperDrive
• Mini Display Port for audio/video input/output
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet;
• four USB 2.0 ports & one FireWire 800 port;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.
As well, each one comes with one high-capacity capable SDXC SD card slot.
With the increased demand for HD video, 3D and an overall need for speed, the performance boost and the high-def 16:9 displays with IPS are a welcomed addition to the iMac line.
One More Thing

One thing that MacBooks have that desktops don’t is the ability to use its trackpad. So not to be left out, Apple introduced the Magic Trackpad,($69), an external device made of smooth glass and aluminum and giving iMac users the same intuitive Multi-Touch™ gestures as found on the MacBooks.

So we now have more Macs with Intel Core “i”processors. So what’s left? The entry level white MacBook and the ever so slim MacBook Air which is certainly in need of an update.

Complete details of the new iMac models can be found on Apple Canada’s website.

Greg Gazin is the Real Canadian Gadget Guy.