SillyDog701

[Antony]

Apple has released new iMac line now features the new 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor, delivering up to 50% faster performance than the previous iMac. A new 24-inch iMac with a brilliant 24-inch widescreen display joins the 17- and 20-inch models. iMac prices now start at just US$999. All of the new iMacs include a built-in iSight camera, Front Row and Apple Remote, iLife '06, an Apple keyboard and Mighty Mouse, Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, a Serial ATA hard drive, mini-DV out, built-in stereo speakers and microphone, Gigabit Ethernet, five USB 2.0 ports, and two FireWire ports.



Tech Specs:

17-inch iMac 1.83GHz (MA710LL)
1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2GB
a 24x Combo drive
Intel GMA 950 graphics
160GB SATA hard drive
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and the Apple Remote are build-to-order options on this model.
Price: US$999.

17-inch iMac 2.0GHz (MA590LL)
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3GB
8x SuperDrive with double-layer support
PCI Express ATI Radeon X1600 video card with 128MB RAM
160GB SATA hard drive.
Price: US$1,199.

20-inch iMac 2.16GHz (MA589LL)
2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3GB
8x SuperDrive with double-layer support
PCI Express ATI Radeon X1600 video card with 128MB RAM
250GB SATA hard drive
Price: US$1,499.

24-inch iMac 2.16GHz (MA456LL)
2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3GB
8x SuperDrive with double-layer support
PCI Express NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT video card with 128MB RAM
250GB SATA hard drive
FireWire 800 port
Priced: US$1,999.

Configure-to-Order (CTO) Options
Configure-to-Order options for the new iMacs include a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an NVIDIA GeFore 7600 GT video card with 256MB RAM and a 500GB SATA hard drive for the 20 and 24-inch models. A 2.16GHz processor and 500GB hard drive are also available for the 2.0GHz 17-inch iMac.

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[Antony]

More detail on iMac displays

All 3 iMacs are featuring 16:10 wide aspect ratio.

for 17-inch iMac,
1440 by 900 resolution
viewing angle: 140° horizontal, 120° vertical
brightness: 250 cd/m
contrast ratio: 500:1

for 20-inch iMac,
1680 by 1050 resolution
viewing angle: 170° horizontal, 170° vertical
brightness: 280 cd/m
contrast ratio: 800:1

for 24-inch iMac,
1920 by 1200 pixels, that's enough for displaying full HD image.
viewing angle: 178° horizontal, 178° vertical
brightness: 400 cd/m
contrast ratio: 700:1

For more detail on the displays, please visit http://www.apple.com/imac/graphics.html

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[Mandrake]

24 inch iMac? That's insane! Core 2 processors and Nvidia 7300 GT and 7600 GT graphics are awesome too. The only question I have is why Apple didn't use the desktop version of Core 2 Duo - they run faster and cost less.

I want one

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[Antony]

24 inch iMac? That's insane! Core 2 processors and Nvidia 7300 GT and 7600 GT graphics are awesome too. The only question I have is why Apple didn't use the desktop version of Core 2 Duo - they run faster and cost less.

I want one

For full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) display, you will need a display that's around 23" or higher.

Core 2 Duo uses less power? and emits less heat?

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[Mandrake]

Core 2 Duo uses less power? and emits less heat?

That is true, but the desktop Core 2 Duo still only uses 65W of power, which isn't much compared to some other processors. Considering they managed to cram a PPC G5 into the iMac, the desktop version of Core 2 Duo wouldn't really be a problem!

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[Antony]

It is also interesting to note the new iMac line is cheaper than the first Intel-based iMacs released in January.

January models:
1.83GHz (Intel Core Duo) 17-inch iMac (MA199LL) was priced at US$1299
2.0GHz (Intel Core Duo) 20-inch iMac (MA200LL) was priced at US$1699.

The updates:
2.0GHz (Intel Core 2 Duo) 17-inch (MA590LL) is priced at US$1199.
2.16GHz (Intel Core 2 Duo) 20-inch (MA589LL) is priced at US$1499.

And, there's a new entry model 17-inch iMac 1.83GHz (Core 2 Duo) (MA710LL) for less than US$1000.

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[DJGM]

I'll bet those theat bought Intel based iMacs back in January are likely to be kicking themselves now!

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[Antony]

I'll bet those theat bought Intel based iMacs back in January are likely to be kicking themselves now!

They shouldn't, since they've had 8 months time being ahead of other Mac users.

The good news is, people can now buy Intel Core 2 Duo based iMacs directly from SillyDog701's links.


(can't see the image above? blame your unethical browser!)

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[Antony]

Benefit of a 24-inch iMac over a 20-inch or 17-inch iMac?

It's bigger, and higher screen resolution, but what else?

1. Start with the obvious, as mentioned previously, 1920 by 1200 pixels is enough for displaying and editing full HD image without scaling.
   
2. The viewing angles and brightness are better than the other two models (178° horizontal, 178° vertical, 400 cd/m)
   
3. better graphic card: NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics processor with 128MB of GDDR3 SDRAM using PCI Express
   OR optional NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM using PCI Express
   
4. FireWire 800 port is available.
   
5. optional VESA mount adapter kit
   
6. more powerful built-in speakers (24-watt digital amplifier vs 12-watt on the other models)
   
7. Speed is up to 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo (also available as an option for 20-inch model)

However, it is heavier, at 11.2 kg. (The 17-inch model is merely 7 kg.)

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