Apple announces refreshed iMacs, utilizes Core i3, adds SSD option


Tuesday the company announced a renewed all-in-one line of iMac computers. The new iMacs feature Intel's Core i3, i5, and i7 CPUs and updated ATI graphics processors.

The new iMacs retain their screen sizes of 21.5 and 27-inch configurations. Apple notes the displays feature IPS technology, similar to the iPad and iPhone 4, with a 178-degree viewing angle.

The new CPU line up starts out at a dual-core 3.06 and 3.2 GHz Core i3 CPUs, a 2.8 and 3.6 GHz Core i5, and a 2.93 GHz quad-core Core i7. Memory configurations start out at 4 GB and the iMac can support up to 8 GB on the 21.5-inch models, and 16 GB of RAM on the 27-inch iMacs. New to the iMac is an optional 256 GB solid state drive for the 27-inch Macs. The SSD drives can be used as a primary or secondary hard drive. It's pricey, however, as a $600 single drive upgrade, or $750 to add on an SSD with a HDD.

Graphics wise, 21.5-inch iMacs ship with either a Radeon HD 4670 with 256 MB or a Radeon HD 5670 with 512 MB. The 27-inch iMacs ship with a Radeon HD 5670 with 512 MB of RAM and offer an optional Radeon HD 5750 with 1 GB of RAM. The quad-core i7 iMac comes standard with the 5750.

Pricing starts out at $1199 for the base and up to $2,199 for the 2.93 GHz quad-core. The new iMacs are available now.