A short review of the new Apple iMac update (which was rolled out on 3rd May, 2011), wherein we try to find out what’s there in store for Apple loyalists this time around. The best part is that Apple hasn’t restricted the next-gen quad-core processors and Thunderbolt connectivity to the MacBook Pro; these features are a part of the iMac 2011 upgrade as well.
Apple Computers Inc. released the MacBook Pro update on 24th February, 2011, and followed it up with the iMac update on 3rd May. The tech arena was abuzz with rumors about the release date and technical specifications of these Apple computers, especially because Apple was expected to introduce quite a few new features as a part of this upgrade. Those who were expecting something big to come their way this time around, were not disheartened, as Apple preferred to stick to its update cycle, and integrated some of the much-awaited technologies in the latest iMac models.
New iMac 2011 Update Features
Though there was some disappointment initially as Apple had only launched the MacBook Pro update on 24th February, a similar update for the iMac line followed within 3 months – and that, in turn, brought an end to all the rumors and speculations about the new iMacs. Next generation quad-core processors, new graphics processors, high speed connectivity, FaceTime technology, and other such features were the highlights of the much-anticipated 2011 iMac upgrade.
Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors, which were previously seen in the MacBook Pro 2011 update, are also on offer in the Apple iMac 2011 edition. Two variants of iMac – one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and other with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, are available as a part of the new update. The new iMac also comes with a new graphics unit in form of the all-new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, aboard. While the next generation quad-core processors make the iMac 70 times faster than its predecessor, the newly introduced HD graphics processor makes it three times better in terms of graphics.
Yet another promising feature in the new iMac is the Thunderbolt I/O technology – an Apple-Intel collaboration initiative, which boasts of an amazing speed of 10 gigabytes per second. Initially code named ‘Light Peak’, the Thunderbolt is one of the most anticipated technologies of the recent times, and the Apple iMac boasts of being the first desktop PC to have it on board. The FaceTime software from Apple, along with the built-in FaceTime HD camera, has also been added to the iMac, and this – in turn, makes FaceTime calling a smooth experience. The new iMac update also features Mac OS X Snow Leopard which is considered to be one of the most advanced operating system in the world today.
Price Range
Good things seldom come free, and with so many good things in the iMac line now the cost of these desktop PCs has also been revamped. So the new iMacs come with a price tag of US$1,199 onwards – depending on what features you want. Given below are the details of the suggested retail price of the iMac, alongside the configuration of that model.
| Model Size | Configuration | Price |
| 21.5-inch iMac | 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive | US$1,199 |
| 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive | US$1,499 | |
| 27-inch iMac | 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive | US$1,699 |
| 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive | US$1,999 |
With all these new features, Apple iMac 2011 update was definitely amazing, and things are set to become even better in 2012 – at least that’s what all the iMac 2012 update rumors hint at. As of now, it is speculated that the next iMac update will be released somewhere in March 2012. Going by Apple’s tendency to keep mum until the stipulated date, we have no option, but to resort to the wait and watch approach. One thing though, is not left to speculations – and that happens to be the fact that every new update for the MacBook Pro and the iMac puts them one step ahead of their competitors.
