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Apple Releases New Sandy Bridge Quad-Core iMacs with Thunderbolt

Tuesday May 3, 2011 4:12 am PDT by Arnold Kim

Apple released the much anticipated iMac updates today, upgrading the processors to Quad-Core CPUs across the entire range and including Thunderbolt.

Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.

The new iMacs feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4GHz.

The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27" features two Thunderbolt ports.

21.5" 2.5GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6750M, 500GB, $1199
21.5" 2.7GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6770M, 1TB, $1499
27" 2.7GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6770M, 1TB, $1699
27" 3.1GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6970M, 1TB, $1999

Core i7 Processors are available as configure-to-order options.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now)
[ 635 comments ]


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basesloaded190
104 months ago

This is insane. Apple still charges $200 for another 4GB ram:eek:. Is this ram made out of gold or diamonds? 4 GB ram costs $40 for pc.

I already have a better system since January.

-Sandy Bridge i7 2600k @4.2 GHZ
-12 GB RAM 1600MHZ (faster ram than the new iMacs, cost me only $120 for 12GB)
-Ati 5850 ( faster than those mobile gpus )
-Can install OS X 10.6.7 on it, but I don't need it.

It all cost me $500(when I upgraded);)


My pc still laughs in the face at these overpriced computers. :D



Why do people like you guys even post in these forums? Those of us in here actually care about iMacs and not your stupid PC's you built
Rating: 9 Votes
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JordanNZ
104 months ago

I see what Apple did there, substituting TFT for IPS. That's honestly a rubbish move. I won't be buying an iMac with a TFT panel. No thanks.


Read the posts above you...
You're simply confused (wrong) :cool:
Rating: 9 Votes
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gnasher729
104 months ago

I think you're confusing TFT with TN.
They're not the same thing.


There are several kinds of TFT displays. TN displays are the cheapest and lowest quality kind of TFT displays; IPS displays are a more expensive and better kind of TFT display. The new iMacs have the better IPS kind of TFT displays.

And it is amazing how people get excited and angry for no good reason at all, just because they don't understand something and come to all the wrong conclusions.
Rating: 6 Votes
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meli
104 months ago
It doesn't even get above the fold on Apple's homepage.
Rating: 6 Votes
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blackburn
104 months ago

Why do people like you guys even post in these forums? Those of us in here actually care about iMacs and not your stupid PC's you built


Yeah and I bet he is not including the screen. A decent screen costs a lot.
Rating: 6 Votes
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Scrumper
104 months ago
Nice to see they retained the firewire ports for dinosaurs like me who still have audio interfaces and camcorders that rely on it. :) Lurvely!
Rating: 5 Votes
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mrblack927
104 months ago

How can it be TFT and IPS?!! That makes no sense quite honestly... Pish Posh...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD

IPS is a type of TFT screen. Just like TN (what you're thinking of) is a type of TFT screen.
Rating: 5 Votes
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daneoni
104 months ago

Yeah and I bet he is not including the screen. A decent screen costs a lot.


Nor that their computers aren't made from Alumnium and Glass nor does it come with a suite of free software.

Why do people like you guys even post in these forums? Those of us in here actually care about iMacs and not your stupid PC's you built


They need to feel superior.
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
ehoui
104 months ago

+1

LOL, those kinda' folks are ignorant^N


As someone who has personally assembled several home-made machines using good cases and parts, you are glossing over some of the pitfalls with the home-built approach:

1) Components (esp. cases) almost always look better online than they are in reality.
2) Even sturdy parts have quality issues like vibrations, poor tolerances (things don't fit exactly right), cable routing issues, sound...
3) The fun of getting everything installed (drivers, etc.) to work properly out of the box can be a matter of minutes, hours, or days depending on which components you happen to pick
4) Cut hands due to very sharp internal edges (minor annoyance)
5) Supporting failed parts... RMA'ing, replacing and following up with manufacturers individually to get a working machine

But hey, once you get through all of that, the dollar cost is usually significantly lower and there is a sense of accomplishment. But, let's not pretend it's for everyone.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Žalgiris
104 months ago

If you enjoy being significantly ripped off then that is your business, but it's so simple to install an SSD, why not save some cash?


It's a rip off only if you don't understand what you are doing. I just want to buy an iMac, take it out of the box, put it on a desk, move my OS with all the settings and continue using it as if nothing has changed. A good plan if you ask me.
Rating: 4 Votes

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