Holy iMac, Batman!

 

Although there is no evidence Batman or Robin were involved, we have new iMacs this week. Apple’s new release adds a few impressive upgrades, while still leaving out technologies found in Windows based all in one computers. Let's take a look.

First, the screen size options are 21.5in and 27in LED. And as always Apple’s larger screens do offer the more powerful options. While they both offer very high resolutions though they do not provide a touchscreen interface like that found on the HP Touchsmart computers. HP’s Touchsmart has been produced for many years, and I believe they are in their 5th or 6th generation. Either way, it’s hard to imagine why Apple has brought it to the iMac line yet.

Next let’s take a look a the CPU and memory options. And I would like to point out that a few options on the upper scale of components are only available if you configure them online through Apple. All CPU options are Intel quad core. In the 21.5in model you can start with a 2.5Ghz Core i5, a 2.7Ghz Core i5 or online you can get a 2.8Ghz Core i7. On the 27in model, you can 2.7GHz, 3.1Ghz Core i5 chips or online with the 3.4Ghz Core i7. Not too bad. On the memory front we get 4GB standard or you can upgrade online to 8GB or 16GB.
Obviously, you can get some pretty powerful processors if your willing to spend the extra, but with the Core i5 as the main option most would be better off with a lower priced Windows 7 machine. Still these are some nice computers.

What about storage? 500GB or 1TB is standard with the option to upgrade online to a 2TB hard drive and even add a secondary 256GB Solid State Drive. While the latter is a likely performance boost, it’ll bring a hefty price tag. And still no Blu-Ray, Apple has decided to stick with the standard slot loading DVD burner.

Graphics is where I get excited here. Now all iMacs feature AMD Radeon graphics. And we are not talking any wimpy chips. These all pack a nice punch! Your options are the 512MB 6750M, the 512MB 6770M, the 1GB 6970M or online you can choose the 2GB version of the 6970M. Yes, that indeed is very nice and not many all in one Windows 7 machines can compare there.

Other features include the webcam supporting Full HD. 1-2 Thunderbolt connections depending on model. Nice to have, but still waiting for applicable peripherals. Mini Display port, 4 USB 2.0 connectors, wait no USB 3.0? Yeah sorry, Apple still hasn’t adopted it. 1 Firewire 800 port for the few that still use it. Most mainstream consumers will never need it. And of course standard Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless N and Bluetooth. And let’s not forget the great addition of an SDXC card slot. 

Now for the price. Starting a $1199 and all the way up to $1999 for the preconfigured options. And when I configured the 27in with all the upgraded hardware, not software it was right around $3500. Not bad for an Apple with this kind of performance and it would be hard to beat in a Windows 7 all in One, but possible. However, for the same money one could easily build a Windows 7 Computer that would simple blow that away and still be able to get a larger separate screen. Kudos to Apple for some sweet options, but all stick with my custom built  Windows 7 rigs.