Apple overhauls iMacs, 24-inch models more affordable

(Credit: Apple)

Editors' Note: As of October 20, 2009, the iMac reviewed here has been replaced by 27-inch iMac models.

In addition to updating its Mac Minis this morning, Apple has new iMacs. Each of the four default models received an update, so we'll break them out below list-style for convenience, with new specs in bold.

$1,199 iMac

• 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 2GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 320GB hard drive

• 256MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip
• 20-inch LCD

$1,499 iMac

• 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 640GB hard drive

• 256MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip
• 24-inch LCD

$1,799 iMac

• 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 640GB hard drive

• 256MB Nvidia GeForce GTS 120 graphics chip
• 24-inch LCD

$2,199 iMac

• 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 1TB hard drive

• 512MB Nvidia GeForce GTS 130 graphics chip
• 24-inch LCD

As you can see from all of that bold text, this is a sweeping update across the entire iMac line. A few specs stand out, though. At $1,499, the 24-inch model is the most affordable all-in-one at that screen size from a major desktop vendor in the U.S. The larger hard drives are, of course, also welcome, and the roster of Nvidia graphics chips--in particular the higher-end models with dedicated GPUs--improve the iMacs' outlook for video editing as well as gaming. No other all-in-one approaches those specs at their corresponding prices right now.

(Credit: Apple)

We're glad to see the iMacs' CPU clock speed go up almost across the board as well, but Apple has also left itself vulnerable by sticking with dual-core CPUs. We'd agree that dual-core chips are generally preferable for single application performance, but quad-core excels at multitasking. Both Sony and Dell offer quad-core chips in their all-in-ones, and we suspect they'll play up that advantage as they refresh their own lines.

As with the Mac Minis, the new iMacs also come with updated ports on the back side. You get the typical USB 2.0 jacks, FireWire 800 output, and Gigabit Ethernet, but the Mini DVI port has been replaced by a Mini DisplayPort. As Mini DisplayPort is unique to Apple displays right now, you'll need to purchase an adapter if you want to connect a standard DVI monitor, at least until other monitor vendors catch up.