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Apple claims that, compared to the previous generation, the new iMac is 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.

Apple’s desktop line of computers features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for a responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. The new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors give the new iMac an extremely powerful graphics capability.

Thunderbolt

iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. Apple had launched its updated MacBook Pro line of notebooks on February 25 earlier this year with the new Thunderbolt I/O technology. It was the  first computer on the market to implement the new technology Apple had developed in collaboration with Intel.

The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters.

Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

FaceTime

The iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, the current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs.

Software

The iMac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife – Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing photos, movies and music.

Snow Leopard includes the Mac App Store for finding new apps for the iMac.

iLife ’11 features iPhoto with full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.

The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminium and glass design, brilliant IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

On the Green front, the iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating. iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac is available through the online Apple Store and Apple Authorised Resellers.

Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online.