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Apple has updated its popular iMac - and it offers big improvements in power and graphics capabilities.
Again toting the Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the range-topping 24-inch widescreen version is packing an optional 3.06GHz processor with a 6MB level 2 cache, and a much faster 1066 MHz front-size bus has been added across the range.
The flagship model also options the 512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GS - the most serious graphics capability ever offered in Apple's all-in-one desktop.
"The iMac's gorgeous aluminium and glass all-in-one design has been an incredible hit with our customers and is just one of the reasons Mac sales are growing three and a half times faster than PC sales," said Philip Schiller, Apple worldwide marketing VP.
"With the latest Intel processors, a faster new graphics option and more memory, customers now have even more reasons to love the iMac."
And even taking the puffed-up marketing hype into account, Schiller is not far wrong.
The flagship can also be fitted with a one terabyte SATA drive and can run up to 4 gigabytes of DDR2 SDRAM.
At the bottom end of the range, the 20-inch widescreen 2.4 GHz iMac is listing for $1899 (including GST), while the 2.66 GHz 20-inch carries a $2,298 RRP. The standard version of the 24-inch will sell for $2,799.
The price on the fully-loaded 24-inch is a hefty $4,289.
Stock features on the iMac include built-in 802.11n Wi-fi, Bluetooth 2.1, gigabit Ethernet and a built-in iSight video camera. There are five USB 2.0 ports, two of which are found on the wafer-thin Apple keyboard, one FireWire 400 port and a FireWire 800.
