Lighter, Slimmer iMacs Announced Today – Everything You Need to Know

The new iMac Lineup was announced today at Apple’s media event. And to say the new models are extraordinary would be an understatement. The new computers are 80% thinner than the previous generation of iMacs, and the screen has 75% less reflection that the previous version. Apple also introduces a new hybrid “fusion drive”.

The iMac will be available with both 21.5-inch and 27-inch displays, and they include a new fully laminated design that improves optical quality and also a new anti-reflective coating.

The “fusion drive” combines 128GB flash storage with either a 1TB or 3TB conventional hard drive. Apple claims the performance will be comparable to a SSD. Everything is managed in the background, with no user interaction required. By default all applications will be stored on the SSD, but as you go forward, the computer learns what files you use most, and moves those files and apps to the SSD to increase performance. This type of technology isn’t really new, as hybrid SSD/HDD have been available for quite awhile, but it’s the first time Apple has included it in any of their computers.

The new iMacs also include a FaceTime HD camera, and stereo sound which Apple claims sounds better than the previous generation.

Horsepower is supplied via a Core i5 or i7 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce graphics chips.

There will be a Thunderbolt port, four USB3 ports, and the computer comes with an Apple Wireless Keyboard, and Wireless Mouse.

The 21.5-in iMac price starts at $1,299, and which is equipped with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB hard drive. The 21.5″ model will begin shipping in November.

The 27-inch iMac starts with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB hard drive priced starting at $1,799 and should ship in December.

The specs are:

• 80% thinner than the previous generation. 5mm thin.
• Two sizes, 27 inch and 21.5 inch.
• Fully laminated display. Text and graphics will look like they’re sitting right on top of the glass.
• 75% less reflection than the previous version.
• FaceTime HD camera, stereo sound, “That sounds better than the previous generation.”
• Up to 3TB of storage, Core i5 or i7.
• Four USB 3 ports.
• Apple Fusion Drive: 128 SDD and a 1TB or 3TB HDD, “Fused together with software.” Core applications and OS stays on the SSD, documents stay on the HDD. Performance is nearly that of a standard SSD.
• Comes with a wireless keyboard and a mouse.
• 21.5 inch starts at $1299. Ships in November.
• 27 inch starts at $1799, shipping in December.

Video courtesy of The Verge.

You can view all of our editorial coverage for today’s announcements by visiting our ‘iPad Mini Event‘ tag!