Mid-2010 iMac
The new Mid-2010 iMacs are out, and they are pretty wonderful. the backlit displays are brilliantly sharp, and are powered by upgraded graphic cards. They have faster processors, too.
They also feature Hyper-Threading and in the case of the i5 abd 57 processor models, Turbo Boost.
The Intel Xeon processors support Hyper-Threading, which allows two threads to run simultaneously on each core. So, for example, a 12-core Mac Pro presents 24 virtual cores that are recognized by Mac OS X. Performance is enhanced because Hyper-Threading enables the processor to take better advantage of the execution resources available in each core.
Turbo Boost is a dynamic performance technology that automatically boosts the processor clock speed based on workload. If you’re using an application that doesn’t need every core, Turbo Boost increases the speed of the active ones, up to 3.33GHz on a 12-core Mac Pro, and up to 3.6GHz on a 6-core system.
The 21.5″ models come with 3.06GHz and 3.2GHz both with Intel Core i3 processors and supporting Hyper-Threading, and a 3.6GHz with Intel Core i5 supporting Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost. Both have 4MB level 3 cache.
The 27″ models come with 3.2GHz Intel Core i3 process with Hyper-Threading, 3.6GHz Intel Core i5 with Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, with 4MB level 3 cache. Top of the line 27″ iMacs are available with the Quad-Core 2.8GHz Intel Core i5 or 2.93GHz Intel Core i7, both with 8MB level 3 cache and of course, supporting Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost.
All models come with 4GB RAM, and support up to 16GB. Hard drives options are 500GB (21.5″ only) or 1TB (2TB optional) and an optional 256GB solid-state drive for the 27″ version.
CAUTION: I toured DriveSavers today, and much to my surprise, learned that solid-state drives are experiencing high failure rates and after 6 months or so are not nearly as fast as they are new. More on this in another post. If you have questions, contact me.
Graphics processors for the 21.5″ iMacs are ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256MB of GDDR3 memory or ATI Radeon HD 5670 with 512MB. The 27″ with the 13 or 15 processors use the ATI Radeon HD 5670 with 512MB while the Quad-Core i7 uses the ATI Radeon HD 5750 with 1GB of GDDR5 memory, making it a serious tool for designers, photographers, etc.
Details on the new iMacs can be found on Apple’s page.
Mid-2010 Mac Pro
Lots of improvements on the Mac Pro, but since it’s a more specialized machine, I’ll let the tech details go for the most part. You can find ‘em here, but I will say that the graphic capabilities are amazing, the processors are very fast, the architecture has been upgraded and memory is supported up to 32GB on dual-processor systems. This is an amazing machine!
Magic Trackpad
The new Magic Trackpad gives desktop users the Multi-Touch features that only newer MacBook Pro owners have had to date. Replacing the mouse, the Magic Trackpad is like the MBP in everything but size… it’s 80% bigger. The entire surface is a clickable button, and it’s the same design as the Wireless Keyboard, same angle, heights, etc. It’s Bluetooth, like the Wireless Keyboard.
You can even buy an Apple Battery Charger with 6 high-performance AA NiMH batteries to keep your keyboard and trackpad charged up, without wasting energy or fouling the environment by throwing away regular batteries. At $29, it’s not a bad del, since it draws much less electricity than the average charger.
Bigger Picture, anyone?
Oh, and there’s a new 27″ LED Cinema Display, too. With built-in iSight camera and mike, 178° viewing angle, and a cable that combines the MagSafe connector, USB and of course the Mini DisplayPort connectors. The 27″ Cinema Display has 3 USB 2.0 ports to add to your choices, and a 49 watt speaker system.
It also features an ambient light sensor, so if you’re working in a bright room, you’ll have perfect brightness. When the sun goes down, you’ll still have perfect brightness. Great feature, in my opinion.
The LED Cinema Display also is adjustable from -5 to 25 degrees via a smooth-motion hinge.
If this doesn’t whet your appetite for Mac hardware… nothing will.
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