Apple announces new, faster iMacs

Apple on Monday announced new, faster iMac desktop computers with PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.25 GHz, faster 333 MHz DDR memory, faster NVIDIA graphics and the move to the faster USB 2.0 standard.

“The theme is to take the ultimate computer for working with digital hub applications and make it even faster,” Greg Joswiak, vice president of hardware product marketing, told MacCentral.

The 15-inch model is equipped with a 1GHz G4, while the 17-inch will have the 1.25GHz G4 processor. Both models include 256MB of faster DDR SDRAM running at 333 MHz and an 80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard disk drive. The 17-inch model also includes NVIDIA’s GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics processor with 64MB of DDR video memory.

The iMac also supports AirPort Extreme 802.11g wireless networking and optional built-in Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Even though Apple upgraded the iMac with the newer USB 2.0 standard, they did not include FireWire 800, opting instead to equip the machines with the older FireWire 400.

“We view FireWire 800 primarily as a pro feature,” said Joswiak.

Software included on the new iMacs include Mac OS X “Jaguar,” Apple’s iLife applications, Quicken 2003 Deluxe, World Book 2003 Edition and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4.

The iMacs are available immediately in the following configurations:

The 15-inch flat panel iMac, for a suggested retail price of US$1,299, includes:

1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine;

256MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM;

32x Combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive;

NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics processor with 32MB video memory;

two FireWire 400 and three USB 2.0 ports;

internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;

80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive running at 7200 rpm; and

Apple Pro Speakers.

The 17-inch widescreen flat-panel iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 includes:

1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine;

256MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM;

4x SuperDrive DVD-R/CD-RW optical drive;

NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics processor with 64MB video memory;

two FireWire 400 and three USB 2.0 ports;

internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;

80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive running at 7200 rpm; and

Apple Pro Speakers.

Update: Added information from interview with Apple executives.