Apple on Tuesday announced an update to its consumer-level iMac G5, which includes a 2.0GHz G5 processor, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0. Apple also updated its eMac desktop computer, upgrading the processor speed, memory and hard disk capacity.
“This is by far the most feature rich iMac product line we have ever offered,” Tom Boger, senior director Desktop Product Marketing, told MacCentral.
In addition to a faster G5 processor, the iMac also includes faster graphics with the ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB video memory, a new 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support, built-in Gigabit Ethernet and 512MB of memory across the line.
The allure of the iMac is not limited to just home users, according to Apple. The broad appeal of the desktop system is leading the company to enhance many aspects of the computer besides pure processor speed.
“The iMac G5 is appealing to a wide variety of customers from consumers to education and small business,” said Boger. “These customers crave the wireless connectivity, faster graphics and better performance.”
The new iMacs are available immediately worldwide and come with Mac OS X Tiger. The 17-inch, 1.8GHz model will cost US$1,299, while the mid-range model, a 17-inch 2.0GHz will cost $1,499 and the high-end 20-inch iMac 2.0GHz will cost $1,799.
“This really is the ultimate consumer desktop,” said David Moody Apple vice president Worldwide Mac Hardware Product Marketing.
Apple also updated its education-targeted eMac desktop computer today, increasing the speed of its G4 processor to 1.42GHz. The eMac also received a boost in standard memory to 512MB for both models, a Radeon 9600 with 64MB video memory and a SuperDrive double-layer support. The hard disk capacity was also increased to 80GB and 160GB respectively for the low- and high-end models.
The eMac starts at $799 and includes Mac OS X Tiger.
UPDATE: Added information from interview with Apple executives. 10:40 am