Apple Intros Quad-core i5, i7 iMacs

Apple released updated iMac models sporting quad-core Intel i5 and i7 processors Tuesday morning. Dual-core i3 and i5 models are also available, and the new iMac is available with 21.5-inch and now 27-inch LED backlit displays, too.

The updated iMac ships with 4GB RAM, a slot loading double-layer 8x SuperDrive, Mini DisplayPort for audio and video out, 802.11n AirPort Extreme wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 800 port, a built-in iSight video camera, built-in stereo speakers and microphone, and SDXC SD card slot, and Apple’s Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch iMac

The 21.5-inch 3.06GHz i3 model includes a 1920x1080 LED-backlit display,a 500GB hard drive, and ATI Radeon HD 4670 video with 256MB RAM. The 3.2GHz i3 models ships with a 1TB hard drive, and an ATI Radeon HD 5670 video card with 512MB RAM.

Build-to-order options include a 3.6GHz Core i5 processor, a 2TB hard drive and up to 8GB of RAM.

The 27-inch iMac is available with a 3.2GHz i3 or quad-core 2.8GHz i5 processor and a 1TB hard drive. The 3.2GHz model includes an ATI Radeon HD 5670 video card with 512MB RAM, and the quad-core model ships with a Radeon HD 5750 video card with 1GB RAM.

Build-to-order options include3.6GHz Core i5 processors, 2.93GHz quad-core i7 processors, a 2TB hard drive, 256GB solid state hard drives, and up to 16GB RAM.

The 21.5-inch iMac costs US$1,199 for the 3.06GHz model and $1,499 for the 3.2GHz model. The 27-inch iMac is priced at $1,699 for the 3.2GHz model, and $1,999 for the 2.8GHz quad-core model.