Apple has announced a new, lower cost version of its leading all-in-one desktop PC. While this latest addition to the iMac line might cut a couple of hundred dollars off the asking price, it also scales back some of the specs. Still, the prospect of obtaining the product’s high-end build and design for not much over US$1,000 is an enticing one.
The new system is of the 21.5-inch variety (with a 1920 x 1080 resolution) and is fitted with 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM and a standard 500 GB hard drive. Like some of its pricier siblings, the new model packs an Intel Core i5 processor. However, the chip here is a dual core offering clocked at the lower speed of 1.4 GHz (up to 2.7GHz with Turbo Boost).
There’s also been a downgrading of the graphics solution, with the new model offering integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000. Some of the more expensive models make use of integrated graphics, but they generally opt for the more competent Iris Pro GPU.
Connectivity is the same as the more expensive models, with the new machine offering two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports. There’s also 802.11ac Wi-Fi onboard to ensure an extra speedy wireless connection.
Like with the company’s other iMac models, it’s possible to upgrade some of the internals at the point of purchase. The options aren’t too expansive here, but you can fit the new machine with up to 256 GB SSD for storage
Aside from the above, the new system of course features the product’s thin, premium build and runs on OS X Mavericks, at least until Yosemite hits later this year. The machine is available now for $1,099, which lowers the iMac bar of entry by $200.
Source: Apple
