Apple Launches New Intel-Based iMac Lineup

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) on Wednesday announced that its entire iMac line now features new Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) Core 2 Duo processors. The Intel chips give Mac aficionados 50 percent faster performance than the last generation of iMacs.

A new 24-inch iMac with a 24-inch widescreen display joins the 17- and 20-inch models. iMac prices start at US$999. Every new iMac includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing, Apple's Front Row media experience, and iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications.

Reviewing the Specs

The new iMac lineup includes four models: 1.83 GHz and a 2.0 GHz, 17-inch versions; a 2.16 GHz, 20-inch model; and a 2.16 GHz, 24-inch iMac. Prices range from $999 to $1,999.

The 24-inch iMac features a 24-inch widescreen LCD display with a 1920-by-1200 pixel resolution that offers 30 percent more screen real estate and a brighter display than the 20-inch model.

The 24-inch iMac includes a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory and a DVD burner. To boost graphics performance, users can configure the new 24-inch iMac with a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and up to 3 GB of memory.

Demystifying the Mac

Integrating Intel processors into the Mac demystifies the brand for PC owners, according to Technology Business Research Analyst Tim Deal.

"Making the Mac a little more price competitive serves Apple well in the sense that it may lure former PC users or new PC users over to the Mac," Deal told MacNewsWorld. "The iPod has also done an excellent job in showcasing Apple's innovation and integration of hardware, software and a Web service. That has probably raised a few eyebrows."

Apple is trying to raise a few more eyebrows with a special event next week that has analysts speculating about what new product introductions or enhancements will be unveiled for the fourth quarter. Many analysts believe Apple will begin offering full-length movies from its iTunes Music Store.

Apple's Fourth Quarter

"It's important to note that Apple tries to get the most out of its fourth calendar quarter. I think we will see a string of introductions, which kicks off with these new iMacs. This will probably be the company's record-best fourth quarter," Deal predicted.

The way Deal sees it, this time last year, Apple did not have a full line of Intel-based Macs to boost sales , yet still showed record-breaking sales. Now that Apple has fully transitioned, he expects a strong demand for the new computers. That said, much of Apple's fourth quarter still depends on the iPod.

"If these iPod upgrades that we are anticipating next week are compelling enough to continue the iPod momentum that Apple has already developed, it could be an interesting holiday season for Apple," Deal concluded.