Mac-happy desk dwellers can finally get their hands on the svelte 21.5-inch iMac, which went on sale this morning. The 27-inch version is also available for pre-order and will begin shipping in December.
The 21.5-inch iMac starts at $1,300 and includes a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce GT 640M graphics. Spend another two Benjamins and you get a 2.9 GHz Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce GT 650M. Eight gigs of RAM comes standard, but you can upgrade to 16GB at the time of purchase. This rig also comes standard with 1TB of hard disk storage. It ships with a wireless keyboard and option of Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
Inside, buyers also have the option to upgrade to Apple's in-house developed Fusion Drive, which combines a standard HDD with 128GB of flash storage and uses intelligent algorithms to optimize read and write performance.
We've spent a little time with the new iMac and can say the 1920 x 1080 resolution display, although technically not Retina, provides rich, vivid colors and significantly lower glare than that glossy monitor our boss is stuck with (sucker). Indeed, thanks to a re-engineered display that includes a precision anti-reflective coating and front glass that's fused to the rest of the display layers, Apple promises a 75 percent reduction in reflection from its predecessor.
Production of the 2012 iMac also utilizes an interesting technological processes called friction stir welding, which creates a seamless, aerospace-worthy juncture between two pieces of aluminum. This was used to connect the front and back panels of the iMac along its 5-mm-thick edges. Unfortunately, when you're using the desktop, you don't really get to appreciate that super-slim profile -- unless you position a mirror or two off to the sides of your Mac.
The experience is also pleasantly (expectedly) snappy so far. But don't worry -- we'll be putting it through the paces in the coming days. Look out for a full review soon.
