Apple iMac all-in-one PC

The new iMac does not, as many had hoped, use Intel’s new Core i7 processor. The entire range, which consists of four models priced from £949 to £1,799, is still based on the older Core 2 Duo.

Apple normally uses the very latest processors, as with the Nehalem-based Xeon processors in its latest Mac Pro models, but the new iMac range is something of an exception.

The new model is still faster than before, receiving a speed boost but no radical changes to its design. Our review unit was one of the mid-range models, priced at a fairly hefty £1,499, equipped with a 24in screen, 2.93GHz processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 640GB hard disk and a Geforce GT120 graphics card.

A more affordable 20in model runs at 2.66GHz with 2GB of Ram, a 320GB hard disk and integrated Geforce 9400M graphics for £949. Alternatively the top-of-the-range model runs at 3.06GHz, has 4GB Ram, a 1TB hard disk and Geforce GT130 graphics for £1,799.

Hidden at the back are four USB2 ports, Firewire 800, Ethernet and digital audio input and output, and there’s a built-in webcam and 802.11n networking, too.

Apple has also changed its keyboard design again – ­ this time it has included a miniature keyboard that seems more suited towards people with tiny fingers.

That’s our only real complaint, though. The faster processor, graphics card and DDR3 memory provide a healthy performance boost and we can finally say the iMac makes a reasonable gaming machine. Ironically, this comes at a time when the Mac games market seems to have virtually faded away, but at least the Intel processor means that you have the option of installing Windows on your Mac for a quick burst of gaming action.

There are no surprises with this latest iMac, but the improved performance and stylish design still make this an excellent, but expensive, option for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile desktop system.

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