Apple has launched a new entry-level variant of its all-in-one iMac desktop computer with a slightly lower price tag but significantly weaker specifications. The new 21.5-inch iMac has the same slim body as the existing product range, and does not replace any current model.
In line with rumours reported last week of a more affordable iMac launch, the new variant costs $1,099, making it $200 cheaper than the previous entry-level model. In India, the new model will cost Rs. 79,900 while the older model continues to be available for Rs. 92,900. Apple has not introduced an equivalent cheaper version of the 27-inch iMac.
The new variant comes with a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor running at 1.4GHz, 8GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive. The Rs. 92,900 model still has a 2.7GHz quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
The specified maximum Turbo Boost figure of 2.7GHz for the new variant indicates the use of Intel's recently launched Core i5-4260U CPU. While existing iMac models have either Intel Iris Pro integrated graphics or discrete Nvidia GPUs, the new model has to make do with the lower-end Intel HD graphics core integrated into the weaker CPU. The new model's RAM is not described as 2x4GB, indicating the use of a single-channel memory configuration with only one physical RAM module. RAM is not user-accessible or upgradeable in the 21.5-inch iMacs.
High-speed USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt ports, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth 4.0 are standard across the iMac line. The new model comes with four USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt ports in addition to a Gigabit Ethernet port and SDXC card slot.
As with all Macs, the new product runs OS X v10.9 Mavericks and will be eligible for a free update to OS X v10.10 Yosemite when it is launched later this year. Buyers will also get Apple's iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand tools as well as the iWork productivity suite which is made up of of Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
Apple's press release states that the new iMac is available through select Apple Authorised Resellers in India as of today.
Apple had previously refreshed its MacBook Air range with faster processors and lower prices across the board.
