Apple launches Intel Sandy Bridge-powered iMacs

Apple has updated its sleek all-in-one iMac line with Intel Sandy Bridge quad-core processors, Thunderbolt I/O technology, AMD Radeon HD graphics processors and a FaceTime HD camera to improve performance, speed and usability.

The 21.5in iMac is available with a 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £999, or a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for £1,249.

The 27in iMac is available with the latter specs for £1,399 or in another configuration with a 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested price of £1,649.

Aside from the improved processing power, responsiveness and graphics capabilities gleaned from Intel's next-generation chips and AMD's Radeon HD graphics processor, the iMacs are the first desktops on the market to feature Thunderbolt.

This connection technology from Intel, formerly called Light Peak, is twice as fast as USB 3.0 and around 12 times faster than FireWire 800, according to the chip maker, and there will be one port on the 21.5in iMac and two on the larger version.

Finally, the built-in FaceTime HD camera and FaceTime software could benefit home or office workers keen to connect on video conference calls.

The camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs, said Apple.

Both iMacs come with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Apple's iLife suite of apps.

In related news, Apple Mac users were warned today about two developments in the security space which may put their machines at greater risk from attack.

Firstly, Danish security vendor CSIS said it had discovered a Mac-specific crimeware kit for sale on the underground market which could lead to information-stealing malware targeted at the platform.

Then Mac security firm Intego warned of a scareware campaign launched for possibly the first time at Mac users.