Apple's New iMac, Magic Trackpad: A Closer Look

Apple's iMac Update

Apple on Tuesday launched sweeping updates to its iMac desktop line with a pair of new models (21.5-inch and 27-inch) that pack in peppier processing and stronger graphics. The new iMacs start at $1,199 and now feature a quad-core option in the 27-inch model.

Here, we take a look at the specs that make the updated Apple iMac tick.

The New 21.5-Inch 3.06 GHz iMac

Apple's new 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac packs a punch. It offers up a 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display; 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with 4MB shared L3 cache; 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB; ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 SDRAM; 500GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVDR DL/DVDRW/CD-RW).

It comes with a Mini DisplayPort for audio and video output (adapters sold separately); AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; iSight video camera; Gigabit Ethernet; four USB 2.0 ports; one SDXC SD card slot; one FireWire 800 port; built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and Wireless Apple Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

Configure-to-order options for the 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 include up to 8GB of RAM.

The 21.5-inch 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 model retails for $1,199.

The New 21.5-Inch 3.2 GHz iMac

Apple's other new 21.5-inch iMac features a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 and retails for a suggested $1,499. Apple beefed up this model by jamming in a 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display; 3.20 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with 4MB shared L3 cache; 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB; ATI Radeon HD 5670 discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3; 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVDR DL/DVDRW/CD-RW).

It also comes with a Mini DisplayPort for audio and video output (adapters sold separately); AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; iSight video camera; Gigabit Ethernet; four USB 2.0 ports; one FireWire 800 port; one SDXC SD card slot; built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and Wireless Apple Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

Configure-to-order options for the 21.5-inch 3.2 GHz iMac include a faster 3.6 GHz Core i5 processor, 2TB hard drive and up to 8GB of RAM.

The New 27-Inch 3.2 GHz iMac

The first 27-inch among the revamped Apple iMac line features a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 processor and retails about $1,699.

The spec sheet is impressive, and includes a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display; 3.20 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with 4MB shared L3 cache; 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB; ATI Radeon HD 5670 discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3; 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVDR DL/DVDRW/CD-RW).

It sports a Mini DisplayPort for audio and video input and output (adapters sold separately); AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; iSight video camera; Gigabit Ethernet; four USB 2.0 ports; one FireWire 800 port; one SDXC SD card slot; built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and Wireless Apple Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

The new 27-inch 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 iMac's configure-to-order options include a 3.6 GHz Core i5 processor, 2TB hard drive, 256GB solid state drive (SSD) and up to 16GB of RAM.

The New 27-Inch 2.8 GHz Quad-Core iMac

Lastly, Apple showcased the new 27-Inch 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 iMac. This monster retails for just under $2,000 ($1,999 to be exact). It packs in all of the bells and whistles, including a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 LED-backlit display; 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor with 8MB shared L3 cache; 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB; ATI Radeon HD 5750 discrete graphics with 1GB GDDR5; 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVDR DL/DVDRW/CD-RW).

It includes a Mini DisplayPort for audio and video input and output (adapters sold separately); AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; iSight video camera; Gigabit Ethernet; four USB 2.0 ports; one FireWire 800 port; one SDXC SD card slot; built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and Wireless Apple Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

Configure-to-order options for the 27-Inch 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 iMac include a 2.93 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor, a 2TB hard drive, 256GB solid state drive (SSD) and up to 16GB of RAM.

Magic Trackpad

The revamped Apple iMac also has the option for a new Magic Trackpad, with a smooth glass and aluminum design that gives iMac users the same multi-touch gesture capabilities that Mac notebook users have. The Magic Trackpad for iMac is available separately for $69.

Desktop Multi-Touch

Apple said the wireless Magic Trackpad lets users scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch-to-zoom functionality, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can be configured to support single button or two button commands and supports tap-to-click as well as physical click, Apple said.