Apple is tipped to launch new Sandy Bridge-equipped all in one iMacs in Australia this week.Some insiders are tipping May 4th for the devices to appear in Apple stores across Australia.
A big advantage for Apple over most other retailers is the ease by which they can overnight introduce a new model. Scott Browning the Marketing Director of JB hi Fi recently praised the Apple store design and set up. He said “When Apple has a new product they seamlessly introduce it overnight with full merchandising display. This is what JB Hi Fi has to be able to do”.
Only a handful of details about the systems themselves could be confirmed with Apple Insiders tipping that most likely the new range will be available with Core i3, i5, and i7 dual- and quad-core chips.
The video out is near certain to be replaced by a Thunderbolt port and make the iMac Apple’s first desktop with the format.
Electronista said that graphics, storage, and RAM are all mysteries, though AMD’s mid-range Radeon HD 6000 series would be the most likely candidate if Apple plans a drop-in design.
Unlike last year, however, Apple doesn’t need to include dedicated graphics on entry models to get adequate video speed and could see Apple adjust prices or features to match. NVIDIA’s GeForce 500 series is an option if Apple plans to diversify its video chip mix. Apple is likely to go to 1.5TB or 2TB of storage and may start including more than 4GB of RAM for the first time on a home desktop.
The upgrade could be vital for Apple. Although the iMac is consistently Apple’s bestselling desktop, the MacBook range outsold all of the company’s desktop line by a ratio of 2.7 to one last year.
