Apple has unveiled several new computers, including the new Mac Mini, new lower-priced 20- and 24-inch iMacs, and new flagship quad- and 8-core Mac Pros.
- The new Mac Mini features up to five times faster NVIDIA graphics performance and a faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor (starting at 2.0GHz), plus it’s “greener,” using 45 percent less power than the previsou model.
- The iMac line has been updated with new, significantly lower prices ($300 less than previous models), ultrafast NVIDIA graphics, and more. The new 20″, 2.66GHz model starts at $1199, while the 24″ models (ranging from 2.66GHz to 3.06GHz speeds with Intel Core 2 Duo processors) start at $1499.
- The flagship Mac Pro line has been changed the most. The biggest improvement is the new Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processor that is used in both the quad-core and 8-core models. These processors are said to provide nearly two times faster performance with a new system architecture, 8MB of fully shared L3 cache, an integrated memory controller, and 1,066MHz DDR3 ECC memory, for nearly 2.4 times the memory bandwidth of previous models. The new NVIDIA graphics cards are said to be up to 2.9 times faster and offer Mini DisplayPorts as well as dual-link DVI connectors. The machines have completely redesigned interiors for easy expansion. The quad-core machine can hold up to 8GB of RAM, while the 8-core supports up to 32GB. Both can hold up to four 1TB hard drives, which can be combined into RAIDs using OS X Leopard or with an optional RAID card. RAM, PCIe cards, hard drives, and other expansions can be installed without laying the computer on its side; just pop off the side cover and install whatever expansions you desire. Prices start at $2499 for the quad-core and $3299 for the 8-core.
