Apple Computer's iMac desktops are now equipped with Intel's new Core 2 Duo processors, the Mac maker said Wednesday.
The iMac lineup has also been expanded to include a 24-inch model, supplementing the company's 17-inch and 20-inch versions of the widescreen, tower-free desktop. According to Apple, the new machines will operate 50 percent faster than the 20-inch version with the original Core Duo.
Apple confirmed in a statement today that costs for the new iMac range will start at the recommended retail price of AU$1,549 including GST.
In June 2005, Apple announced that it was ditching its IBM PowerPC chips in favor of Intel processors. The iMacs with Intel's original Core Duo chip debuted early this year.
With the release of the Core 2 Duo models, iMac prices have dropped a notch. The 17-inch model is now AU$1,549 with a 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo, AU$1,849 with a 2GHz version or AU$2,009 with a 2.16GHz chip.
The 20-inch iMac is priced at AU$2,299 with a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo or AU$2,694 with a 2.33GHz version.
The new 24-inch model costs AU$2,999 with a 2.16GHz chip or AU $3,394 with a 2.33GHz version.
The machines also come with a built-in iSight camera, which looks like a small black dot at the top of the screen and can shoot still photos or act as a Web cam. In addition, a remote that resembles an iPod Shuffle can be used to access music, movies and photos.
Apple's announcement was not limited to iMacs. Its Mac Mini budget desktop was given a processor upgrade too -- from an Intel Core Solo to a Core Duo -- not the new Core 2 Duo. The box-shaped Mac Minis, which come without a monitor, are now AU$949 including GST for a 1.66GHz model and AU$1,249 including GST for the 1.83GHz version.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is expected to give more product news at a self-described "special event" in San Francisco next week.
The new iMac line will be available through the Apple Store and Apple authorised resellers.
ZDNet Australia's Scott Mckenzie contributed to this report.
