Apple today updated its all-in-one iMac line, widely praised as the world's best desktop computers, with the latest Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors and powerful new graphics. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac line is the fastest ever with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz, quad-core speeds up to 2.93 GHz and discrete graphics including the powerful ATI Radeon HD 5750.

“We took the world’s best all-in-one and made it even better,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the latest processors, high-performance graphics and signature aluminum and glass design, customers are going to love the latest iMac.”

Dual-core Intel Core i3 and Core i5, and quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors set a new benchmark for iMac performance. The processors feature an integrated memory controller to access the system memory directly, allowing the new iMac to take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory. New discrete ATI Radeon HD processors deliver incredibly smooth, crisp graphics for the most demanding 3D games, creative software and technical applications. iMac displays feature IPS technology to deliver a brilliant image across a wide 178 degree viewing angle. The SD card slot on the iMac now supports the SDXC format to handle the latest high-capacity storage cards. Customers of the 27-inch iMac have the option to order a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) as a primary or secondary drive. The iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch times.

The new iMac line is shipping now and available in four standard configurations including 21.5-inch model with 3.06GHz Core i3 processor, 4GB RAM, 256MB ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics and 500GB hard drive for $1,199; 21.5-inch model with 3.2GHz Core i3 processor, 512MB ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics and 1TB hard drive for $1,499; 27-inc model with 3.2GHz Core i3 processor 4GB RAM, 512MB HD 5670 graphics and 1TB hard drive for $1,699; and 27-inch model with 2.8GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, 1GB Radeon HD 5750 graphics and 1TB hard drive for $1,999.