Apple introduces the new iMac G5

Apple introduces the new iMac G5

BANGALORE: Apple has unveiled the new iMac G5 which features a built-in iSight video camera for out-of-the-box video conferencing and the debut of Apple's breakthrough Front Row media experience.

The refined design of the new iMac G5 is now up to 1/2-inch thinner and 15 percent lighter than the previous generation. Delivering even greater value, the new iMac G5 line includes a 17-inch model with a 1.9GHz PowerPC G5 processor for just Rs.78,000 and a 20-inch model with a 2.1 GHz PowerPC G5 processor for Rs.99,500.

Both models now come standard with a SuperDrive with double-layer support for burning professional-quality DVDs, 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable to 2.5GB, hard drive storage capacity up to 500GB, and ATI Radeon X600 PCI Express-based graphics with 128MB of dedicated video memory for outstanding graphics performance and realistic game play. System memory is easily upgraded via a convenient access door along the bottom edge, states an official release.

"The new iMac G5 debuts our amazing Front Row media experience, and we think users are going to love it," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "Plus, the built-in iSight video camera delivers out-of-the-box video conferencing with friends and family, as well as hours of fun with our new Photo Booth application."

Apple's breakthrough Front Row media experience uses the bundled Apple Remote to let users enjoy the content they have on their iMac-including songs from their iTunes music library, slideshows of their photo albums in iPhoto, videos including Podcasts, iMovies and DVDs, and popular movie trailers streamed from apple.com-all from up to 30 feet away. Front Row is easily controlled using the Apple Remote, which has only six buttons, compared to remote controls for Microsoft's Media Center which typically have over 40 buttons, adds the release.

With its built-in iSight video camera, the new iMac G5 provides video conferencing right out of the box using Apple's award-winning iChat AV software. The new iMac G5 also includes Photo Booth, Apple's fun-to-use new application that lets users take quick snapshots with the built-in iSight video camera, add entertaining visual effects with the touch of a button, and share them via Mail, save them in iPhoto, or use them as icons in iChat or Address Book.