Cupertino, Calif. – Apple Inc. updated its iMac computers Tuesday with a slimmer design, faster chips and glossy screens, hoping to further propel sales that already outpace the rest of the PC industry.
The all-in-one desktop computers now have aluminum casings, replacing the white plastic facade that has defined the computer line for years. The new iMacs will come only in 20-inch and 24-inch versions.
With starting prices at $1,199 and $1,799, respectively, the computers are also $200 to $300 cheaper than their predecessors.
Analysts have been anticipating an iMac revamp for some time from the trendsetting company. Apple last introduced a new iMac in September 2006, when it debuted the 24-inch model.
The success of the iPod, Apple’s retail stores and the company’s switch to Intel-based computer chips have all helped boost the Mac- intosh maker’s computer sales and profits to record levels. In recent quarters, Apple’s sales have been growing three times as fast as the rest of the PC industry.
