Apple Announces New iMac With Next Generation Quad-Core Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology

Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.

The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.

iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, the current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac is available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US).

The Man Cave Book

A man cave is defined as follows : “A dedicated area of a house, such as a basement, workshop, or garage, where a man can be alone or socialize with his friends”.

If you have a designated room inside your house ready to be transformed into a man cave, then I recommend you refer to the bible on the subject, The Man Cave Book ($8) written by Jeff Wilser and Michael Yost. (They also run The Man Cave Site as well)

This handy 192 page paperback pays tribute to great and glorious man spaces and the craftsmen behind them. Complete with instructions and insights into creating your own unique refuge and shrine to beer, sports, and everything else that’s right with the world, The Man Cave Book is an essential manual for any man cave enthusiast.

Justin Cronin’s Paperback Release of The Passage Book Tour

Author Justin Cronin will be embarking on another book tour soon. This time it’s to commemorate the release of the paperback edition of The Passage.  Dates, times and locations can be found HERE.

Wendy Gold’s ImagineNations Globes

Each of these vintage globes have been uniquely redesigned by Wendy Gold.  “Imagine Nation” globes,. The artwork is hand-cut, decoupaged on and then finished to create a much more interesting globe. You can check out her ImagineNations Globes ($300 +) HERE or design one yourself.

Lucasfilm Sets Countdown For Details on Star Wars Blu-rays

Lucasfilm has announced that all will be revealed about the Star Wars Saga Blu-ray sets in 4 days, with an e-mail message sent out pointing to the May the 4th Be with You – Star Wars Countdown page on StarWars.com.

With an image from the beginning of the first STAR WARS movie showing Princess Leia saving crucial information for the Rebellion inside R2-D2, they encourage people to visit the site on May 4th at 6 AM Pacific Time, where the much awaited details of the upcoming multi-disc Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy and Complete Saga sets will be revealed to Star Wars fans.

Kohler Numi Toilet

The Kohler Numi Toilet ($6,400) contains a built-in music system, ambient lighting and touchscreen remote. This fully loaded toilet also offers a motion-activated lid and seat, an integrated, retracting bidet, an integrated air dryer, a built-in air deodorizer, a heated seat, floor-level vents to keep both the floor and your feet warm and a host of customizable options, from water temperature to spray pattern, all saved separately for each “user” in the household.

Time & Apple Reach Deal On iPad Access For Print Subscribers

Time, Inc. and Apple have reached a deal that allows subscribers to the print editions of Sports Illustrated, Fortune, and Time to download the iPad versions of the magazines free of charge. The Wall Street Journal reports that the deal is an expansion of a similar arrangement for Time’s People magazine, which has allowed print subscribers free access to the iPad edition since last August. You can download the aforementioned apps at the App Store.