Apple introduces new iMacs: Slimmer, faster, cheaper; iSight built-in, FrontRow remote

Apple has introduced a new line of iMac G5s, increasing processor speeds, slimming the units down and adding a host of new features -- including a built in camera similar to the iSight, a slimmer case design, a new media remote control dubbed "FrontRow," and new software called "PhotoBooth" that can snap a user's mug shot.

The new Front Row component uses a bundled Apple Remote to let users control songs from their iTunes music library, slideshows of their photo albums in iPhoto, videos including Podcasts, iMovies and DVDs, and movie trailers/TV shows. The estimated range of operation is 30 feet.

Apple's press release states:

"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."

Configurations are now as follows:

The new 17-inch 1.9 GHz iMac G5, for a suggested retail price of US$ 1,299:

• 1.9 GHz PowerPC G5 processor;
• 512MB of 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2.5GB;
• 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• ATI Radeon X600 Pro with 128MB DDR memory;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR;
• 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• ships with infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.

The new 20-inch 2.1 GHz iMac G5, for a suggested retail price of US$ 1,699:

• 2.1 GHz PowerPC G5 processor;
• 512MB of 533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2.5GB;
• 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• ATI Radeon X600 XT with 128MB DDR memory;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR;
• 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• ships with infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.

Notably, the new iMacs do not ship with a built-in dial-up modem. See our separate coverage of Apple's new external USB modem.

The new iMacs are now available from the online Apple Store.

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