Updated iMacs may be the first on the market to sport Intel's newest processor.
A version of this article initially appeared on our US site, Fool.com.
On the heels of firmed-up rumours regarding the unveiling of Intel's (NASDAQ: INTC.US) new Ivy Bridge line of processors for later this month, the Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL.US) whispers begin: revamped iMacs featuring the new processors could be here before summer's official debut.
Actually, the ETA circulating around the web is any time during June or July. The source of this intelligence is considered reliable, and based on the number of articles already published on this subject, I would say that is probably so. Another bit of gossip is that Apple's all-in-one desktop computer will also have an anti-glare screen.
The updating of Apple's computer and notebook lines has been expected for some time, and this news represents the first refresh of iMac since last May, when Intel's Sandy Bridge processor was the latest and greatest. The time lag for iMacs means that refreshed MacBooks Pros will most likely be on the scene very soon, as those were rumoured to be next in line for a change-up.
How much improvement can we expect with the new iMacs? Intel's new i5 and i7 Core, 22-nanometre processor is predicted to improve performance anywhere from 5% to 15%, which is nothing to sneeze at. The new iMacs are also rumoured to be slimmer in design than their predecessor, just as the new MacBook Pros are expected to be much thinner than those that came before, more on the idea of a MacBook Air. AppleInsider.com purports that the 15-inch MacBook Pros will be updated first, with the 13-inch models next in line. The site suggests that the larger Pros could be on the market before the end of April.
Apple isn't the only big fish to be reeled in by Intel's shiny new processor. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG.US) may be planning to use Ivy Bridge in its next generation of Chromebooks, those fairly inexpensive but sloggy netbooks that operate entirely in the cloud. The review on CNET didn't have a date for the new product's launch, as Google did not respond to its comment requests.
Apple is first in line, again
It's only a matter of time until other computer makers jump on the Ivy Bridge bandwagon, of course. Apple is once again first with the latest and most coveted tech goodies, and it will reap the benefits it so deserves for beating everyone to the punch, again. Between the rumours and reality of the MacBook Pro updates and the iMac redo, look for shares of Cupertino's native son to skyrocket, once again.
Intel will make out very well, too. Not only will there be the excitement surrounding Apple's product launches, but there will also be the anticipation of other manufacturers' laptops and PCs coming to market -- including the Chromebook -- that will also feature Ivy Bridge. No doubt, there are happy days ahead for these two tech giants.
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