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Apple launches new iMacs

Getting an internal rather than external makeover, Apple's super-slim desktops keep the same good looks but now come with processing speed and storage space to spare.

Not content with the overwhelming success of its latest iPhone sales figures, Apple has launched two new iMac all-in-one desktops complete with next generation processors, graphics Wi-Fi, and storage. In fact all that hasn’t changed are the computers’ outward appearances.

As expected, like its latest MacBook Air ultra-light notebooks, the iMacs have made the jump to Intel’s Haswell processors -- quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz to be precise -- meaning faster, more responsive processing and graphics, which have been paired with NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics cards, doubling the video memory and boosting performance by 40 percent over the existing models. And of course if that is not enough, there is an upgrade option to a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

Wi-fi is now 802.11ac, meaning that as long as the router and other elements of the home network support it, surfing speeds are comparable to a wired Ethernet connection, while also giving everything a boost is the inclusion of a bigger fusion drive (up to 3TB) – Apple’s part solid state flash, part spinning disc hard drive that gives faster boot-up times, instant access to open files and to applications without overwhelming the RAM.

However, there is plenty of RAM to go round. The computers ship with 8GB as standard but can be maxed out to a whopping 32GB.

Available Tuesday, the entry-level 21.5-inch iMac will cost $1299 (£1,149 or €1299) from Apple’s online store while its bigger 27-inch brother will retail for $1799 (£1,599 or €1799).