Apple Powers Up iMacs

Apple followed last week's roll-out of new top-of-the-line G5-powered desktops with a similar launch Tuesday of a faster set of mid-range iMacs.

The new three iMacs feature PowerPC G5 processors up to 2.0GHz, include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and run Apple's newest OS, Mac OS X version 10.4, dubbed "Tiger," which went on sale last Friday. Two of the new systems include a new 8X optical drive with double-layer DVD support.

All three feature integrated Gigabit Ethernet, 512MB of memory to start, and iLife '05, Apple's suite of digital creation and entertainment tools such as iPhoto, iMovie, and iTunes.

Prices start at $1.299 for the iMac boasting a 17-inch LCD monitor, 1.8GHz PowerPC, 160GB hard drive, and a DVD/CD-RW optical drive. Two other models are available at $1,499 and $1,799.

The new line is available now at Apple's own retail stores, other outlets, and the Cupertino, Calif.-based maker's own online store.