The iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2009) is powered by a 3.06 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (E7600), with two independent cores on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 2 cache, and a 1066 MHz system bus. It comes with 4 GB of RAM (1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM), a 500 GB or 1 TB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertical slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", and either NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 256 MB of shared memory or ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.
It also features a built-in iSight video camera and integrated stereo speakers beneath a 21.5" glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1080 native) display that incorporates "IPS technology".
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, integrated AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet. A Mini DisplayPort supports an external display up to 30" (2560x1600).
The "Late 2009" iMac series presents a similar look to earlier Aluminum models but introduces an "edge-to-edge" glass design and a "seamless all aluminum enclosure," unlike previous versions which had a noticeable aluminum border and a plastic back.
Externally, the displays are upgraded with LED-backlighting and "IPS technology" for superior quality. Internally, these models have four RAM slots, supporting up to 16 GB of RAM, a step up from the two slots and 8 GB capacity of earlier models. All "Late 2009" iMacs also feature an SD Card slot and redesigned speakers promising "louder, clearer sound with better bass response and less distortion".
These models shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and the innovative multi-touch "Magic Mouse," where the entire top surface acts as a multi-touch interface for intuitive finger gestures. A new aluminum remote was also available as a US$19 optional extra.