iMac Mid-2010

The iMac "Core i3" 3.2 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2010) is powered by a dual-core 3.2 GHz Intel "Core i3" I3-550 (Clarkdale) processor, featuring a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 4 MB shared level 3 cache. Instead of a traditional system bus, it employs a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that links the processor and chipset at 2.5 GT/s.

By default, it's equipped with 4 GB of RAM (1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM), a 1 TB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertical slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", and an ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.

The system also includes a built-in iSight camera and stereo speakers located beneath the 21.5" glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1080 native) display with "IPS technology".

Connectivity features four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, integrated AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet. An audio-capable Mini DisplayPort supports external displays up to 30" (2560x1600).

Externally, the "Mid-2010" iMac line shares the same "edge-to-edge" glass design and "seamless all aluminum enclosure" as the "Late 2009" models they replaced. Internally, however, the "Mid-2010" series is upgraded with faster processors, graphics processors, and memory, as well as support for the SDXC SD card format.

The "Mid-2010" iMac models were bundled with a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and a multi-touch "Magic Mouse." An optional US$69 upgrade provided a multi-touch "Magic Trackpad," enabling users to perform gestures like inertial scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and three-finger swiping, mirroring the functionality of Apple's notebooks of that era. An aluminum remote was also available for an additional US$19.

As the higher-end 21.5-inch model, this machine was highly praised for its faster 3.2 GHz Core i3 processor and more powerful ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics. The improved graphics performance, in particular, made a noticeable difference in applications like gaming and video editing. The standard 1 TB high-capacity hard drive was also a reassuring feature for users with large amounts of data. The introduction of the optional Magic Trackpad was also appreciated for expanding user's input choices. It was a compelling option for many users due to its excellent balance of performance and price.