iMac Mid-2010

The iMac "Core i3" 3.2 27-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2010) is driven by a dual-core 3.2 GHz Intel "Core i3" I3-550 (Clarkdale) processor, which has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 4 MB shared level 3 cache. It uses a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that connects the processor and chipset at 2.5 GT/s, in place of a standard system bus.

Its default configuration includes 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.

This model also features an integrated iSight camera and built-in stereo speakers under the 27" glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (2560x1440 native) display, which incorporates "IPS technology".

For connectivity, it provides four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, plus an audio-capable Mini DisplayPort supporting an external display up to 30" (2560x1600).

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

The "Mid-2010" iMac models were shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and a multi-touch "Magic Mouse." For an additional US$69, it could be upgraded with a multi-touch "Magic Trackpad," which enabled notebook-style gestures like inertial scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and three-finger swiping. An aluminum remote was also offered as a US$19 option.

By featuring a Core i3 processor in a 27-inch chassis, this entry-level model was praised for making the large-screen iMac accessible to a wider audience. While the dual-core i3 lacked the processing power of the higher-end quad-core models, its Hyper-Threading technology ensured smooth performance for everyday tasks. The ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics were also sufficient for general use on the large display. Although some expressed disappointment over the omission of Target Display Mode on this model, the beautiful, massive screen remained a highly compelling feature.