California: Apple has upgraded the iMac with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors along with the most powerful graphics ever available in an iMac. The 3.06 GHz Intel processor and the high-performance NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics as options, will surely leapfrog iMac as the ultimate all-in-one desktop computer for both consumers and professionals.

Moderately priced at$1,199, the 24-inch iMac  features a  faster processors with 6MB L2 cache memory and a 1066 MHz front-side bus across the entire line with a standard 2GB memory, common in most models.

For the first time iMac has included an optional NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB of video memory, to deliver up to two times standard performance for graphic intensive applications such as  quickly and conveniently transfer digital photos, music and videos.

Other features include a built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi networking for up to five times the performance of 802.11g; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; Gigabit Ethernet; built-in iSight video camera; a total of five USB 2.0 ports (including two on the Apple Keyboard); a FireWire 400 and another FireWire 800 port.

Apple's commitment to environmental concerns have been reflected on the new iMac with the use of highly recyclable and durable materials including scratch-resistant glass and professional grade aluminum. Every model in the iMac line is rated EPEAT Silver and the power-efficient iMac also meets the stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements for power consumption. Customers who purchase any qualifying Apple computer can recycle their old PC or Mac for free via the Apple Recycling Program.

''The iMac's gorgeous aluminum and glass all-in-one design has been an incredible hit with our customers and is just one of the reasons Mac sales are growing three and a half times faster than PC sales,'' stated Philip Schiller, senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple.

 ''With the latest Intel processors, a faster new graphics option and more memory, customers now have even more reasons to love the iMac,'' he added

Every Mac in the Apple lineup comes with iLife '08, the most significant update ever to Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, featuring a major new version of iPhoto and a completely reinvented iMovie, both seamlessly integrated with the new Mac Web Gallery for online photo and video sharing.

The iMac runs on Leopard, the sixth version of the world's most advanced operating system. To avoid desktop clutter, a new feature Leopard: Stacks has been introduced, which provides a platform for quick access to folders of files.

Other features  include the Time Machine, a feature, which automatically takes back up of everything on a Mac; a redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs; Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application; Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them; and the new Back to My Mac feature to browse and access files on their home computer from a Mac over the Internet while on the move.