EON

San Francisco – Apple unveiled a new line of iMac computers on Tuesday featuring 20- and 24-inch widescreen displays and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors.

The new line also includes an ultra-thin aluminium Apple keyboard and a built-in camera for video conferencing.

The 20-inch iMac now starts at 1,199 dollars, 300 dollars less than the earlier 20-inch model, while the 24-inch iMac starts at 1,799 dollars, 200 dollars less than the previous model.

The hardware also includes a new kind of outer shell made of aluminium and glass, plus the addition of an updated version of Apple’s iLife feature to manage digital media, and other relatively minor upgrades.

“This new iMac is the most incredible desktop computer we’ve ever made,” said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. “Our new design features the innovative use of materials, including professional- grade aluminium and glass, that are highly recyclable.”

Analysts welcomed the new computers which are expected to boost sales from a record 1.76 million units in the third quarter to more than 1.9 million.