Dubai - 19 February 2006

Following the successful European and US release of iMac's new range of computers that feature the pioneering Core Duo processor, Apple IMC - Middle East officially announced the launch of the Intel based iMac technology in the Middle East. 

The chip which has been designed to be both powerful and energy-efficient was initially intended by Intel for use in ordinary computers. Its application to Apple Mac hardware marks a new dawn in computer technology as this not only heralds the next chapter in computer evolution, but it also represents a perfect synergy of two giants working together to become one powerful entity: the iMac Intel.

"The Middle East is evolving and so are we". Said Elias Abou Rustom, General Manager of Arab Business Machine (ABM), Apple's Independent Marketing Company in the Middle East. Speaking about the launch of the iMac Intel across the region, he explained: "In this new millennium, Apple has the intention to remain at the cutting edge of technology and to properly serve those markets that can benefit from this technology.  We believe the Middle East is at the dawn of a new renaissance and we would like to be a part of that."

The Core Duo is the first Intel chip created out of the innovative 65-nanometre process. This method essentially allows for the creation of transistors so minuscule, that it is possible to fit a hundred inside a single human cell. With circuitry this small, the Intel Core Duo can achieve far higher levels of performance, while consuming less power.

"The iMac Intel's Core Duo chip is essentially a dual-core chip." Abou-Rustom explained. "In layman's terms this means that there are essentially two processor brains on this chip, providing the speed of two processors. It also possesses 2MB of level-2 cache that's attached directly to both of these processor cores--which essentially gives it four times more cache than on previous Power Macs and iMacs."

Specifications at a glance for the new iMac desktop includes the 1.83 GHz or (2.0GHz) Intel Core Duo processor, which compliments the powerful PCI-Express ATI Radeon X1600 graphics processor. There is also the ability to burn DVDs or CDs with an 8x SuperDrive. Plus built-in wireless for network and internet connectivity, giving the user the ability to even connect to a Windows network.

The latest iMac models with the imbedded iMac Intel chip are now available across the Middle East through Arab Business Machine's Apple authorized channels.

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About Apple
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.

© Press Release 2006