The much anticipated iMac updates were released today. The release upgrades the processor to Quad-Core CPUs with Thunderbolt.

Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.

21.5″ 2.5GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6750M, 500GB, $1199
21.5″ 2.7GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6770M, 1TB, $1499
27″ 2.7GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6770M, 1TB, $1699
27″ 3.1GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6970M, 1TB, $1999

The new iMacs have Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processors with options to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4GHz.

While the sin 21.5″ iMac has a single Thunderbolt port, the 27″ features two Thunderbolt ports.

[via MacRumors]

Any time Apple comes out with a new product they send current customers a fun email that lets them know what new exciting shiny thing they can purchase. Often this means that the current exciting shiny thing they own is now obsolete or at least on the way out the door.

Yesterday, Apple sent out an overview email for the iMac refresh and the Magic Trackpad. The email is complete with beautiful pictures of the new shiny thing and how to buy one immediately.

A friend pointed out to me the formulaic nature of said emails. They include subjects like, “Introducing the most powerful iMac ever.” And tag lines in the body like, “This changes everything. Again” (iPhone 4), “Ultrathin. Ultraportable. And ultra unlike anything else” (MacBook Air) or most recently, “The ultimate all-in-one. Turbocharged” (iMac).

How would your Apple product introduction read?

Introducing the most __________ ever.

Find an actual run down of all the refreshed and new Mac gear from Gizmodo here.

As a child, you may remember Fisher Price was the king producer of a variety of games such as “Play ‘n Go Farm” and “Happy Songs Coupe.” These toys are literally child’s play in comparison to today’s advanced toys like Nintendo 3DS. When I was younger, games like Glider on the old Mac were exciting as I attempted to have the paper plane not crash into any obstacle on my 5″ by 5″, black and white Mac.  The evolving technological desires of children is changing the types of toys that are being made:

Exhibit A: “The iXL” (i.e. iPad)

[photos via Gizmodo]

The iXL is the perfect toy for any tech-driven toddler as it is similar to mommy and daddy’s iPad. This “smart-toy,” scheduled to be released this summer, is a stylus-based gadget, geared towards three- to six-year-olds.

There are six programs, or “applications”, that come loaded on the device: story book, game player, music player, art studio, note book, and photo album. Furthermore, there are more officially-licensed programs that you can download in the months following launch. These applications can download audio files and pictures via USB or with the built-in SD card slot. [via Gizmodo]

Exhibit B: “The Young Explorer” (i.e. iMac 27″)

[Photo via Fisher-Price]

This “toy” comes complete with flat desk area, left and right mouse pads, bench seating for two children, and an actual working computer with pre-loaded educational software apps (Millie’s Math House® Sammy’s Science House ® Bailey’s Book House ® to name a few), and will only run you $2,599.99! (plus an estimated 95.00 s&h). [via Fisher-Price]

So when you think of your future children, think of how you want your kids to be like Steve Jobs.