Kanex XD to need remake to work with Thunderbolt iMacs

Accessory maker Kanex said Thursday afternoon that it was developing a new version of the Kanex XD to support the new Thunderbolt-equipped iMacs. Video-in would work on the new ports, Kanex said, but changes were needed. A new version of the HDMI-to-MiniDP adapter was coming "soon."

Thunderbolt supports the official Mini DisplayPort standard and always works with video out. Its carrying data and power on the same cable, however, might create issues for input. The Apple- and Intel-created technology isn't limited to Macs and could be an issue for other computers once Windows developers get an opportunity to use the new interface for themselves.

Electronista

Apple unveils new iMacs: all quad-core, Thunderbolt

Apple as expected today unveiled its 2011 iMac. The new models are all based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and are the first to go entirely quad-core, starting with the 2.5GHz Core i5 and scaling up to the 3.4GHz Core i7. Each now uses the same 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology from the MacBook Pro that also doubles as a mini DisplayPort output; two are on the back.

FaceTime HD cameras are also new and give conversations between newer Macs a true widescreen conversation. AMD's Radeon HD 6000M series graphics define the line and give them more efficient graphics than before.

A 21.5-inch model starts the line and comes with the 2.5GHz Core i5, a Radeon HD 6750M, and a 500GB hard drive for $1,199; a 2.7GHz Core i5, a Radeon HD 6770M, and a 1TB drive raise the price to $1,499. Buyers of 27-inch models can start off with a 2.7GHz Core i5, a Radeon HD 6770M, and a 1TB disk for $1,699, while the 3.1GHz Core i5, a Radeon HD 6970M, and a 1TB drive cost $1,999.

Build-to-order options include the 3.4GHz Core i7, up to 2TB of disk space, a 256GB SSD (separate from main storage), up to 16GB of RAM, and AppleCare.

Electronista