New chips could mean a six-core iMac (but as for Blu-ray…)

Intel plans to launch several new desktop processors in the third quarter of 2010 to replace some previous models, according to “DigiTime” report (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100701PD209.html). The chips could conceivably find their way into new quad-core iMacs — or perhaps a high-end, six-core version.

The report says later this month Intel will launch three processors including: the six-core Core i7-970, priced at US$885; quad-core Core i5-760 with core frequencies of 2.8GHz and priced at $205; and quad-core Core i5-870S for small form factor computers and priced at $351.

“DigiTimes” says Intel will launch the Pentium E5700 for $75 in early August and Core i3-560, Pentium E6800 and Celeron E3500 at the end of the month with prices of $138, US$86 and US$53, respectively.

However, things aren’t looking good for Blu-ray on the Mac, even as an option. “MacRumors” (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/30/steve-jobs-suggests-blu-ray-not-coming-to-mac-anytime-soon/) says that reader “Siva” emailed Apple CEO Steve Jobs about Blu-ray playback options on the Mac and received this reply: “Blu-ray is looking more and more like one of the high end audio formats that appeared as the successor to the CD – like it will be beaten by Internet downloadable formats.”