Apple fans abuzz over new iMac

With Apple Computer's next iMac expected to be unveiled as soon as next week, Mac fan sites are buzzing with speculation over the design. Photos supposedly taken in a Paris airport elevator hit the Web on Thursday, fueling rumors that the new machine will be similar to Apple's new line of flat-panel displays, with the guts of the computer behind the LCD screen. The photos--which have not been verified as authentic--show a slim all-in-one computer inside the familiar Apple packaging, down to the signature black-and-white box. The pictures showed up about two weeks after Think Secret posted information claiming to describe two new iMac models, one with a 17-inch display and a 1.6GHz G5 processor and another with a 20-inch display and a 1.8GHz G5 processor. The site claims the models will be priced between $1,300 and $2,200 and encased in an all-in-one housing with the motherboard located behind the display. AppleInsider has similar details and describes the design as a "pizza box" case. Leading up to the trade show in Paris, set for the end of the month, enthusiast sites have been busy posting specifications and speculating over what they think will be included with the new iMac, which many expect will be unveiled at the show. Many sites mention new designs with liquid-crystal displays and faster processors. CNET News.com readers have also offered their two cents about what they feel should be included in the next computer from Apple and are expecting a more powerful G5 processor, a large flat-panel screen and a casing of brushed aluminum. The attention is typical for new Apple products, as the company seems to have a hypnotic hold on its loyal fans. It also helps that Apple has a track record of producing hip products and has established itself as the arbiter of technology chic.