Apple Online Stores Down Amids Report of the New iMac

Apple's online stores went down early this morning ahead of rumors that the iMac will be refreshed with Thunderbolt and Sandy Bridge processors. New products are typically launched around 8:30am Eastern / 5:30am Pacific. No word yet from Apple or CEO Steve Jobs

New Apple iMac Revealed

Apple has revealed their new iMac. Based on Apple’s press release, the new iMac is equipped with either quad-core Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors. The new iMac is the first desktop computer to offer Thunderbolt I/O technology and comes with a FaceTime HD camera, and relies on AMD Radeon HD graphics processors. Apple claims the latest iMac, which starts at $1,199, is "up to 70 percent faster" and has "new graphics that deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation."

Apple also showcased iMac's "green" features on its press release:

"The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating," writes Apple. "iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs."

A 21.5-inch model and 27-inch model are available in several different configurations. The new computer is available via Apple.com, Apple stores, and Apple resellers.

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) Hacked!

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) – San Diego based MMORPG publisher Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has suffered another blow(SOE was hacked) just weeks after Sony Playstation Network (SPN) suffered from an attack. Adding to the dilemma, Sony reported that approximately 24.6 million more accounts may have been stolen, in addition to the 12,700 credit or debit card thefts reported yesterday.

A new Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) press release says that personal information including names, addresses, email addresses, login names, and hashed passwords has been illegally acquired by hackers. Another 10,700 direct debit records were pilfered from accounts in Austria, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain, including bank account numbers and the information mentioned above.

SOE plans to compensate consumers with 30 days of free subscription time as well as an additional day for each day its systems are down. The company will also provide "a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs."