New iMacs: Quad-Core Processors and No Blu-Ray?

Apple Insider claim that Apple is going to use some or all of the quad-core "Clarksfield" designs in its next-generation of iMac. Additionally, previously rumored Blu-ray support may not be included in the new models.

While inconsistent with AppleInsider's earlier report, the claim of quad-core processors does agree with information offered by Mac4Ever late last month, and the rumor of no Blu-ray support echoes a claim made earlier this month by Daring Fireball's John Gruber, who also had previously heard that such support would be included.

By the way, people close to the Cupertino-based company have suggested that earlier plans to offer Blu-ray technology on the new all-in-one desktops may have been pulled back just before the systems went into product last month. Either way, it's believed that the technology would have found its way into the new models largely in the form of build-to-order options, given steep pricing still associated with Blu-ray drives.

A release had been predicted for sometime this month but hasn't been narrowed down to any specific date.