One clue as to where Apple may be going with this is in the fact that the 27in iMac models are available with a standard VESA mount, allowing them to become wall mounted. No VESA mount is available for the 21.5 inch model. The second clue is in the redesigned Apple remote, now bigger, easier to use and looking much more like a proper media remote.
When it was launched the Apple TV was described by Steve Jobs as a bit of a hobby. Development of the ATV has proceeded at a leisurely rate since then but the hobby does now appear to be bearing commercial fruit. Running a cut down version of OS X the ATV has long been a popular target for hackers who have opened it up to a variety of uses not officially endorsed by Apple, but not frowned upon either. Apples other tiny media centre, the Mac Mini also has a history of use in the home attached to the TV. Now, with the 27in iMac all the functionality of the ATV and the flexibility of the mini has been rolled into one large screen object.
Once on the wall the 27in iMac is essentially a HD TV, DVR, DVD player, music centre, movie download centre AND a computer. The edges of Apple's move into the living room may still be a little rough but as a version one product, it's still pretty compelling. Six months ago, Apple analysts were predicting an Apple branded TV set. I looks like it's just arrived.
