Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display is go for purchase
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Nov 18th 2008 7:11AM
posted Nov 18th 2008 7:11AM
Update: It's worth noting that while there are plenty of bright, 24-inch LCD monitors on the market, Apple's is relatively inexpensive (possibly the cheapest) for LED backlit monitors of this size. We'll have to see how it stacks up side-by-side before getting too huffy about the price. As to the lack of additional ports for game consoles, etc: huff away.
[Thanks, Rob P.]
HDCP included?
That's next years refresh feature ;)
It is a good price for 24 inch LED monitor, not to mention it uses IP-S panel.
You can't get this price with other monitors.
Too bad it didn't have DVI port.
It's on the circuit board.. However, you need to send in $1.99 in order to activate it in software.
Just to recap
1920x1200 flat-panel monitor with in-plane switching and LED backlighting
3-port USB hub
Built-in camera
Built-in mic/stereo speakers
So, basically, this is not only the cheapest IPS/LED-backlit monitor you'll find, it's a full-on docking station for your Macbook or Macbook Pro.
I know it's been said before, but remind me how this is, in any way, a bad deal?
Nice reflection of yourself included for free. Keep it clean and you don't need a shaving mirror. Can you tell I hate glossy...
I'd buy it if there was a DVI or HDMI port.
In fact, I imagine they'd be really popular. Good price, good design, high quality display (IP-S + LED).
As it is, I'd need a DP -> DVI, then a DVI switch with my PS3, then a DVI->DP adapter. No thanks.
FWIW, I bought a Mac Pro and a Dell 2407WFP two years ago, August. The Dell display was $670. Today the "starting price" for a 2408WFP is roughly the same, although they're listing a huge discount and a price of $517. I have no clue if this is really a screaming deal available only today, or if this price is typical.
At the time, the Apple 24" was $1299, and this one is now $899. So it seems that they've brought down prices more relative to the competition, especially given the LED backlight and Macbook docking. Though I am sure the 2408 is improved over the 2407 as well.
The Dell still gets the points for PIP and inputs, which is why I bought it, but $899 seems like a damn good price point for what you get here.
The "current" revA01 Dell 2408s are cheap, have lots of inputs and use an S-PVA panel for good viewing angles- BUT they are not without their own issues such as uniform brightness across the panel (especially the infamous "left side brightness issue") and significant input lag. Trust me- I'm on my 5th replacement from Dell, and I will continue sending these darn things back until they get it right..
@John
It's a bad deal because:
A) I can't use it on my 6 month old MBP.
B) It's a freaking Mirror.
They forgot to mention that you can get a similar or better screen for less money.
Not that I am doubting you or anything, but isn't it a bit hard to say that until you've actually seen one? Saying stuff like this is surely akin to those muppets on Amazon reviewing unreleased games.
"Sure, it'll look great next to all your Apple gear but you can get a similar panel (if not exactly the same) or better with more expansion for a lot less."
Was that added later or something?
Please find me this similar and better 24" LED backlighted IPS screen for less than $899.
no they didn't
You guys are pretty dense...
In the case of monitors, for me its all about quantity not quality. I know others differ, but i would rather my $899 go to a 30" Dell. I've had monitors with the IPS panel, but its all about having the biggest monitor in my face :)
the closest thing to the 24" HS-IPS panels that Apple are using is the only other thing I'm aware of that uses them, which is the NEC 2490WUXI
and THOSE are like $1100
@ Pretol
Yes, we are solids.
$900 for a 24 inch screen that says mac on it... mac buyers are like valley girls they will buy anything that say gucci or fendi.
Christ that is getting old, along with the "FIRST" people.
I buy Mac products because they suit my needs, as do ALOT of other people. My needs happen to include the physical appearance, because not only is my computer a tool, its a piece of the furniture.
Therefore, i, and many others are more than willing to pay the premium, because i prefer not to have a hideous hunk of plastic and cords sitting on my desk.
You forgot to mention it only has a mini displayport connection. This thing is made purely as a macbook addition, a very expensive addition.
A lot of people are just venting because they can't afford the shiny pretty items.
@Adders
I don't mind my hideous hunk of plastic and cords. Whenever I don't want to see it, I close the door to my computerroom/den. You see I can afford to pay $50k to have an extra room for computers and don't have to cram my extra-$400 PC into a corner of my livingroom. Who's paying the premium, twat?
Oh thats right, because all the people who buy Macs live in 1 bedroom flats and underneath bridges.
Thats not what surveys have shown...
There goes that argument.
if it matches my gucci skirt, why not?
I so agree..
I just ordered a 26 inch screen (Samsung) that has way more connectors for 1/3 of the price.. and yes I am a Mac fanboy, but 900 for a screen? No thanks
@ Ryback:
Why are you so upset about that guy's PREFERENCE? And how do you know he doesn't have a $50k den of his own? Most mac owners I know that are in the market for a monitor like this have such a room, and are in some sort of design industry, so it should come as no surprise that aesthetics play a major role in their decision to purchase such a product. Come to think of it these people I know, have pretty elaborate set-ups with some being valued at more than your $50k den alone.
That being said, it's a gorgeous monitor with decent specs, and yeah, it's expensive but it doesn't bother me since I'm not buying it.
Ryback:
I'm a Mac user. Two years ago I had an unconnected office built on the same lot as my house. I paid a premium for that, and I will pay a premium for this display. I have clients coming in and out of my office on a daily basis. I keep it immaculate. The furniture I've chosen is pleasant to look at and use. It's a comfortable place to be by choice, because my business is all about aesthetics. However, my work is all about the tools I use. An IPS/LED display is a great choice for my work and the simple fact that it acts as an extender to the functionality of my laptop is a good thing. That it compliments my existing decor is just a bonus.
haha woo woo, san fernando valley FTW!!! northridge baby!
@patriks7: the only problem with that is your 26" Samsung has a crappy TN panel, and this has a high end IPS panel. I bought that same Samsung 26" (I'm assuming you have the T260) and after about a day went back to my Dell 24" because it just looked like crap compared to the 2 yr old Dell monitor
@ broli:
Just so you know, DisplayPort is an open standard. It's nothing that Apple "invented". Other manufacturers have also included DisplayPort in their products.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/about_dell/company/innovation/cto_display_port?c=us&l=en&s=corp&redirect=1
So take your ridicule elsewhere, please.
lol
You were in the pre-order line?
That'd explain the laughter...
lol at your atempt to make a funny
LOL at your attempt to finish a full sentence
So this is the $900 attachment to watch itunes videos on your Mac. Sweet as...
@ adderz
whats that ? a pioneer diplay that cost less and has a better picture no no no it cant be nothings better than funiture with an apple on it nothing!!....give me a break fan boy i suppose youd buy an apple toilet to huh?
Pioneer? Are they still in business?
I'm waiting to see what the color accuracy of the display is before making judgements. Specifications be damned.
not sure if it's because of the production cost of led backlit display panel, but correct me if i'm wrong that dell's ultrasharp monitors are just lcd?
You are correct sir. Lcd of the IPS type I believe. I don't see why engadget has missed this huge difference.
Actually this screen is the cheapest 24" LED backlit monitor out there. The only huge advantage as pointed out above is the lack of any generic connections.
Here's an example of price compared to a Syncmaster 24" LED backlit screen.
http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/samsung-syncmaster-xl24-flat/4014-3174_7-32851310.html?tag=mncol;rnav
HATE, the filthy rich that buy apple stuff, as a fullz qualified bushiness proffesional IT Technician im happy with my 12inch CRT display, and for that price i could get a crappy macbook, why do people enjoy this apple porn (pron)
12" CRT?!?!
you my friend need an upgrade..
Filthy rich my ass. I own a Mac, and I'm planning on upgrading soon - to another Mac! Now, am I filthy rich? I wouldn't describe it as such, seeing as I live on a rather paltry military wage.
Here's the thing: Apple products are quality products. More often than not they work better and - keyword here - EASIER than their counterparts from Dell or HP or Sony or iRiver or whathaveyou. On top of that build quality is the aesthetic quality; Apple devices are the level to which all other electronic industrial design are compared. Like 'em or not, they're by and large beautifully designed machines. Of course, those beautiful designs come with their own trade-offs, like glass screens and the loss of FireWire, but they're still beautiful designs.
Now the question becomes, where do we balance price, performance, and prettiness. With a desktop monitor like this, it's going to be sitting in one place. Forever. I'd like for it to look nice while it does so, that's one of the things that I just like for my stuff to do. I wouldn't by a couch because it is ugly, just like I wouldn't buy a computer or a monitor if it was ugly. Why? Because I'm going to spend a lot of money on it and it's not going to be replaced anytime soon. It's furniture, and I like to be able to look at my furniture and not go "Eghccchhh."
I agree that $900 is too much for this particular display, but that's the Apple premium. It's a sweet spot of price, performance, and prettiness. The marketing, pricing, and design folks at Apple are not idiots, they know where to price their products and what the market can handle. So please, the next time you feel like going on an Anti-Apple fanboy tirade, just do us all a favor and think before you type.
lol, thanks for that
fullz qualified bushiness proffesional technician? Please check before you rant.
"In case Envision's pair of LCD TVs didn't do much for you last month, the firm is hoping to garner your attention with a brand new (and relatively cheap) LCD monitor. The 24-inch G416 features a 1,920 [the firm's website claims 1,900, odd] x 1,200 resolution panel, five-millisecond response time, 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, DVI / VGA ports and 160-degree viewing angles. Yeah, sounds like a real yawner, but then again, it can be found right now for around $400 (after rebate), so at least it won't break the bank too badly, right?"
Before you call apple monitorsover priced you need to know what an ips panel is and you need to know what an internal color lut is. Then compare this apple monitors to other monitors with the same features. This and other apple monitors are more than most people need but for a pro quality monitor it's actually quite inexpensive.
(I don't really expect that to stop the ignorant from calling this monitor over-priced, but I can hope)
none of the displays mentioned by engadget or in comments comes with LED backlit LCD. LED is the main reason why the display is costly. the LED will also have better brightness, better color reproduction and better energy efficiency. In fact Apple's new display looks way more colorful and bright than the 24-inch Dell display mentioned above. And yes i have a Dell 24-inch display and i have seen Apple's display only in store this weekend.
Dont bring logic into this.
ALL Apple product buyers are just dumb remember?
Actually everything Apple make is overpriced junk and only rich snobby people buy it.
Why buy this when you could buy a Dell which comes free with 25 thousand awkwardly placed ports, unlimited cords and cheap plastic?
/sarcasm
ell-oh-ell
Pretty sure I'd want 1560x1600 or something for that price..
2560x1600**
They still sell the bigger ones don't they?
Both the old 20" and 30" displays are still available to buy (although why you'd want to given the competition is another question) but the 23" has just been killed in favour of the new 24", which isn't surprising.
That's what she said.
I would be correct in saying that it is not possible to connect these displays to a laptop without a DisplayPort socket (e.g. DVI)?
At the moment, yes. It's a matter of waiting until Apple, Belkin, Griffin, or some other company introduces a DisplayPort-DVI/HDMI/VGA/etc. adapter.
The price doesn't seem so bad if you break it down:
Basic 24" TN monitor: $399 ($399 Dell E248WFP)
IPS panel: +$300 ($699 Dell 2408WFP)
LED backlight: +$150 ($899 Apple Cinema Display)
I haven't done math for a while, but I'm sure 900 - 700 equals 200...
I think what he's saying is 399 + 300 + 150, which gives 849, not 700 ?!?
Sorry, I guess should add:
Apple Logo: +$50
However, it's not like Apple slapped their logo on a $400 monitor. These are priced in line with comparable quality monitors. You can spend a lot more than $899 on a monitor.
"Sure, it'll look great next to all your Apple gear but you can get a similar panel (if not exactly the same) or better with more expansion for a lot less." - straight from th horse's mouth
But no actually you can't
true, but engadget is notoriously terrible at understanding anything about technology outside of the standard specifications and buzzwords. Engadget is a great news source but terrible at actually having expert knowledge of technology.
They can take their glossy screen and shove it.
That Dell screen you refer to as being better has a crappy TN panel (2ms response time) and no LED backlight. Guess somebody didnt do their homework before writing this article.
wow 24" monitor.....I've never seen one of those before. For $899 that better come with a cup of Steve's poo.
If you don't know the difference between TN,VA and IPS screens you really don't know what you are talking about on LCD pricing.
First off this isn't a TN screen, which is the cheap crap in 98% of monitors. It is likely an IPS screen given apple history, but regardless it is at least a VA screen.
VA screen + LED backlight = really good deal.
IPS screen + LED backlight = insanely good deal.
Apple may sell some overpriced gear, but this monitor is not among that list.
As a comparison I have a 24" IPS screen (NEC 2490) and it doesn't have an LED backlight. It was ~$1200.
I personally am leaning towards VA as the price seems too good to be true but I hope for possible buyers it is as that would be a hell of a deal.
i just checked out the specs:
* Supported resolutions:
o 1920 by 1200 pixels
o 1280 by 800 pixels
o 1024 by 640 pixels
* Display colors (maximum): 16.7 million
* Viewing angle: 178° horizontal; 178° vertical
* Brightness (typical): 330 cd/m2
* Contrast ratio (typical): 1000:1
* Response time (typical): 14 ms
the last three stats are especially sad given the price of this thing. i was hoping the monitor would be more reasonably priced...or at least provide competition to dell and the like. the 2408wfp is looking pretty sweet about now.
I'd prefer to look at a 14ms 1000:1 contrast IPS panel than a 2ms 10000:1 TN panel. You can't compare an IPS panel and TN panel based on response time and contrast between, they are two different technologies.
Think of it this way: 60fps is flickery on a CRT, but is steady on any modern LCD.
Everyday, I get sick of Apple's crap more and more. I've gotten to the point where I want to buy an Acer Aspire One and install Ubuntu on it, and call it a day. :)
...OK...
I'm a Mac owner and I really don't mind if you do that. Seriously. Go nuts.
This is coming from someone who (literally) hates Apple as a company: this is a good price for a seemingly well configured monitor.
The only nit is connectivity, but (Apply hate ON:) when wouldn't Apple take the opportunity to f&$# all non-Apple users by making it mini-DisplayPort only. (The more rational me says "buy a converter, dork".)
IPS panel LCDs are few and far between, and LED backlit panels are even fewer (and further?). This monitor is really only good for people who need color accuracy at a decent price. If you're wondering whether it plays [insert name of CPU-crushing game], sure it does, but not as well as the $400 2-ms refresh TN-panels available in gobs on NewEgg. Save the money, and save your breath.
It is a good price for 24 inch LED monitor, not to mention it uses IP-S panel.
You can't get this price with other monitors.
Too bad it didn't have DVI port.
It's a $200 premium for LED which is pretty high IMO.
My laptop has an LED-lit screen and it's nice, but not worth paying 35% more.
Great - a 24" inch mirror.
People somewhat do not see the user-friendly-ness in this product. Put your Macbook on the table, plug in the three connectors and you can continue working on your Mac. All you need are two cables. Just two.
People buying this monitor are people who do not want to think about cable-mess, connecting the right cables, doubting it will work with all your files (90% of todays computer-monitors do not have HDCP) , having to set up the screen in the right position because the viewing-angle is about 80 degrees...
People buying this monitor are people who just want to go to the store, buy a monitor, connect it, have wonderful image quality, can iChat, listing to songs, can watch all of there media.
And no, that is something your $299 Samsung monitor cannot.
Which monitors have you used that require you to do anything other than:
1) Plug in the power
2) Plug in the DVI/VGA cable
3) Press the power button
?
Yes, but do these monitors have a built in powersupply for you laptop? Will the connecting cable always work on your laptop? Do you have to install pesky drivers for the webcam, sound and microphone?
My experience is that using a generic monitor on my Macbook, it results in cable mess. My Dell 2407WFP-HC has >> FOUR
And the reply system went fucked. To continue:
My experience is that using a generic monitor on my Macbook, it results in cable mess. My Dell 2407WFP-HC has FOUR cables. Three separate cables going to my Macbook (sound, USB, DVI), one to power. Also include the bulky power-adapter my Macbook needs to operate. I am seriously considering swapping my Dell for this.
It comforts one that he is buying a product that is 100% guaranteed compatible with his current product. Consumers do not care about specifications. LED, IPS, 110% NTSC gamut, the customer does not care. The customer only wants it to look pretty, easy to use, and that it just works. If you have a Macbook, the Apple 24" CD is the only monitor that can do that.
It should not surprise you. Most people use WIndows laptops and those come with docking stations. Windows users have had this level of comfort for decades :-)
Must be a lot of Obama supporters in here complaining about price. In America a true capitalist society the number one rule is price your products as high or higher then people can afford and make as much money as you possibly can. This country was built on Greed and the "me first" motto. My parents left Europe so they could get rich quickly and get out of that oh, the price is so hight attitude of you peasant folks. You all need to move back to Europe you Socialist Swine.
Like supporting Obama has anything to do with monitor selection. Or Socialism. Or Europe. Or how everyone came here from Europe to begin with.
Get a clue you M$ clowns.
IPS + LED + $899 + Apple = rules your life.
Just because the economy is taking a dump on your wallet you are complain-ey little whiners.
If Dell did this you'd be fanboiuiieee all over that plastic trash.
Enjoy your disgustingly cluttered desks with 5,000 cables all over it. I'll be supporting Apple with my $899.
@Aubrey
This whole time I thought my Chinese grandfather came from China. Guess I should go back to the family tree and rewrite history to say that everyone in my family came from Europe. /sarcasm
If I already live in Europe, can I assume that no action is necessary on my part? Or do you want me to move over one country?
Incidentally, did your parents leave or were they deported? Regardless, I am sure that all of Europe feels the loss of your particular gene pool and Americans all over are thrilled to see such an insightful person as yourself demonstrating an almost ambassadorial role. Bravo!
Sometimes we wonder how George Bush Jnr was ever voted into The White House and at other times that question seems to answer itself...
Dell 2408WFP doesn't use LED backlight, but it's an IPS monitor with 110% NTSC color gamut. (117% in the 30inch model)
What's the color gamut of this Apple Cinema Display?
Dell's web site says it's an S-PVA monitor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#PVA), not an IPS monitor. Looks like it might be good enough for photo editing.
This actually doesn't seem like a bad deal for what it offers; IPS panel, LED backlight, Displayport, webcam/speakers and 3 USB ports. Too bad it's glossy and hideous looking, but that's how Apple likes to design their new products.
£650 in the UK.
What...
It should be noted that Dell's 2408 (flagship 24" screen) has a hybrid LED and CCFL backlit screen. In fact, most high quality screens have this hybrid in order to reach insane color gamuts. The 2408 has a 108% color gamut, while this apple does not have that information yet.
Also, LED does not necessarily indicate better quality. There are many other factors as there are many LED panels that suck. Dell's panels have been mopping the floor with Apple's displays for quite sometime and while I admit Apple's panel is pretty hot for being the first budget one to market, I'm sure the next iteration of Dell's screens are not far off and will be even cheaper.
Everyone is claiming this is an IPS panel but I have yet to see anything official on it and after a quick visit to the mac forums people there are claiming they don't know as well in posts as recent as today. So before everyone going on and saying this is the deal of the century lets wait and see what is really under the hood. If it's a PVA panel it will still be of great quality and fair price but an IPS LED panel with this price is a steal so I remain skeptical yet hopeful for all those would kill for such a screen at such a price. If someone has definitive information though by all means let me know as christmas is coming up :)
Not bad, only $100 more than my colleague paid for a 42' 1080p display.
Oh Apple, what will Veblen goods *not* do for you?
lol apple
The 26" LED NEC LCD2690WUXI-BK display going for $1000 on Amazon right now. Much more of a "pro" monitor than this cinema mirror.
I'd strongly suggest that over this monitor to anyone considering it.
As much as i like apple, i cant say i've used one Apple monitor that hasn't crapped out on me in one form or another. Good thing i didn't pay for em.
You can even go to the apple site and see what users rate their monitors if you don't believe me.
Spend less money and get a better monitor.
Extremely unfortunate that it doesn't have a DVI output...
And even MORE unfortunate is that this display cannot be used anything but the very newest line of macbooks. They are doing a good job completely shoving aside the millions of mac users who don't own the newest Macbook, or even went so far as to spend thousands of dollars on a top of the line desktop Mac. I have a Macbook Pro that I purchased less than a year ago. When I spend $2000 on an Apple machine, I expect it to be compatible with even their newest, best displays.
I'm sure the display is great, however, in terms of versatility, absolutely disgusting.
It's inexpensive for LED. Also, it comes with 3 extra USB ports, doesn't take up a USB port on your MacBook itself. has a built-in mic and the excellent iSight camera.... Let's not forget the built-in speaker system WITH subwoofer.. It's more than a monitor, it turns your notebook into an iMac in seconds.