November is here and it looks like Apple just pulled the retail trigger on its
24-inch LED-backlit Cinema Display. While it still says "ships: November" Apple just added the "Add to cart" button allowing you to place your order with standard 5 business day, 2nd day, or next business day shipping. $899 takes home a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, DisplayPort, built-in iSight camera / mic, integrated stereo speakers, 3-port USB hub, and MagSafe adapter for your like-equipped MacBook. 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.
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.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Erb @ Nov 18th 2008 7:13AM
HDCP included?
Tim Brown @ Nov 18th 2008 9:25AM
That's next years refresh feature ;)
Homer @ Nov 18th 2008 9:28AM
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.
Precurse @ Nov 18th 2008 9:44AM
It's on the circuit board.. However, you need to send in $1.99 in order to activate it in software.
John @ Nov 18th 2008 9:49AM
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?
LondonConsultant @ Nov 18th 2008 10:01AM
Nice reflection of yourself included for free. Keep it clean and you don't need a shaving mirror. Can you tell I hate glossy...
KarlW @ Nov 18th 2008 12:42PM
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.
UnixSystemsEngineer @ Nov 18th 2008 1:53PM
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.
Aric @ Nov 18th 2008 3:38PM
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..
rhkarma @ Nov 18th 2008 5:39PM
@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.
Pretol @ Nov 18th 2008 7:15AM
They forgot to mention that you can get a similar or better screen for less money.
Kelmon @ Nov 18th 2008 7:57AM
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.
AVG @ Nov 18th 2008 8:02AM
"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?
André @ Nov 18th 2008 8:14AM
Please find me this similar and better 24" LED backlighted IPS screen for less than $899.
omegamale @ Nov 18th 2008 8:09AM
no they didn't
Pretol @ Nov 18th 2008 8:37AM
You guys are pretty dense...
rock99rock @ Nov 18th 2008 9:42AM
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 :)
James Boswell @ Nov 18th 2008 12:25PM
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
Dr Zoidberg @ Nov 18th 2008 2:18PM
@ Pretol
Yes, we are solids.
john @ Nov 18th 2008 7:16AM
$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.
Adderz @ Nov 18th 2008 7:23AM
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.
broli @ Nov 18th 2008 7:30AM
You forgot to mention it only has a mini displayport connection. This thing is made purely as a macbook addition, a very expensive addition.
mirakutea @ Nov 18th 2008 7:35AM
A lot of people are just venting because they can't afford the shiny pretty items.
Ryback @ Nov 18th 2008 7:45AM
@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?
Adderz @ Nov 18th 2008 7:52AM
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.
Adam @ Nov 18th 2008 12:43PM
if it matches my gucci skirt, why not?
Patriks7 @ Nov 18th 2008 8:11AM
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
Brick-House @ Nov 20th 2008 3:14AM
@ 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.
Chris Dunning @ Nov 18th 2008 11:30AM
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.
d889 @ Nov 18th 2008 1:10PM
haha woo woo, san fernando valley FTW!!! northridge baby!
Josh @ Nov 18th 2008 1:13PM
@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
mikeyrogers @ Nov 19th 2008 2:59AM
@ 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.
jfr91 @ Nov 18th 2008 7:26AM
lol
loocas @ Nov 18th 2008 7:30AM
You were in the pre-order line?
That'd explain the laughter...
jfr91 @ Nov 18th 2008 7:38AM
lol at your atempt to make a funny
Patriks7 @ Nov 18th 2008 9:08AM
LOL at your attempt to finish a full sentence
john @ Nov 18th 2008 7:27AM
@ 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?
Kelmon @ Nov 18th 2008 8:00AM
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.
Fusion Fuzo @ Nov 18th 2008 7:28AM
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)
Canoo @ Nov 18th 2008 7:44AM
12" CRT?!?!
you my friend need an upgrade..
Derek @ Nov 18th 2008 7:45AM
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.
Alan @ Nov 18th 2008 9:57AM
lol, thanks for that
Brent Summers @ Nov 18th 2008 4:31PM
fullz qualified bushiness proffesional technician? Please check before you rant.
b @ Nov 18th 2008 7:29AM
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?
broli @ Nov 18th 2008 7:38AM
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.
broli @ Nov 18th 2008 7:48AM
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
john @ Nov 18th 2008 7:35AM
"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?"
k2snowboards88 @ Nov 18th 2008 7:42AM
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)
gayu @ Nov 18th 2008 7:47AM
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.
Adderz @ Nov 18th 2008 8:05AM
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