CinemaDisplay
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Apple launching new Mac Pros, speedbumped iMac, new Cinema Display and maybe the Magic Trackpad tomorrow?
Sure, we've been hearing whispers that Apple's got a new Mac Pros and some updated iMacs waiting in the wings, but our friend John Gruber at Daring Fireball seems just a mite more confident about things -- in a post trumpeting the return of his podcast The Talk Show, John coyly says tomorrow "might hypothetically" bring new Mac Pros, speedbumped iMacs (we'd guess the Core i3 will make its OS X debut), and a new 27-inch 16:9 Cinema Display will all arrive tomorrow. John also says the Magic Trackpad might also arrive tomorrow, but he's calling that one a "double-hypothetical," so who knows -- we'd think anything more serious than hardware refreshes would warrant a Jobs introduction, but hey, maybe Steve's all talked out for the month. We'll see what happens -- stay tuned. [Thanks, Travis]
27-inch Cinema Display, 12-core Mac Pro by June
AppleInsider is reporting that Apple is preparing to launch a 27-inch Cinema Display and 12-core Mac Pro by June. The 27-inch Cinema Display is rumored to use the same panel as the one used in the 27-inch iMac and will look similar to the 24-inch Cinema Display launched in October 2008. Internally, the display is referred to as "K59" and AppleInsider's sources believe its been lingering in Apple's labs for some time while Apple waited for the larger LCD panel – which supports resolutions up to 2560 by 1440 pixels – to drop in price. Along side the 27-inch Cinema Display will be the long-awaited Mac Pro update. The tower would get at least one 12-core model using two of Intel's six-core Xeon 5600 processors (that's a dodeca-core Mac Pro, baby!). The 5600 series will be available in 2.66, 2.8, 2.93, and 3.33GHz configurations. A June time frame would be almost fifteen months after Apple shipped the last Mac Pro. The late release would owe itself to Intel not delivering the Xeon 5600's for another month and a half. Apple typically updates their Pro towers in the first few months of the new year. [Cinema Display mock-ups by AppleInsider]
Apple said to be preparing 12-core Mac Pros and 27-inch LED Cinema Displays
AppleInsider has rounded up its stable of "people familiar with the matter" and squeezed them for info on Cupertino's plans for the near term. Firstly, they've heard that a 27-inch version of the currently available 24-inch LED Cinema Display is on its way, sporting a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and targeted for release "by June." The more exciting tip from those in the know, however, relates to the well aged Mac Pro and its future upgrade path. Apple has apparently firmed up plans to offer 6- and 12-core options (to replace the current 4- and 8-core variants), though the star of the show internally is said to be Intel's Xeon 5600, rather than the similarly specced Core i7-980X that had been rumored. This seems to be motivated by the fact the i7 beast can't do dual-CPU configurations, which are necessary to offer a dozen cores. Pricing for the single Xeon CPU model is expected to be close to the current $2,499 starting sticker, but release dates still elude us.
Rain Design's iMac turntable sends the iMac for a spin
iMacs are great, except when you have one sitting with its back to a wall and you need to plug something into the back of it. Particularly with the larger models, you end up having to pick up the iMac and swing it around to get to those ports on the back. Wouldn't it be a lot easier if you could just spin it? That's the idea behind the Rain Design i360, a turntable that encloses the base of an iMac or Apple Cinema Display, and then allows easy movement of the display. Want to show a co-worker on the "back" side of your iMac something? Just spin the entire computer around. Need to plug or unplug something? No problem -- just swing the iMac or Cinema Display around and do it. I've had an i360 on my first-generation Intel iMac since just after I bought it, and I can't count the number of times that it has saved me from having to pick up the computer and slide it around to plug something in. I've recommended the i360 to many of my Mac consulting customers who have iMacs or Cinema Displays, and many of them end up buying the device.
TUAW Review and giveaway: BackPack for iMac and Cinema Display
Way back in August we announced the release of the Twelve South BackPack for iMacs and Cinema Displays. It's a cool little metal shelf that clamps onto the back of the desk stand on your computer or monitor, giving you a place to hide a backup hard drive or proudly display the best of your Star Wars figurine collection. Twelve South sent us a couple of BackPacks to try out, and in following TUAW's policy for review equipment, we're going to be giving those away to two lucky readers. Before we get to the details of the giveaway, be sure to read the review of this surprisingly handy little accessory. Back when we ran the first post about the BackPack, I noted that the device doesn't use any clamps to grab onto the metal arm of your iMac or Cinema Display, using friction and gravity instead. One reader insisted that there had to be clamps of some sort, but Andrew from Twelve South quickly corrected her with this statement: Just wanted to clarify the 'friction and gravity' thing. It is accurate. Nothing screws into the iMac stand. There are two clips that you adjust in width and then tighten onto the BackPack shelf. The shelf and clips then hold onto the iMac stand with gravity - because the stand is trapezoidal (smaller at the top - larger at the bottom). It simply slides down to the width you have set. That's also what makes it adjustable - you just change the width. Hope this helps.
A BackPack for your iMac or Cinema Display
iMac or Cinema Display owners with limited desktop space have a new way of keeping Time Machine hard disks, USB hubs, and other space hogs off the desk and out of the way. Twelve South, a Mac-only accessory design house located in Charleston, South Carolina, has just introduced the BackPack (US$29.99 or US$149.99 for six), a small adjustable shelf that uses friction and gravity to stay in place on the aluminum arm that holds up the body of the iMac and Cinema Display. BackPacks adjust to the width of the arm, so you can install two of them if desired. While most Mac users will probably opt for hiding a hard disk, Twelve South shows BackPacks being used to display action figures and hold a flower vase (water in the vase is not recommended). My personal favorite in the BackPack gallery is a Mac mini perched behind a Cinema Display. BackPack is a clever and well-designed product, and is available either at Apple Stores or through the Twelve South website.
Blinded by the light? RadTech's ClearCal may save your eyes
Since Apple made the design decision to forgo glare-free screens on MacBooks, iMacs, and Cinema Displays, a common problem for lots of users is reflection of light off of displays. It seems to be particularly bad if you sit with your back to a window, and it can cause both figurative and literal headaches.RadTech has come out with some cool products for Macs over the years. For example, I've owned at least one of their ScreenSavrz "LCD Display protection, cleaning, and refinishing systems" for each MacBook I've had. The company is always in touch with the pulse of the Mac community, so it didn't entirely surprise me when they recently started selling ClearCal Anti-Glare films for MacBook, MacBook Pro, 24" iMac, and the 24" Cinema Display. ClearCal is similar to the films you can get for iPhone and iPod touch screens, but in addition to protecting your screen, it also provides a solution for those pesky reflections. As you can see in the marketing shot to the right, it appears to do a decent job of making your Mac screen anti-glare. You can even remove the ClearCal a few times, wash it, and re-install it. RadTech has an installation video if you're interested in seeing how easy or difficult it is to apply the ClearCal film to your display. Pricing starts at US$19.95 and peaks at US$25.95 for the 24" iMac and CInema Display. As soon as I replace my old iMac with a new 24", I'm installing a ClearCal so I can see more of my screen and less of the glare from the picture window behind me.
The case of the missing monitor
The e-mails have been arriving here at TUAW headquarters for a good portion of the morning with many asking the same question: "What happened to the 20-inch Cinema Display?"It's true. A check of the direct link to the 20-inch Cinema Display's page reroutes you directly to the main Apple page. The portion of the Apple site dedicated to displays, however, not only still lists the 20-inch Cinema Display, but its departed brethren the 23-inch Cinema Display. Oh where, oh where, have the 20-inch monitors gone? It leaves a devastatingly slim choice for people wanting an Apple-branded monitor. The new 24-inch LED Cinema Displays won't play nice with either the Mac Pro, iMac, Mac mini, or any other machine that doesn't have a Mini DisplayPort connector -- which pretty much means it's the unibody MacBook family or nothing. The price of the 30-inch Cinema Display is most likely out of reach for a lot of people, as well.What to do? Take no fear, Amazon still has the 20-inch Cinema Display in stock with free shipping. There's also a host of very nice third-party panels out there. I supplement my MacBook with a 20-inch display from Acer that I picked up at Best Buy for less than $150. Anyone else have any recommendations for a good non-Apple branded monitor? Let us know in the comments!Thanks to all who submitted this!
Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display goes touchscreen courtesy of Troll Touch
Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display knows that it's hard to lay off on the touching. No one knows that better than Troll Touch, who has just announced a touch panel integration kit for Apple's freshest LCD. The touchscreen gets powered internally via USB, and the custom touchscreen overlay design doesn't alter the panel's form factor in any way. Those looking to dive in from scratch can order a touch-enabled version now for $2,299, but those looking to simply upgrade their own can ship it to Valencia, California along with $1,399 marked for integration. Talk about a steep price to pay for permission to touch.
Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display review
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Engadget_Review_Apple_s_24_inch_LED_Cinema_Display'; Prior to October 14th of this year, Apple hadn't updated its Cinema Display line in years. Literally. There's no doubt that this refresh is entirely overdue, and we still hold that Apple should've taken the opportunity to refresh its now-archaic 20 and 30-inch counterparts. All that aside, this writeup is about the new 24-incher, a LED-backlit beauty that doesn't mind being called glossy and is clearly partial to notebooks. The screen packs the same 1,920 x 1,200 resolution that was on the 23-incher it replaced, but ditches that DVI connector in favor of the newer, less widely adopted DisplayPort. So, is the newfangled screen worth $899? Read on to find out.
Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display gets unboxed, sure is glossy
A fortnight after going on sale, Apple's shiny new 24-inch LED Cinema Display has been acquired, unboxed and photographed for your drooling pleasure. Not much to say here outside of what's told in terrific detail by the pixels above, but just like the new MacBook family, there's lots of gloss to go around. Check the read link for a few more looks.
LED Cinema Displays now available
Apple's LED Cinema Displays, announced at a special event in October, are finally available on the Apple Store online, and at Apple retail locations, which should make Cory happy. The LED Cinema Display, which is more suitable as a laptop docking station more than another monitor for your desktop Mac, sells for $899. Shipping is free from the Apple Store online. I went to the San Diego-area UTC Apple Store on Sunday, and saw a display model. The color was sharp, and looked identical to the display on my 24-inch iMac. Compared to the MacBook Pro next to it, the pixel density is looser (making objects of the same pixel size seem larger on the Cinema Display than on the laptop), typical for Apple's desktop displays. Unlike the iMac, the stand for the display had a tapered foot that was thinner at the front than in the back: Something I hadn't noticed before. Additionally, adapters that connect the new Mini DisplayPort to DVI and VGA are also available, and will ship within 24 hours. An update from the commenters: The Mini DisplayPort adapters are for MacBook Air, and won't help connecting a Mac Pro (for example) to this new display. Sorry, my mistake. Also, not all retail stores have the displays, so you might want to give them a call first before heading over there.
Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display is go for purchase
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.]
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Apple discontinues 23" Cinema Display
While some of us are waiting to purchase the new 24" LED Cinema Display, Apple has quietly pulled the old 23" Cinema Display from the online store. Apple is still selling the 20" and 30" Cinemas, but they have put the words "Ships: Discontinued" on the 23" model.I'm sure these are very sad words for the folks who don't like glossy screens; however, this could also mean local retailers (and Apple Stores) might have 23" models on sale very soon (did someone say black Friday sales?).If you still want a 23" model, you can check Apple's online refurb store where they are currently being sold for $749 (US).Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Engadget goes hands-on with new Apple products
Just in case you missed the Apple event today, they released some pretty neat upgrades to their notebook line, and a new 24" LED Cinema display. While we were not invited to the fun party, our sister blog, Engadget was -- and they took some awesome hands-on photos. So far, they have played around with all of the products except the MacBook Air. You can see the hands-on pictures by clicking the links below: New MacBook Pros New MacBooks New Cinema Displays You may have noticed from the pictures (i.e. the one above) that the new MacBooks/Pros only have glossy screens (and by glossy, we mean like a mirror). Apple tells me that the screens are in fact glass, and not a plastic overlay. We want to know how you feel about Apple's move to all-glossy screens. Be sure to express your thoughts in the comments, and take part in our poll. %Poll-20924%
Apple 24-inch Cinema Display hands-on
Sure it may not look like much, but we're confident there's more than a few cats and kittens out there who want to get their hands on Apple's new 24-inch superstar. As usual, the screen looks painfully crisp. Check the gallery below for a number of views! %Gallery-34490%
New Cinema Displays finally arrive with iSight cameras, MagSafe connectors
In a move that surprised everybody and nobody simultaneously, Apple has released a brand-new 24-inch LED Cinema Display to spruce up the languishing product line. In addition to a new form factor that brings their look in line with newer iMacs (and now the new MacBook and MacBook Pro models announced today), the displays have an iSight camera, speakers, and a MagSafe power connector to charge your laptop. They have a native resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels. Also, the displays are more environmentally friendly, moving away from the mercury-vapor backlights to newer LED backlights now available throughout Apple's line of laptops. The surface of the display is glass, with a glossy finish. The display includes three USB ports, but no FireWire ports featured on older Cinema Displays. The new 24-inch display will be available in November for $899. Update: "Old" Cinema Displays still appear to be on Apple's website, so it looks like other screen sizes in the older form factor will continue to be available. For how long, we don't know. [Via Engadget.]
Apple finally refreshes Cinema Display: 24-inch, LED backlit, $899
Another rumor to tick off the list, Apple just announced the 24-inch Cinema Display. LED-backlit, check; Mini DisplayPort, check; $899 list price, check; MagSafe adapter, check. In fact, it has a tri-pronged cable that also includes USB . Other specs include a native 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, built-in iSight camera / microphone, integrated stereo speakers and a 3-port USB hub. Can you wait 'til November?%Gallery-34486%%Gallery-34476%
Rumor mill: August 7 iMac announcements... likely NOT true
[Update 1:15 pm -- And this is why we don't often post product rumors... indications are that this is coming from someone posing as our "reputable source," and other sites have received and debunked the rumor. We tried to reach the source for verification but were not able to do so. Our apologies if this turns out to be complete bunk. -Ed.]We don't often post product rumors hereabouts, although we're certainly not above reporting on them and linking to them; it's just not the regular beat. That said, when an email comes in from a reputable source (thanks, Mr. X) with supposed details on Tuesday's product announcement... well, we gotta let you all know. Pile on the disclaimers (this is a rumor!) and here we go. Our source says that there are plenty of new products coming on Tuesday:Two new iMacs, with 20 and 24 inch screens, and entirely covered in brushed metal (!) plus the previously hinted new keyboard design and a slightly slimmer enclosure. Even more surprising, our source says the iMacs are shipping with a 2.4GHz Intel Penryn chip. Intel's first 45-nm CPU was originally slated to ship at the end of the year, and it's not clear that Apple could get enough parts to actually build these puppies before October, so take this with a grain of salt. The machines might ship with the dual-core Conroe part instead.Three new Apple Displays at 20, 24, and 32 inches. These are supposed to have an iSight camera built in.The Mac Pro will get a speed bump as the Xeon/Woodcrest chips are swapped out for Penryn chips, running at a brisk 2.4, 3.0, and 3.33GHZ.Lastly, the long-expected end of life for the Mac Mini may finally come around as the machine is expected to be dropped from the product matrix. *sniffle*Again, this is all unconfirmed. We'll know for sure on Tuesday!
Rig of the Week: Al Gore's setup
We're going to break from tradition this week and highlight a rig that is not a part of our flickr pool. At right we see former Vice President (and Apple Board member) Al Gore flanked by three huge Apple displays. We can only imagine where the computer powering those things is located in that cluttered office.By the way, does anyone know where I can get an enormous tree frog for my wall?"Al Gore's American Life" photographed for Time Magazine by Steve Pyke.If you'd like to see your own rig featured here, simply upload photos into our group Flickr pool. Each Sunday we'll comb through the most recent entries and declare a "Rig of the Week!"
