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Having a multiple monitor setup is helpful, but that requires multiple graphics cards, or a card with multiple video out ports. I have to put my MacBook Pro on the floor because the wires make it too awkward to have it at desk height.- much thicker than the product images imply. Having a big monitor like this solves everything because it's like 2 or 3 monitors worth of viewing space. That is not enough for my needs, so I need to constantly unplug things.A great monitor that will give you performance and style, if you can afford it. Now, after a year and a half of ownership, I have no regrets about spending the money. At $1750, this is not a light purchasing decision. It's a lot of money to spend on a monitor, and there are cheaper alternatives (like the Dell 3007WFP-HC 30-Inch LCD Widescreen Monitor. The screen is bright and beautiful.
I would say at least 30% of the time I spend is moving palettes around on smaller screens. Monitor panel is approx 2 inches thick, with plastic sides, not all aluminum all the way around.- only 2 USB ports and 2 Firewire ports on back. Screen is bright and sharp.- At 4 million pixels, its resolution is twice that of an HDTV.Cons:----- steep price- potential problem with the power brick block and single thick cable, which forks off into 4 connectors (DVI, USB, Firewire, monitor power). If not, go with a multi-monitor solution (2 smaller, cheaper monitors), or one of the Dells. (See my photo in the customer gallery). Moving program windows and palettes around is probably the biggest single time waster on a small screen. The length of available cord may be too short for some people, especially laptop users. But I liked Apple's industrial design and I wanted the biggest screen I could afford, so I was willing to pay a bit more for style.
Pros:------ huge screen real estate so you can position menus out of the way and reduce screen clutter- beautiful design and functionality. Programs like Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, and even Word can easily cover up your screen with tools palettes, leaving you little visible space for creating your document. The monitor looks beautiful in my room and its sheer size is still impressive to behold. Much of your time is spent rearranging the screen just so you can see the workspace, instead of actually working.
The colors are rich, blacks are black, both of my displays have even, consistent light levels. True, you can save $600 over the new price or $300 off the refurb price and get something cheaper from HP or Dell or Samsung, but I just didn't want more and more black plastic on my desk. I have two of these displays and sometimes ponder buying a third one.I bought one of the displays new; the other I bought refurbished and saved a little bit of money (I believe refurbs are only sold at Apple's online store). One complaint about having two 30" on one machine is that the brightness controls on the keyboard only affect the main display.I have 12 monitors in my office and have bought and used perhaps 30 LCDs in the last 5 years in the quest for display perfection. And remember, while the price on this display hasn't changed in sometime, we have had inflation--this monitor is cheaper at $1800 now than it was at $1800 two years ago.As an engineer, specs and prices drive product comparisons, but as a human being who wants a pleasant workspace, I'll keep buying this display. Frankly, I can't tell which one is which--and they are sitting next to each other.As Brian Seeve mentions in his excellent review, the aesthetic benefits of having one of these displays on your desk cannot be overstated. These monitors are incredibly gorgeous--having one on your desk feels like you have made a substantial furniture investment, not because of the size, but because of the polished enclosure, the sleek aluminum, the rounded curves and the straight lines.Although I am not a huge fan of the breakout cable design and the external power supply, I do admit I love looking at the back of the monitors and just seeing the single cable--it is a significantly cleaner look.The display quality itself is pretty good.
You'll regret it if something goes wrong with this expensive product. It's simply spectacular. But I was afraid that this display would also not work with my new Mac Pro. I also found that other displays, except the Dell 3008, all had plastic casing.I've always owned Apple displays, but I was extremely hesitant to buy what seemed like an outdated product at a premium price. And that happens all the time with electronics. Look at the detailed specs, this display is one of the best out there.
I researched and researched high end 30" displays. So in effect, this display is just as advanced as the newest displays available today. This display has just that. I use this display for Final Cut Studio, Adobe CS4 Master Collection, Maya, etc. Color accuracy, ability to calibrate, brightness, deep blacks, white whites, etc. In fact it was way ahead of its time when it came out years ago. Dell, HP, Gateway, and NEC. I actually ordered two 26" NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2 displays, but they were not compatible with my new 2009 "nehalem" Mac Pro with the Radeon HD4870 graphics card.
What's an extra $100 to insure the display for a total of 3 years. I don't know what else to say. Think about it, if you need more ports, then get a PCI card if you have a desktop, or get a hub if you have a laptop or desktop.So, I went ahead and purchased this 30" Apple Cinema display anyways, and all I can say is "WOW.". If you have the money, and your not sure like I was, then just buy it, you won't be disappointed at all. And all I can say to that is, "who cares.".
In fact, I'm going to buy another one, which will make two for me.Also, buy Apple Care. Buy Apple Care for this display, trust me. I've been using the display for a month now, and its been nothing but perfect. Then I was going to buy the 30" NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi. It's still an amazing product.
I only need DVI and USB 2.0 ports, and that's it. After some research I found that Apple uses the best panel out there, and its casing is aluminum, and they have updated components as they were needed since the release of this second revision of the 30" in 2004. The only thing one can argue is that this display lacks the array of inputs available from other display vendors.
The 30" Cinema Display is THE display that designers, especially print designers, need, without any doubt whatsoever. Color fidelity is about the best I've seen. For the first 3 days it seemed HUGE, but on the 4th day it began to feel normal to have this much screen real estate. Those who say that Apple's monitors are too expensive are those who don't understand the value of buying a quality item, and are only interested in price.
Apple is known for its superior quality control and superb design. The screen is VERY bright and I keep it at near its lowest setting. The matte screen is reflection-free and easy on the eyes. Works with Macs as well as Windows computers. At full resolution the monitor is 2560 x 1600 pixels, at 100 pixels per inch. After my original 22" Cinema Display suddenly died after 9 years of excellent use, I decided to upgrade to the 30" and I haven't looked back.
Colors and clarity are unmatched by any other monitor. Highly recommended. I can view 2 web pages side by side, and most importantly, I can work on brochures and packaging at full size and see the whole thing. I work on my Mac every day and the ease of use and productivity I get out of the unit more than makes up for the higher price.
Think about it, for $1800 you can buy a 46-52'' LCD TV nowadays and your only getting a 30'' LCD here with no TV. I would totally wait for prices to drop or for new models to come out. No doubt this is a gorgeous flat panel LCD. With TV prices and technological advances, this LCD should be no more than $600 - $700 if you think about it. Apple is due to come out with new models soon. Wish it was available in a glossy non-matte finish. The problem is that this LCD is WAY overpriced.
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