Apple's Thunderbolt Display a compelling device for 2011 MacBook Air

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Apple's Thunderbolt Display a compelling device for 2011 MacBook Air

#1 Macworld

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 03:31 AM

Post your comments for Apple's Thunderbolt Display a compelling device for 2011 MacBook Air here

#2 cycomachead

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 04:03 AM

I wouldn't say "completely" inflexible. I think the ability to use 2 with a MacBook is something worth noting, especially as it means one less reason to look towards a desktop Mac. (Of course, that case costs $2000, and isn't going to be super popular, but it seems far better than any previous solution from Matrox, etc.)

Also, I think it's worth noting that at least compared to the LED CD you get a lot more for the same price, but lose Mini-DP compatibility which sucks if you work in a mixed environment.

#3 Bikerdoood

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 04:51 AM

I'm pretty much an Apple fanboy except when it comes to their monitors. I just picked up a 24" HP DVI monitor at Office Max for less that $200. It's not as nice as the Apple displays, but they aren't $800 nicer.

#4 yomacdaddy

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 05:08 AM

Bikerdoood, on 23 September 2011 - 04:51 AM, said:

I am no expert on monitor features versus their cost. But, I am considering the MBA and would like to add a monitor. This monitor seems ideal. But, I do not see the value at $1,000. That seems to be 3X the price I would expect as a consumer. I am probably wrong on this because I have not shopped monitors yet. But, I have bought several monitors in the past (with less features...but several years ago) and the prices were not $1,000.

#5 macmanmk

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 05:21 AM

Nice display, but not at that price point. Between this and the cost of the first Thunderbolt hard drives (LaCie's), I can't see Thunderbolt peripherals doing much in the way of market penetration.

#6 macmanmk

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 05:24 AM

yomacdaddy, on 23 September 2011 - 05:08 AM, said:

I use the Samsung P2770HD...picked it up for just over 300 bucks.

#7 Caballeraz

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 05:59 AM

I bought a $300 27 inch Planar monitor for my MacBook off of NewEgg.com. For work I wish I would have purchased one of these Thunderbolt Displays as the resolution is sooo much higher. A co-worker has a 27 inch iMac in the office (he only works in the office, I work from home and sometimes in the office) and he can use his screens real estate a lot better then I can.

I bought a $300 27 inch Planar monitor for my MacBook off of NewEgg.com. For work I wish I would have purchased one of these Thunderbolt Displays as the resolution is sooo much higher. A co-worker has a 27 inch iMac in the office (he only works in the office, I work from home and sometimes in the office) and he can use his screens real estate a lot better then I can.

#8 klahanas

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 06:14 AM

I'm sure it's a fantastic monitor. Even the $1000 price tag doesn't disturb me too much, it is a 27'' IPS monitor after all. What DOES disturb me, greatly, is that this premium $1000 monitor doesn't have a mini DP on it. Heck, this is a premium item, it should have every port possible on it, and auto-detect them as well.

This post has been edited by klahanas: 23 September 2011 - 06:15 AM

"One likes to believe in the freedom of music,
But glittering prizes and endless compromises
Shatter the illusion of integrity."

-Rush

#9 hayesk

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 06:15 AM

Bikerdoood, on 23 September 2011 - 04:51 AM, said:

No, but it's probably $600 nicer, and then you get port replication which accounts for another $100, plus Apple's design touches for another $100.

$200 monitors are fine for average consumers and those that work with text and spreadsheets all day, but they're lousy for photo and graphics work. I'm not saying Apple is the top of the line, but it's a heck of a lot better than your $200 monitor. But hey, if you don't need the better quality - that's great. You saved yourself $800.

#10 palane

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 06:34 AM

An interesting point of comparison would be the equivalent 27" Dell U2711 Ultrasharp monitor. I forget if they use the same panel as Apple. Before condemning Apple for overpricing, the Dell runs $949. The T-Bolt display doesn't seem so overpriced in that comparison. For my taste, I'd pick the 24" Dell U2410. Not cheap at $599, but only a little over half the price.

I plug in three cables (MagSafe, DisplayPort, USB) in my setup. It's not that much of a hassle. I'm also quite worried about that integrated able. I've had bad experiences with multiple power bricks from Apple, mainly as the strain relief inevitably fails after a few years. A monitor cable wouldn't come under as much strain, but my guess is that it would be an expensive fix.

hayesk, on 23 September 2011 - 06:15 AM, said:

No, but it's probably $600 nicer, and then you get port replication which accounts for another $100, plus Apple's design touches for another $100.

#11 medex

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 06:39 AM

I just got mine this week and have a i7 mini connected. It is great. I replaced my 27 iMac because this new configuration leads to easier and less expensive upgrades. I don't need my usb hub anymore, the speakers are better and the screen looks nicer with the smaller black bezel. The thunderbolt port is slick. In the future I can add a mba or a replacement mini. Can't wait for more hard drive choices, my firewire 800 drive is ok but doesn't compare the the thunderbolt tests.

#12 Toadman

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 07:31 AM

A 2560 x 1440 IPS display isn't cheap from anybody. I considered a HP and NEC as well as the TBolt and went with the costlier NEC PA271W (even on sale!). The 'extra features' and connectivity specs are somewhat different between them but a wash for my current requirements and the NEC is better for photo work. NEC's 4 year warranty and allegedly quick swap service was an advantage but I hope I never make use of it... .

Mac users having issues with a PA271W might benefit from this: http://www.necdispla...Port_Notice.pdf

#13 lomifeh

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 08:36 AM

You cannot really just view this as a monitor. I picked on up on Wed for my MBP. It's great because it is essentialy a docking station + monitor. The power line alone is a huge selling point imho. You can tell they are targetting their laptop lines with this monitor over the mac pro or mini really.

I think it is unfair to slam on the display preferences since that is the stock one that the OS uses unless I am thinking of something different. If you are serious about calibration you use a third party tool. I've never seen a bundled calibration software package work well on any monitor really.

#14 SHRIKEE

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Posted 23 September 2011 - 09:27 AM

Meanwhile... the LCD's Apple use often are manufactured by LG or Phillips... And those don't cost so much if they don't have the Apple brand on them. Just saying.

With that in mind i still think the Apple screens are very much overpriced. Even if they look pretty and have ports on them.