I just purchased a 17" mb pro with all of the bells and whistles, and I want to hook it up to a large monitor. My eyes are not what they used to be, and I prefer non glossy monitors. However, I am being thrown into a cycle where people are saying that the 30" is old tech, and there will be a new one at any momment. So my query is... is it a good idea to wait for a new monitor when no one seems to know when the monitor is coming out? As a side, I can wait a couple of months, but it is a little too long if it takes more than six. Thank you and I appreciate all of your input.
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30" display quandary
- Thread starter mojoejojo
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Demosthenes X
macrumors 68000
The Apple 30" cinema display is older tech, but it's a fantastic monitor nonetheless. No one knows when a new one is coming, though.
You could just buy a non-Apple monitor. Dell has equally good displays, and they often can be had for less money.
You could just buy a non-Apple monitor. Dell has equally good displays, and they often can be had for less money.
aaquib
macrumors 65816
I think Apple would have to be completely ridiculous to have 30" display with a glossy-only screen. Pro's don't want glossy screens; consumers do. The problem is, there aren't many consumers willing to pay nearly $2000 for a monitor. A matte option is a must.
Personally I wouldn't consider buying an Apple display because although they are top quality they are also incredibly expensive. Like Demosthenes said, I would look into getting a Dell, HP, or Samsung monitor instead. Newegg.com has 24" 1080p monitor tv's for $360. Get a non apple monitor, save some $$$ and buy a blue ray dvd player or speakers to go along with your new monitor.
I agree. Not to produce the matter display when the market that the product is aimed at demands it would be ludicrous. I simply can't see Apple doing that. I think a LED backlit matte LCD with a slightly different enclosure is much more likely.
I'm definitely no hardcore mac addict, but I can confidently predict a 30" glossy display won't be offered when the ACD is updated. Even Apple is wise enough to offers matte-display option for the 17" MacBook Pro.
Having said that, it would be most helpful if those of us looking to get the 30" ACD could have some info on when the update is. It really is about time.
Having said that, it would be most helpful if those of us looking to get the 30" ACD could have some info on when the update is. It really is about time.
WARNING!!!!!! I have had a two Apple 30" displays (had to return both) with new unibody Macbook Pros. THEY DON'T WORK!!! THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE AT THIS TIME. You get flickering at best or noise and more problems at worst. The problem is perhaps with the miniDisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter cable ($99), but is STILL UNRESOLVED. Also, third party large (30") monitors fare even worse than the Apple 30". (See Apple's website or this site for comments).
If you want an external display with the new unibody, you are safest getting the 24" (unfortunately, glossy) display, or waiting. 🙁
They do look nice for consumer machines. However, these are not really aimed at the average consumer. They are aimed at high end professionals that do colour critical work.
What is your setup?
I'm referring to unibody MBPs (15.4" & 17") using the MiniDisplay Port connecting using the $99 cable to a Apple (or third party) 30" display (2560 x 1600 resolution). I have not known a single case where it has worked flawlessly. At best there was an occasional flicker (the screen would go black for a split second, and then come back).
I don't think Apple should be even selling this option right now. It doesn't work.
If I were getting the 30" ACD for watching movies and playing games, I would definitely agree with you. However, like the majority of people who prefer matte to glossy, I pay my bills using my Macs, and the matte display is much more ideal and practical for my needs.
dante@sisna.com
macrumors 6502a
redsteven
macrumors 6502a
I would heed DeepCobalt's warnings for now.
I have no personal experience with the 30", but I do recall reading a large number of similar reviews on the Apple online store. See if they'll let you try it out in a retail Apple store, and ask them if they would be willing to take it back if you get home and start experiencing flickering issues and stuff.
I have no personal experience with the 30", but I do recall reading a large number of similar reviews on the Apple online store. See if they'll let you try it out in a retail Apple store, and ask them if they would be willing to take it back if you get home and start experiencing flickering issues and stuff.
Abstract
macrumors Penryn
Well now you do.
If that's all you do, why the heck would you buy a 30" Apple display? 😕
Anyway, a glossy ACD would be suicidal considering the number of complaints you get from laptop owners. The ACD isn't just meant to be a general display. It's a tool first and foremost, and even for those who don't mind a glossy display, I think it's safer to say that offering a glossy-only screen would ruffle very few feathers.
Tomorrow
macrumors 604
Search the forums, I thought I read the issue is with the MBP, not the display.
Benguitar
Guest
phairphan
macrumors 6502a
If the OP is truly in the market for a 30" monitor, I seriously doubt a TV would be an adequate alternative.
I am using a Westinghouse 37" LVM-37w3se which works great as a monitor as well as a HDTV when hooked up to my DirecTV receiver.
Although the max resolution is only 1920 x 1080 it certainly works well if you're looking for a large screen size and don't want to spend big $$$ for a 30" Apple display.
These are now out of production but new ones still show up on e-bay for under $600.00.
These are now sold out but as an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230324656219
Alternatively Dell is having a sale at the moment, $206.10 with coupon 1Z829VM32T983V for their new 22" E-IPS Monitor (UltraSharp 2209WA 22-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor) which is also a great interim purchase.
Although the max resolution is only 1920 x 1080 it certainly works well if you're looking for a large screen size and don't want to spend big $$$ for a 30" Apple display.
These are now out of production but new ones still show up on e-bay for under $600.00.
These are now sold out but as an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230324656219
Alternatively Dell is having a sale at the moment, $206.10 with coupon 1Z829VM32T983V for their new 22" E-IPS Monitor (UltraSharp 2209WA 22-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor) which is also a great interim purchase.
peskaa
macrumors 68020
The problem with TVs is the large size and low screen resolution, giving a low pixel pitch. My 40" Sony in the living room is 1080p - ie: the same size as a 23" Apple Cinema Display. My new 30" is 2560x1600 - I can fit more on there, and that's the entire point of going big with computers.