Apple Discounts Cinema Displays

[matticus008]

If you don't like the "clutter" of additional cable, then don't use it.

That doesn't solve the problem for those who would like to use additional inputs without clutter. Your line of thinking imposes an unnatural division. People who like clean work areas might still need to work with multiple inputs. Why should they add additional inputs to serve the small market of non-professionals who want them and not consider anyone else? My solution gives whiny "more inputs" fools what they want without breaking the Apple aesthetic.

If you really think about it, would Apple go for utility or clutter-free given your binary option?

Why replace a simple solution (additional port) with an overtly complicated and expensive solution

What exactly is complicated or expensive about moving the ports off the monitor itself into a box 20" away? All you're doing is extending the wire that connects the physical port to the PCB.

I really fail to see the problem here.

No suprise there.

13ms? Most screens out there nowadays have 8ms or even 5ms, and they are dirt cheap. Granted they are lcd tvs, but surely the tech is the same.

Response times are not all created equal. Most of the very cheap displays with unusual low response times are not measuring the largest values. Panels are not created equal, and as has been discussed at great lengths here, S-IPS panels are a bit slower than TN panels used in cheap monitors. Even still, they are preferable for the market Apple is selling to.

The price drop is as good as an update with Apple's displays.

Absolutely. A price change is a product update--something new has happened to the product. The buyer's guide does not specify "faster CPU!" or "more RAM" when individual specifications change. Price is really just another specification.

 

[k2k koos]

What percentage of mac users work Professionaly in "Print Production Graphics workers"? Maybe 1%. Apple is just asking for the other 99% to go with Dell. I got a 24" Dell for $630 and it is BEAUTIFULL!

Well, they are not "asking", Apple never publicly stated that they are there to be a budget brand, they offer the consumers, and pro's great products for very reasonable prices. If you want to buy something else, because you don't need the color accuracy of an ACD, then by all means go ahead, Apple wants to deliver the best products, so they cost more, and the pro's are served well by it.
It is even more indicated by their line up:
Mac Mini, BYODKM (so attach anything you'd like)
iMac , the all in one machine for consumers , prosumers, and pro's
Mac Pro, plus ACD, for the Pro's and those of us who want only the best from them

I think got it pretty well covered.

 

[Veracon]

Wow! Price drops in Danish store:

• 20": 1800 DKK ≈ US$320
• 23": 4000 DKK ≈ US$715
• 30": 7000 DKK ≈ US$1250

a 23" is now about the same price as the 20" before the discounts.

 

[Bosunsfate]

I noticed the display drop at the Apple Store before it made forums, which actually surprised me a bit, given all the "new display" talk that's been bantering about lately. Obviously, it's a good move to reduce inventory before the lineup is refreshed. Combine this with the fact that the external iSight camera inexplicably vanished from store shelves late last year (and is now commanding obscene prices on eBay) and it would appear that a screen shakeup is definately in order. It strikes me as curious, however, that Apple would have waited so long to add the iSight feature to it's cinema displays when the technology has been available to them for so long. I'd suggest that perhaps Cupertino has something more dramatic up it's sleeve. I'll point to the MacRumors article on the "Integrated Sensing Display" patent, which created a small splash last January, but then went quiet among the multi-touch and iPhone rumours. I'm going to extrapolate that if the the next gen displays don't "WOW", then it's only a matter of time before Integrated Sensing technology becomes the next big thing. In point of fact, if Apple & Co. had their druthers, I'm sure they'd choose to reveal a display that actually sees you, rather than one with a black dot strapped to it's face. (That is so last fall.) After all, what could be more Jobs-esque than revealing the world's first "seeing" display years before the technology goes mainstream. That would also force Dell to create a cheap knockoff version, and Microsoft to relase Windows Vista Multi-Interactive RealTime Media Chat Center Editon, that would cost an additional $500 and still need 80 different plug-ins to work correctly.

Good insight.

Apple has certainly waited a long time to update their displays. If they were going to just put the camera in the display a la iMacs, then they would have already done that.

Something better is certainly coming and if it saw me first I'd love it!

 

[3282872]

What percentage of mac users work Professionaly in "Print Production Graphics workers"? Maybe 1%. Apple is just asking for the other 99% to go with Dell. I got a 24" Dell for $630 and it is BEAUTIFULL!

I do. As do most of my friends in graphic design and photography. In fact, a few of my friends who work in graphics can't technically afford ACD's but dish out the extra money for the exact reasons listed. Dell is not near the quality for professional work as Apple Cinema Display's have been for years. Those in the know, dish out the extra dough, and there is quite a large design population who utilize Apple Display's and products.

 

[3282872]

Wow! Price drops in Danish store:

• 20": 1800 DKK ? US$320
• 23": 4000 DKK ? US$715
• 30": 7000 DKK ? US$1250

a 23" is now about the same price as the 20" before the discounts.

Say what?! A 30" is roughly $1250??? Do education discounts apply? How can I order it and have it delivered to NYC? lol ... no, seriously...

 

[3282872]

Good insight.

Apple has certainly waited a long time to update their displays. If they were going to just put the camera in the display a la iMacs, then they would have already done that.

Something better is certainly coming and if it saw me first I'd love it!

I don't know, as interesting as that sounds the idea of my computer "seeing" me makes me a bit uncomfortable. I mean, privacy, hello (j/k) lol.

 

[morse]

UK monitors are no longer £130 as posted in the update. They're like £599 now.

 

[3282872]

I still wonder why we Brits have to pay these prices?

UK Apple Store - Two 3.0GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon = £2659 or $5,247

OR

US Apple Store - Two 3.0GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon = $3997

1 x cinema display (23") = $899

1 x 80GB iPod video $349

Total $5245

leaving me with $2 for the bus home.

Well, the first problem is comparing dollars to pounds. The average UK resident has a slightly higher annual salary than the states, and comparing dollars to pounds directly (or even indirectly) is faulty. Of course if you came to the states and made a purchase at the Apple Store in SoHo (NYC) for example, you'd be paying roughly £2028 ($3997 for a Dual Quad Core Mac Pro). Sadly, taxes and such increase that for purchases in the UK. Not dissimilar to purchasing a Mercedes Benz in the US versus Germany; import taxes, tariffs, etc. increase the costs dramatically (and import taxes are due to the country of residence policies, i.e. the U.K. in this instance). In short, have someone buy you a Mac Pro in the US and just ship it to the UK, even with shipping you're still saving a huge chunk of change (and would that work, or do you have to prove residency in the US AND the UK to explain the "move" and shipping?).

...and besides, as an American who visits London regularly, I'd take paying a bit more for Apple products over dishing out thousands of US dollars for a few nights at a freakin' Marriot any day (£379 a night at the Marriot equals about $746 USD, for a room that would cost roughly $199 USD in the states, the US dollar is worth NOTHING now - thanks to Bushie and his croonies).

 

[aswitcher]

If these are the new screens - then a a new external iSight is coming.

Else Apple are clearing stock of LCDs.

Or they are introduing a NEW screen with a camera - maybe a tough sensitive one, much smaller...

 

[netnothing]

Just picked up the 23" Cinema display today....it's beautiful. The whole design is great and picture is wonderful.

It came down to the Apple or the Dell. I went through 4 other monitors....let me tell you, you pay for what you get nowadays. If it's cheap....it's cheap, not just in price.

Yeah the Apple is still a little too pricey, but at least I know I'm getting great quality, in both the design and panel. I wasn't willing to play the Dell Panel Lottery right now. Just don't want to take the chance on something that has to be shipped. I can pick up the Apple locally.

The other thing that Apple is doing right is getting into other sales channels such as Best Buy. Even though Best Buy hasn't yet lowered their display prices (I'm hoping they do within 14 days)....I was able to get the display cheaper because of saved Best Buy gifts cards! Free money! When BB lowers the price, I'll just go in and get it matched....if not...oh well, I still saved enough to make it comparable to the Dell.

-Kevin

 

[matticus008]

Of course if you came to the states and made a purchase at the Apple Store in SoHo (NYC) for example, you'd be paying roughly £2028 ($3997 for a Dual Quad Core Mac Pro). Sadly, taxes and such increase that for purchases in the UK.

As in the states. If you bought a Mac Pro at the SoHo Apple store, you'd walk out having paid $4331.75 (~£2198). Duties and taxes, along with other realities of international business add to that price in the UK.

In short, have someone buy you a Mac Pro in the US and just ship it to the UK, even with shipping you're still saving a huge chunk of change

You'd have to pay duty on the import, not to mention the extreme cost of paying to ship something that heavy and bulky from the US to the UK. I doubt you'd come out on top in the end.

...dishing out thousands of US dollars for a few nights at a freakin' Marriot any day (£379 a night at the Marriot equals about $746 USD, for a room that would cost roughly $199 USD

$199 where? Certainly not in a major metropolitan city like New York, Los Angeles, or indeed, London (and again, US prices are before tax, which is charged on hotel rooms) and particularly for the more upscale hotels like the Marriott Marquis in NYC, which starts at $500US per night. Real estate in London is astronomical, and hotel prices follow. The UK's higher tax rates and other business operating costs also have to be factored in. EDIT: There are only five Marriotts in London which charge more than £250 per night after looking at their site, and all of those have rooms below that threshold.

The pound is also about 20% stronger than when the purchasing power matched the conversion (when £1 was worth about $1.60), so all conversions to dollars should add roughly 20% to account for the weakness of the dollar. Life is just generally more expensive in the UK, even compared to Europe, let alone the US.

 

[Jarcrew]

By the time the 32-core Mac Pro is out it'll probably be cheaper to fly to New York and buy it in person.

 

[3282872]

As in the states. If you bought a Mac Pro at the SoHo Apple store, you'd walk out having paid $4331.75 (~£2198). Duties and taxes, along with other realities of international business add to that price in the UK.

You'd have to pay duty on the import, not to mention the extreme cost of paying to ship something that heavy and bulky from the US to the UK. I doubt you'd come out on top in the end.

$199 where? Certainly not in a major metropolitan city like New York, Los Angeles, or indeed, London (and again, US prices are before tax, which is charged on hotel rooms) and particularly for the more upscale hotels like the Marriott Marquis in NYC, which starts at $500US per night. Real estate in London is astronomical, and hotel prices follow. The UK's higher tax rates and other business operating costs also have to be factored in. EDIT: There are only five Marriotts in London which charge more than £250 per night after looking at their site, and all of those have rooms below that threshold.

The pound is also about 20% stronger than when the purchasing power matched the conversion (when £1 was worth about $1.60), so all conversions to dollars should add roughly 20% to account for the weakness of the dollar. Life is just generally more expensive in the UK, even compared to Europe, let alone the US.

Easy there, easy.

1. The Boston Marriot Copley PLace (which, having been a Boston resident years ago is very nice) is roughly $179-279 USD for a standard kind size room, still much cheaper than $700+ USD for the London room. Interesting that you picked the most expensive Marriot property in the states to make a point, where as I picked a relatively cheap property in London when compared to the Ritz-Carlton or Grosvenor House properties (where I normally stay). Still, $500 USD is still cheaper than $700+USD.

2. Having lived in London, when I shipped my goods from Boston to the UK I did not have to pay tariffs on property I already owned. Moving papers and such made that possible. If someone you know personally BUYS a Mac Pro in the U.S. and the ships it to someone in the UK tariffs are NOT required.

My point was in reference to the OP's comment that 2600-something pounds for a Mac Pro was much more expensive when converted to USD's than if they were to buy it in the US. I simply stated not true.

 

[matticus008]

1. The Boston Marriot Copley PLace (which, having been a Boston resident years ago is very nice) is roughly $179-279 USD for a standard kind size room, still much cheaper than $700+ USD for the London room.

Boston is nowhere near London in terms of property baselines, and Copley Place is $259-319 per night according to the horse's mouth.

Interesting that you picked the most expensive Marriot property in the states to make a point, where as I picked a relatively cheap property in London

No, you didn't. There are 2 pages of Marriott properties in London that do no exceed £220. There are only five locations that exceed £250, and all five of those start below that level. Perhaps you missed that.

Still, $500 USD is still cheaper than $700+USD.

Not after factoring in the weakness of the dollar, VAT, and UK-specific hospitality industry taxes.

2. Having lived in London, when I shipped my goods from Boston to the UK I did not have to pay tariffs on property I already owned.

That's because you were moving to the UK. That is not even close to the same situation. If you personally travel to the US and buy one, you owe duties on it when returning to the UK. It's no different if you have someone else buy it and ship it to you.

If someone you know personally BUYS a Mac Pro in the U.S. and the ships it to someone in the UK tariffs are NOT required.

Of course they are! You cannot import something into a new country without paying duties on it. First, it's not part of a household relocation, second, it's a transfer to a third party, and third, it's a brand-new, sealed retail package and not a box of family photos.

My point was in reference to the OP's comment that 2600-something pounds for a Mac Pro was much more expensive when converted to USD's than if they were to buy it in the US. I simply stated not true.

And I agreed with you.

The only problem is that you're underreporting the price for US hotels (and not including tax) and far exaggerating the price of London hotels (by over a hundred pounds) to make some unknown point.

 

[3282872]

The only problem is that you're underreporting the price for US hotels (and not including tax) and far exaggerating the price of London hotels (by over a hundred pounds) to make some unknown point.

Oh, get a life. My comment wasn't even directed towards you in the first place, so why you are taking the time in attacking someone's comment in a blog about Mac Cinema Display's is beyond me, other than you have some inherit need to proclaim your high intellect. As they say, this is an A and B conversation, so C your way out...

 

[DrGonzo2121]

oled?

anyone else hoping for apple to use OLED for their next displays?

It would fit nicely with apple's minimalist style (27" = 11mm thick right now)

there have been grumblings that these displays will be significantly thinner...

 

[YoYoMa]

I'd really like to get an Apple display but these models are just so old and overpriced. The fact that the Apple 30" dropped by $200 still doesn't change the fact that you can get the new Dell High Color 30" on eBay for $1250 with no tax. I'm not sure who here would say that the over 2 year old Apple monitor is a better display than that one, regardless of the fact that it can be had for a huge amount less. If there is no new Apple display in June that outperforms the new Dell and HP, I'll have no choice but to go with the Dell. Honestly, who wouldn't? The only reason I want the Apple at this point is looks.

 

[princealfie]

I'd really like to get an Apple display but these models are just so old and overpriced. The fact that the Apple 30" dropped by $200 still doesn't change the fact that you can get the new Dell High Color 30" on eBay for $1250 with no tax. I'm not sure who here would say that the over 2 year old Apple monitor is a better display than that one, regardless of the fact that it can be had for a huge amount less. If there is no new Apple display in June that outperforms the new Dell and HP, I'll have no choice but to go with the Dell. Honestly, who wouldn't? The only reason I want the Apple at this point is looks.

So you don't care about color accuracy?

 

[princealfie]

I do. As do most of my friends in graphic design and photography. In fact, a few of my friends who work in graphics can't technically afford ACD's but dish out the extra money for the exact reasons listed. Dell is not near the quality for professional work as Apple Cinema Display's have been for years. Those in the know, dish out the extra dough, and there is quite a large design population who utilize Apple Display's and products.

Yeah if you're a serious photographer, Dell displays suck for that reason. Dells are good only for movie watching and playing video games.

 

[Teddy's]

Exactly right.
My 2 crystal displays still look amazing....4 years down the road.

Obviously there a many people on this forum who see only money(cheap) as the motivator.

What amazes me is that Apple have always been about quality and longevity.....well at least tried to be
Why do these people now want cheap
To all of you budget boys.....go buy yer Dell and stop bitching about those of us who are more than happy to pay a bit more for much more.

I for one have no wish to see Apple produce run of the mill budget priced consumer orientated products.
What they do is produce top quality pro and consumer gear that is way ahead of the other companies out there in terms of design, quality and value for money.
These monitors, especially at the new prices, are no different.

According to you:
Then they should stop making mac minis and macbooks.

Btw, your "I for one" is laughable. I guess you screamed when that rumour of the 50cent mac. Yes true, quality matters. There are many things that they can learn from iPods. It seems to have worked for the mac mini.

 

[YoYoMa]

The new Dell has better color than the 2 year old Apple, plain and simple. It might need some calibration to make it more accurate, but it's still a better display bar none. To suggest otherwise is simple misdirection. The Apple displays are far too overpriced for the yesterdays tech that they are. Whoever pays the $1799 plus tax for one when they can get the Dell for 1250 with no tax either really wants a matching monitor, or does not understand that the Apple is too old to command that price. The old Apple does not offer better color than the new Dell, (in fact it offers worse color) yet Apple still charges more for it. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that if the Dell were a sexier looking monitor than the Apple, no one here would consider it for a second over the Dell.

 

[shecky]

The new Dell has better color than the 2 year old Apple, plain and simple.

The old Apple does not offer better color than the new Dell.

prove it.

 

[macslug]

Any price drop is great, unfortunately for me two weeks back I bought a 20".
Maybe I need Two.

 

[YoYoMa]

Are you serious? Have you even checked out the specs of the new Dell and compared them? Are you aware of the larger color gamut that it has? Do you know anything more than what you learned from drinking the Apple kool-aid? The Apple monitor came out 2 YEARS ago. Beleive it or not, there have been advances in LCD technology since then.