Apple LED display 24in VS. DELL 2709W 27in

[blackhand1001]

My understanding is that you need Mini Display port to watch HD movie content although without it you will get standard definition.

What are you talking about. First of all HDMI, DVI, and regular displayport are HDCP compliant. And according to reports, blu ray playback doesn't work on it when they tried it on the led 24 in windows (OS X has no blu ray playback support) on the macbook pro which lead may mean it is not fully HDCP compliant.

 

[jnc]

i am having the same problem with the decision between ACD LED 24 and dell 2709w.....

this thread is evenly divided on this issue. I know i will not regret buying the apple, but it is pretty limited comparatively.

The ACD could have been so much better. I was holding my breath for an update for ages, and it didn't deliver. I still find it odd that Apple's "Cinema" Display can't run an tv, most odd.

BTW, the thing I hate about the Dell is that there are no physical buttons. I hate having to feel around hoping it finally registers my attempts to try to turn the thing on.

+1, wish there was a remote or something.

 

[DeusInvictus7]

This is one of the reasons why I got the Dell - I don't need the real estate so much as I do not want to squint reading small text at the monitor's native resolution.

BTW, the thing I hate about the Dell is that there are no physical buttons. I hate having to feel around hoping it finally registers my attempts to try to turn the thing on.

That is why I got the Dell too, the higher dot pitch is really nice for my eyes.

For turning it on, why not just always leave it on? That's what I do. When it isn't connected to your mac, it goes to sleep, and when it is plugged in it wakes almost as fast as waking a mac. This is assuming you have a notebook of course.

 

[megasad]

I'm trying to decide between these two screens for use with a MacBook Air, was just wondering if anyone could answer me these two questions:

1 - If you connect the 2709W using DisplayPort, can you control the screen brightness using the appropriate keys on the Mac keyboard?
2 - What is the maximum distance between the desk and the bottom of the screen itself on the 2709W?

 

[jnc]

I'm trying to decide between these two screens for use with a MacBook Air, was just wondering if anyone could answer me these two questions:

1 - If you connect the 2709W using DisplayPort, can you control the screen brightness using the appropriate keys on the Mac keyboard?

The brightness keys control the built-in display, not an external. To my knowledge

2 - What is the maximum distance between the desk and the bottom of the screen itself on the 2709W?

You can set it to almost near flush with the surface. It raises about, 6 inches? I don't have the display anymore or I could be more accurate (use a Cintiq now) Tilt as well.

If connecting to an MBA is your sole use of the display, it's a tough call (if you're not going to take advantage of the Dell's multiple inputs). The ACD something of a MacBook hub, what with the magsafe, speakers, iSight, USBs etc. The Dell's got USBs and a media card reader too though, and is more adjustable, and isn't glossy...

 

[megasad]

Thanks for answering, jnc.

The brightness keys control the built-in display, not an external. To my knowledge

Am I wrong in thinking that they can also control the brightness of the Apple LED Display? Maybe only if you have the MacBook Air's display turned off? I'm also planning on using the Bluetooth keyboard, if that makes any difference? Is the brightness adjustment sent via DisplayPort or via USB?

You can set it to almost near flush with the surface. It raises about, 6 inches? I don't have the display anymore or I could be more accurate (use a Cintiq now) Tilt as well.

Hmm. I need the bottom of the screen (the LCD itself) to be 30cm from the desk, else my neck hurts, does anyone know of a good stand for either the Apple or the Dell display? Something like the Slimkey Stand but a whole lot taller?

If connecting to an MBA is your sole use of the display, it's a tough call (if you're not going to take advantage of the Dell's multiple inputs). The ACD something of a MacBook hub, what with the magsafe, speakers, iSight, USBs etc. The Dell's got USBs and a media card reader too though, and is more adjustable, and isn't glossy...

The lower pixel density of the Dell is what makes me consider it, else I do prefer the MagSafe and iSight and built-in speakers of the Apple. This is purely for use with the MacBook Air.

 

[TheShinyMac]

If you can afford the Cinema Display then get it, if not get the best Dell you can afford

 

[vaderhater245]

Keeping in mind that this thread is a bit older, the real comparison now should be the new U2410 vs 24" ACD. I can't decide.

 

[megasad]

If you can afford the Cinema Display then get it, if not get the best Dell you can afford

I can actually get the Apple Display for just 600€ where the Dell one costs 740€, so if it was just about money I'd definitely get the Apple one.

Does anyone know about being able to adjust either screen's brightness using both the MacBook Air's built-in keyboard and using a Apple Bluetooth Keyboard?

Keeping in mind that this thread is a bit older, the real comparison now should be the new U2410 vs 24" ACD. I can't decide.

Interesting, I shall look at that too, thanks.

 

[kngelv]

I have the Apple 24 LED and love it.

James