Apple Offering 32-Inch 4K Sharp Displays in European Online Apple Stores [Updated]

[MacRumors]

In its European Apple Online Stores, Apple has begun offering a 32-inch Sharp "4K" Ultra HD LED monitor. Retailing for £3,499.00 or approximately $5,700, the monitor has been available in the U.K. and other European countries since on or before November 30.

The 32-inch IGZO display, which has a resolution of 3840 x 2160, is not available in the United States and it is not clear why Apple has decided to offer it solely in Europe for the time being.

With its 32-inch class (31.5-inch diagonal) screen size, 3840 x 2160 high definition resolution and energy efficient edge-lit LED backlight, the Sharp PN-K321 monitor is ideal for professional applications where it's essential to view detailed information displayed with precision. This super-high resolution display allows you to view the content of four full HD screens on a single seamless display. It also features IGZO* technology, which supports increased pixel transparency and reduced current leakage, thereby making the monitor more energy efficient.

Sharp's LED display offers a 1.07 billion color palette, an 800:1 contrast ratio, and 350cd/m2 brightness. While it does come with DisplayPort support, it does not come with a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter and will require users to purchase a third party adapter.

The appearance of the Sharp display in Apple's Online Store comes amid rumors that Apple is preparing its own 4K displays. Earlier this month, new display panels with DisplayPort appeared from AUO, sparking speculation that they could be used by Apple for a future 4K Thunderbolt display.

Dell debuted its own 4K Ultra HD displays earlier this week, offering a 32-inch model for $3,499, and a 24-inch model for $1,399. Dell also has a sub-$1000 28-inch model in the works for 2014, and as Apple and Dell have historically used the same panel supplier, Dell's offerings may provide an early look at what to expect when Apple does release its 4K displays.

Apple's recently refreshed Retina MacBook Pros are able to support a single 4K monitor and the upcoming Mac Pro is able to support up to three 4K displays. The Mac Pro may be on or near December 16, according to a German retailer that began taking pre-orders ahead of the product's launch, but it remains unclear when Apple might debut an updated Thunderbolt Display.

Update: Apple has removed the Sharp display from its online stores.

Article Link: Apple Offering 32-Inch 4K Sharp Displays in European Online Apple Stores [Updated]

 

[Nunyabinez]

Does this portend that Apple will get out of the display market?

 

[troop231]

Got a bit too excited and first read: Apple Offering 32-Inch 4K Displays.

Ugh! Please release some new Thunderbolt Display(s) Apple!

 

[dlewis23]

I REALLY want this, but at $3500 bucks ill just have to wait.

 

[clukas]

expensive. Will probably buy one once prices fall a little more.

 

[ryedarrow]

Need Apple 4k...

Not buying my Mac Pro until Apple shows us what they have planned.

I'm hoping for 28"-30" 4k display from Apple @ $1000 - $1200. The current thunderbolt displays are extremely overpriced until they are updated with the new iMac design.

 

[Corrode]

This seems to be in the price range of those who are also able to afford Thunderbolt peripherals.

 

[sachinwalia]

What is the airport extreme like tower next to the display? Mac Mini re-design perhaps?

 

[rmatthewware]

Last I heard, Apple was having to prop up Sharp to keep them in business so they could keep providing iPad displays and not be so reliant on Samsung. I wonder if they're selling these displays that could go along with a Mac Pro or Mini to further help them financially.

 

[Robert.Walter]

IMHO, this likely is a way for Apple to:
- test the 4k market strength and price points;
- give Sharp a market outlet as they try to bring yield rates up ahead of supplying screens for an Apple-branded product;
- capture a bit of the revenue stream associated with 4k (thus denying it from competitors) until an Apple-branded product debuts;
- create a comparator to be used to show how feature-rich an Apple-TV will be for a similar (but likely higher) price point;
- give customers the option of one-stop shopping for their new MacPro, or MacMini;
- other?

@sachinwalia: I think it is an Airport Extreme, or Time Capsule.

Is it me, or is this monitor really old-fashioned looking? lots of buttons, vents, sharp-corners and angles... (I couldn't see myself replacing my Thunderbolt Display - despite my desire for a sharper image - with this thing.

 

[chainprayer]

That's one sharp picture!


....well, someone had to say it

 

[Canubis]

Let's start hoping for a matte option on Apple's new display series already. (Oh and let the fights over this option begin… )

 

[microcolt]

Almost had a mild heart attack, until i read the article XD.

 

[bbfc]

What is the airport extreme like tower next to the display? Mac Mini re-design perhaps?

Considering it's a Sharp monitor, not an Apple one, I highly doubt it.

 

[djtech42]

More expensive than the new Mac Pro

 

[Boatboy24]

I REALLY want this, but at $3500 bucks ill just have to wait.

No, no. That's 3,500 with a "£" in front of it. More like 5,600 bucks.

 

[lilo777]

"it is not clear why Apple has decided to offer it solely in Europe"

It's because in USA most Apple stores are so small that 32" monitor simply won't fit into them. The vaunted sales-per-square feet efficiency comes to bite Apple in the rear.

 

[needfx]

3 of them on a new macpro amount to a gazillion driven pixels

 

[ElTorro]

Not buying my Mac Pro until Apple shows us what they have planned.

I'm hoping for 28"-30" 4k display from Apple @ $1000 - $1200. The current thunderbolt displays are extremely overpriced until they are updated with the new iMac design.

You will be waiting for a long while. Since the current regular display is $999, I doubt that the 4K will ever be in that price range.

 

[jclo]

"it is not clear why Apple has decided to offer it solely in Europe"

It's because in USA most Apple stores are so small that 32" monitor simply won't fit into them. The vaunted sales-per-square feet efficiency comes to bite Apple in the rear.

Well, it isn't online in the U.S. either. I don't think it's being offered in brick and mortar stores in Europe either, just via the Internet.

 

[SimonDK]

£3500 for a 32" is seriously way to expensive, you can get a 65" Sony 4K for £5000.

Sharp sell a 55" 4K tv for £3299 in the UK, I know each display will do different things, but I fail to see the monitor doing things that cost a lot more than a smart TV.

 

[lilo777]

I wonder why Apple decided to offer some third-tier third party displays. I'd rather they started with some established brands like NEC, EIZO, Dell or Samsung.

 

[Peace]

Last I heard, Apple was having to prop up Sharp to keep them in business so they could keep providing iPad displays and not be so reliant on Samsung. I wonder if they're selling these displays that could go along with a Mac Pro or Mini to further help them financially.

Apple should buy Sharp.

What is the airport extreme like tower next to the display? Mac Mini re-design perhaps?

It's either an Extreme or a Time Capsule. You can tell by the little light at the bottom right.

It's turned off btw.

 

[dlewis23]

No, no. That's 3,500 with a "£" in front of it. More like 5,600 bucks.

I know its not dollars but its also available on amazon for $3400 right now. So I'm pretty sure once it hits the US store it will be $3500 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Electronics-32IN-3840X2160-PNK321/dp/B00C4S25PY

 

[Wahlstrm]

Rather buy the DELL 32"

Some stores in Sweden are taking pre-orders for the DELL 32" for about $2435+tax and Apple is charging $4565+tax for the Sharp.
Insane price.