Buy Cinema Display from 2010? Cinema Display repairable?

[Silly John Fatty]

I have several 27" Cinema Displays at choice right now. They are all under 600€, and, as stated by all the sellers, in perfect condition. Of course I don't know if that's true and I could only verify that once I receive the display.

I just don't want to be disappointed. Now I'm having a good deal for a display from 2010. Is it risky to buy it? I could have another one from 2012 but I feel like this one was kept in better condition. The seller of the one from 2012 never really "knows" what I'm asking and sometimes kind of avoids questions. Like, he doesn't say the display doesn't have any dead pixels for example, but instead, he says he hasn't noticed any dead pixels. Of course he hasn't.

The thing is, I need the LED light still to have a lot of brightness to avoid glare. It's not really critical in this room but at some times of the day it can be. (I already had a 27" iMac so I know the display well)
And I heard the LEDs get more "tired" over the years. The 2010 Display was one of the first built therefore.

If anything goes wrong someday - is there a way to fix it? Is repairing the display or changing parts hard?

About the glare - I know some will recommend the 30" display, and I've seen dozens for around 500€ in top condition which would be even less than the 27", but it's too big and I prefer the 27". Don't recommend the 30" haha!

 

[olegunnar]

If you search around, you'll find quite a few threads about the death of cinema displays (both 24 and 27 inch models), enough to scare you for years to come. Some problems can apparantly be fixed with a new PSU, some with weird magic tricks (yes, people are stupid) and some not at all.

I bought a used 27" cinema display last year to go with the 2012 Mini, despite reading about the issues. As is so often said, people don't create threads saying that their cinema display works flawlessly. No problems thus far. If there was a monitor that was as aestetically pleasing and had the same build, picture and peripherals quality I would probably have chosen that. Alas, there is not.

 

[Silly John Fatty]

If you search around, you'll find quite a few threads about the death of cinema displays (both 24 and 27 inch models), enough to scare you for years to come. Some problems can apparantly be fixed with a new PSU, some with weird magic tricks (yes, people are stupid) and some not at all.

I bought a used 27" cinema display last year to go with the 2012 Mini, despite reading about the issues. As is so often said, people don't create threads saying that their cinema display works flawlessly. No problems thus far. If there was a monitor that was as aestetically pleasing and had the same build, picture and peripherals quality I would probably have chosen that. Alas, there is not.

Yeah obviously people only go create a thread when they have some issues, but I do believe that these displays are more affected by such problems than others. Especially when you pay that price, you shouldn't be having such problems. Displays that are much praised by almost everyone (30" Cinema Display) also come with their share of problems.

Finally I bought the Cinema Display from 2010. The seller reassured me it was in perfect condition, like new, several times and also sent me photos etc. What I'm just scared of is that from one day to another things can change. That's why I'd like to get myself a book for repairing Cinema Displays or something, just in case. Apple would probably charge you more than what the display is worth.

I also had a 27" iMac and had some dark spots on the screen after a while. It wasn't a technical problem, but just dust that found its way behind the glass plate. Not the first one, but the second one. On the iMac, a technician told me it's practically impossible to remove this. Perhaps it's easier on the Cinema Display. But it was frustrating to have these dark spots when it wasn't even a technical problem but just dust haha.

 

[olegunnar]

Well, there are no dark dust spots on my display, at least. I don't think you'll find a book on cinema display repairs. If mine goes, I'll consider replacing the PSU as that seems to often be the problem, but anything other than that, it'll (EDIT: the display, that is) just be replaced.

When buying used there's always the risk of the item failing shortly after, perhaps more so with the cinema displays. That's the risk. If you don't want that, buy a new thunderbolt display or a non-apple product.

I agree that the TBDs (and ACDs) are way too expensive, but so is most Apple things and we buy them anyway.

 

[Silly John Fatty]

What's a PSU if I may ask? I wanted to ask already after your first post, but forgot after typing my long message I guess.

Thunderbolt Display sadly wouldn't have worked for me, my Mac Pro doesn't support Thunderbolt. It's really a shame, Apple basically doesn't offer any new display at all for people who own a computer that is 3 years old, like mine for example.

I would have been ready to go with a brand new display if I'd be sure to get 3 years warranty with Apple Care or at least 2 years thanks to EU laws, and then there's always sites making deals and discounts. If not I could have got a student discount at Apple, it would have been around €300 more I'd have to spend, but I must say I'm really scared and stressed of receiving this display now

PS: There is a book about how to repair Cinema Displays I haven't really looked into it yet, but it's probably not plug & play when changing parts…