Display Price Drop

[AmnesiacOpera]

That set up sounds like it might work great for your needs. But for our uses the screen size is important, and we do not want any of the real-estate taking away from the primary view window.

But that's just it. Just because the feature is included doesn't mean you have to utilize it. As you can see by many posts, there are people who would use the feature. But there is no downside for you, it's just a feature you wouldn't use. I agree that adding too many features would just be "clutter", but currently the only advantages of the Apple display are the aluminum case and firewire ports, while it continues to have lower specs and usability than significantly lower priced monitors.

 

[xsnightclub]

Now all they need to do is increase the contrast ratio on these monitors. I feel they are still too expensive given their technical specifications. You can get monitors from Samung which boast much higher display quality for much less. The only saving grace for the Apple monitors is their enclosure in built in firewire ports.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Apple design philosophy. However, I feel that they don't seem to offer the best technical quality in all their products.

According to Mark Pickard, Toshiba's vice president of product marketing, any contrast ratio greater than 400:1 is practically immeasurable. "It stops being relevant after 400:1," he said.

 

[chevyorange]

The view area ratio for a 20 vs 23 " is 400/529 Thus two twenties it would be 800/529. (a lot more)

Again, though, the 23" is an HD display, AFAIK the 20" is not.

Adam

 

[julzmon]

I have read that the quality of the Dell monitor is really poor. It also stated if you were going to use it for graphics or color not to even bother.
So yes I do wish there was a PIP in the Apples monitor so I could watch some tv while working. But I would rather have a monitor that will display things correctly.

Nope. But it does come with DVI, VGA, S-Video, composite, Picture in Picture, 4 USB 2.0 inputs, and a connector for a soundbar for $674.10 (regular price is now $749).

For $325 less, I'm willing to live without a little aluminum and I can calibrate it myself.

Again, as I mentioned, the situation with monitors is that Apple isn't the only player and needs to be more price competitive. With the aluminum enclosure and Apple's service, I think they can charge a bit more for their monitors, but not $325.

 

[Rod Rod]

I think you can just get a dvi to vga from http://www.lindy.com/uk/productfolder/04/41223/index.php that will just carry the analogue vga signal through to the vga pins in the dvi, i don't think you will be able to use the on board firewire/usb's on the monitor but i think it will work because the dvi input on the 20" is both Analogue and digital...otherwise they would quote the dvi port as 'dvi-d'
Anyone like to comment/has experience using the above?

I have an analog VGA to DVI-A (analog DVI) cable. It works great for connecting to my IBM P260 21" CRT.

I know it's confusing that Apple doesn't specify DVI-D in the tech specs web page, and DVI-D isn't specified in the PDF entitled "Display Technology Overview." That's just Apple trying to keep things simple.

The Apple Cinema Display cannot take an analog signal. That's why Apple boasts about the pure digital signal.

You're free to attempt the connections you propose, but it won't work.

Again, though, the 23" is an HD display, AFAIK the 20" is not.

Adam

The 23" display is HD for 1080i/1080p. However, the 20" can handle 720p HD just fine. Even the 17" Apple Studio Display LCD can handle 720p HD natively. Apple marketing is super effective in drilling into people's minds that only the 23" and 30" can handle HD. That's half true.

 

[xsnightclub]

But that's just it. Just because the feature is included doesn't mean you have to utilize it. As you can see by many posts, there are people who would use the feature. But there is no downside for you, it's just a feature you wouldn't use. I agree that adding too many features would just be "clutter", but currently the only advantages of the Apple display are the aluminum case and firewire ports, while it continues to have lower specs and usability than significantly lower priced monitors.

Please note that Dells tech-specs convenienlty leave out pixel size. Which is why the Apple displays look superior when viewed in person, and subsequently cost more.

(I sure hope Wal-Mart starts selling their iLo flat sreen televisions as monitors. They may have worse picture quality, but they will be even cheaper then Dell and have more features. Awesome!)

 

[julzmon]

I'm ok with it... um, quick question, which do you think is better, 2 20" displays or 1 23" display? Now that 2 twenties are similar in price to 1 23", I'm inclined to get the double twenties. Any thoughts from the brain trusts here?

I'm in the same predicament. I like having a 2 monitor set up. But when working with apps like DreamWeaver and Flash having that properties window at the bottom and main window with source and design views open. The 20" seems to not have enough height and kinda squashes everything down. But the 23" has enough room to feel comfortable. But then the 23" is so much more expensive! And then I figure if I get the 23 and buy a G5 later on this year... maybe the 23" will come further down in price and I could have 2 set up?
I'm having a really hard time to decide what to get.

Any opinions?

 

[AmnesiacOpera]

I have read that the quality of the Dell monitor is really poor. It also stated if you were going to use it for graphics or color not to even bother.
So yes I do wish there was a PIP in the Apples monitor so I could watch some tv while working. But I would rather have a monitor that will display things correctly.

Where did you read that the quality of the DELL UltraSharp 2005FPW is poor? While I agree that the case design isn't exactly wonderful, I would very much disagree on the quality of the panel itself. While I haven't used it extensively, I have used it enough to say that image quality is at least on par with Apple's display, if not better. And I have not read anywhere of people having any problems with the monitor whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly fond of Dell, but I am also not fond of paying $300+ for an inferior product...

 

[xsnightclub]

Where did you read that the quality of the DELL UltraSharp 2005FPW is poor? While I agree that the case design isn't exactly wonderful, I would very much disagree on the quality of the panel itself. While I haven't used it extensively, I have used it enough to say that image quality is at least on par with Apple's display, if not better. And I have not read anywhere of people having any problems with the monitor whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly fond of Dell, but I am also not fond of paying $300+ for an inferior product...

Bigger Pixels make for a less sharp image.
Dot Pitch/Pixel Pitch: This is the distance between two dots of the same colour.

 

[julzmon]

Where did you read that the quality of the DELL UltraSharp 2005FPW is poor? While I agree that the case design isn't exactly wonderful, I would very much disagree on the quality of the panel itself. While I haven't used it extensively, I have used it enough to say that image quality is at least on par with Apple's display, if not better. And I have not read anywhere of people having any problems with the monitor whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly fond of Dell, but I am also not fond of paying $300+ for an inferior product...

I can't remember exactly where I've read it. I've been reading a ton of things lately. I'm in the market to get a new monitor. I think I did read though that dell and apple use the same lcd display?
Not sure though. I know manufacturers can use the same display but the picture quality could vary.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Where did you read that the quality of the DELL UltraSharp 2005FPW is poor? While I agree that the case design isn't exactly wonderful, I would very much disagree on the quality of the panel itself. While I haven't used it extensively, I have used it enough to say that image quality is at least on par with Apple's display, if not better. And I have not read anywhere of people having any problems with the monitor whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly fond of Dell, but I am also not fond of paying $300+ for an inferior product...

So far I have been happy with my 2001FP from Dell (other than their support system). As mentioned before, I really like a bit more "height" than "width" of the wide screen now that I have the 2001FP. Though wide screen has a cool factor.

What would have pushed me over to the 2005FPW would be for Apple to support the pivoting screen.

 

[Lugonn]

I just hope the price changes don't translate to lower quality.

Now waiting for the MWSF announcements.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

I can't remember exactly where I've read it. I've been reading a ton of things lately. I'm in the market to get a new monitor. I think I did read though that dell and apple use the same lcd display?
Not sure though. I know manufacturers can use the same display but the picture quality could vary.

There was a post here that was sort of negative about the 2005FPW. Though there are many other reviews that put it as a good player.

The main advantage to the Apple Displays is that they are SWOP certified.

 

[mrichmon]

I just got a 30 inch on thurday of last week, do you think i can get a refund???

According to the online Apple Store policy you should be able to get a refund. I'm not sure if the physical Apple Store policy is the same.

"If Apple reduces the price on any product within 10 calendar days of shipment, you can request a refund or credit of the difference between the price you were charged and the current price. To receive the refund or credit you must contact Apple within 14 business days of shipment."
Quoted from http://www.apple.com/support/store/postpurchase.html.

 

[k28]

Australia

Australian Store price also drop including iMac G5 all model, others system im not sure, anyone can tell?.

 

[Fredstar]

I have an analog VGA to DVI-A (analog DVI) cable. It works great for connecting to my IBM P260 21" CRT.

I know it's confusing that Apple doesn't specify DVI-D in the tech specs web page, and DVI-D isn't specified in the PDF entitled "Display Technology Overview." That's just Apple trying to keep things simple.

The Apple Cinema Display cannot take an analog signal. That's why Apple boasts about the pure digital signal.

You're free to attempt the connections you propose, but it won't work.

Thanks for clearing that up mate, got confused because Apple didn't specify, anywhere, if it was DVI-D or both and just DVI usually means both. I would love to have the 20" as a second screen but paying £200 for the VGAtor is just not justifiable

 

[240vac]

No price drop in China. I plan on buying an iMac after MSWF, but I'm having to pay an extra 23% on the 20". I really hope they drop the price of the iMac in China soon.

Not much chance of a price drop (unless there's one in the US as well) while the Chinese currency is linked to the US dollar...

 

[JGowan]

The 20 and 23" are still a little on the high side comparatively. The are exceedingly well designed though. Another $200 off of each would have made them really competitive.

Perhaps competitive price-wise which somehow is how most people look at everything -- Somehow so many forget that for a couple of hundred extra bucks they will have the absolute very best and will pay off in the years ahead with being supremely happy about the gear you paid a little more for.

I still believe that you get what you pay for.

 

[Rod Rod]

Thanks for clearing that up mate, got confused because Apple didn't specify, anywhere, if it was DVI-D or both and just DVI usually means both. I would love to have the 20" as a second screen but paying £200 for the VGAtor is just not justifiable

You're welcome. I learned the difference between the different DVI cable types by trial and error myself. By the second try (meaning eBay cable purchase) I knew what I needed, but the seller sent me the wrong type (his listing said DVI-I but he sent me a DVI-D cable). The third time around, with yet another seller, I got what I needed all along, which was a DVI-A cable (both ends DVI-A). One computer is connected on the P260's VGA input and the other is connected on its DVI input.

 

[Edge100]

Hmmm...

Seems odd that the 1.8 17" iMac (which was previously $1899) is now $1749 CAN (with edu discount), while the 1.8 Single G5 PowerMac, which was previously also $1899, is now at $1699 CAN (with edu discount).

Even stranger is the fact that without the edu pricing, the iMac is $1849 CAN while the PowerMac is $1899.

I cant figure this one out. If you are a student, Apple wants you to buy the single 1.8 Powermac. If not, they'd prefer that you buy the iMac. Very odd.

I'm in the market for either of these machines, but I'm waiting until after the keynote to make the decision. When I saw the edu pricing, I figured they lowered the Powermac prices to make way for faster models next week. But now I dont know what to think. I doubt they would eliminate the speed parity between these two models, since the 1.8 PM is essentially the headless iMac (notwithstanding the mini iMac rumours).

Comments???

 

[nylon]

Or Apple could do the same as Samsung:
Just print a higher contrast number.

Always take the specs with a grain of salt. See it for real instead.

Actually, I own a Samsung 173p LCD monitor and I have been numerous times to the Apple store to have a look at the displays. I'm sorry but compared to the Samsung the Apple montors look washed out. The actual picture quality is not what you would expect. (The 23" monitor is particularly bad)

I've had an itch to buy one of the new Apple displays since they came out but I just could not justify the cost. Although the price decrease is a good thing, It will only be a few months until Samsung comes out with a wide screen monitor with twice the contrast and half the price. I understand that Apple is a premium brand but they still need to have the hardware to back up the wonderful design and maintain that stellar reputation.

By the way for those discussing the Dell 2005FPW. These monitors although cheap, have severe backlight issues. There are very detailed threads at Neowin.com and Hardocp.com that clearly demonstrate very poor QC with this monitor.

 

[xStep]

I have read that the quality of the Dell monitor is really poor. It also stated if you were going to use it for graphics or color not to even bother.
So yes I do wish there was a PIP in the Apples monitor so I could watch some tv while working. But I would rather have a monitor that will display things correctly.

From what I've read, the LCD panels are sometimes not properly set into the frames. This is causing some major light leakage, called backlight bleeding I think. Mainly in the corners. I found this information searching the internet on December 22. I'm sure I e-mailed my brothers the URL, so I'll try to post it tonight when I get home.

Otherwise the quality is suppose to be high. Most users seem to like them. The only reason I didn't order one was because of the problem I mentioned above.

[EDIT] Thread found at anandtech.com

 

[SiliconAddict]

I can't remember exactly where I've read it. I've been reading a ton of things lately. I'm in the market to get a new monitor. I think I did read though that dell and apple use the same lcd display?
Not sure though. I know manufacturers can use the same display but the picture quality could vary.

Yah and using google I've read the screen used in the Dell is the exact same as the one used in the 20" Apple. So there you have it. Can anyone confirm this or not?

 

[risc]

Great price drops on the monitors, and iMacs here in Australia. It looks like the price on the Power Macs has dropped a little too. I can't wait to see what happens next week. It's a great time to be in the cult!

 

[Frobozz]

23" Monitor

If you want a monitor that is better than the Apple offering at 23", I suggest giving the HP L2335 a shot:

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/monitors/tft/l2335.html

It's a great monitor and costs $1,599 direct from HP. I have one and it's amazing. In fact, the HP has SVideo and Component Video inputs to compliment it's DVI and VGA inputs. That means it can be used as a regular TV monitor (in addition to an HDTV). It also has PIP, so you can watch TV and use your computer at the same time.

I got the monitor at www.pagecomputers.com for about $1,530 shipped. It looks even cheaper now:
http://www.pagecomputers.com/cgi-bin/page/B1332992.html