How are your 20 and 23 inch Cinema displays holding up after 3 years of use?

[sandylp]

I have one 20" aluminum. Is it possible to use it with new Mac Pro 2010?
If so which adapter to use?

I have a 20" aluminum that I bought in 2004. I sold my Mac Pro so I can get a new one, so I've hooked up my 13" MBP to it when I need a larger screen. You need an Apple Mini Display Port to DVI Adapter MB570Z/A and a Moshi FireWire 800 to 400 Adapter. I ordered both from Amazon. I have read that I would need the same adapters when I have a new Mac Pro because the newer MP has a mini-display port as well as a Firewire 800 port and you need the adapters to hook up the monitor. These adapters are very inexpensive and the monitor works as it always did. Incidentally, it is still very bright and sharp as I've only used it at home mainly on the week-ends. I've used it with three Mac computers so far.

 

[ovrlrd]

I have a 20" aluminum that I bought in 2004. I sold my Mac Pro so I can get a new one, so I've hooked up my 13" MBP to it when I need a larger screen. You need an Apple Mini Display Port to DVI Adapter MB570Z/A and a Moshi FireWire 800 to 400 Adapter. I ordered both from Amazon. I have read that I would need the same adapters when I have a new Mac Pro because the newer MP has a mini-display port as well as a Firewire 800 port and you need the adapters to hook up the monitor. These adapters are very inexpensive and the monitor works as it always did. Incidentally, it is still very bright and sharp as I've only used it at home mainly on the week-ends. I've used it with three Mac computers so far.

Good point, I forgot about the Firewire 800 to 400 adapter. You still do not need the MDP to DVI adapter for the latest Mac Pros because the cards all have at least one DVI output. It is only needed if you have more than one DVI display. So your information is half-correct.

 

[iDutchman]

I'm using my 23" Cinema Display every day. It's turned of when not in use.
The screen is from 2005 and still going strong. I haven't noticed any problems concerning the brightness. It only has the burn-in issue. I do not mind it and barely even notice it. The screen is one of the best investments ever done.

 

[jmor]

I would really love to get one of these, although they are still going for pretty high prices. I'd look to try and find one kind of cheap but not too overused.

 

[ton123]

I would really love to get one of these, although they are still going for pretty high prices. I'd look to try and find one kind of cheap but not too overused.

When you are hunting for one, just make sure to look for the 2nd iteration model made after August 2006. They have better black level, luminance and contrast ratio. Serial number starts with 2A628 and up are the upgraded models. This is for the 20" and 23".

 

[FuNGi]

I think what helps a lot is that the ACD has a sealed enclosure, so dust does not get into any of the components over time. On the other hand it makes it more prone to overheating but I doubt anyone really uses it under conditions where that would occur.

I wondered about that as well seeing as how the new APL LED's contain fans despite presumably producing less heat than CFL technology.

When I walk past those DELL monitors at work and see the 75 vents in the back, each covered in dust, I wonder why the heck they manufactured them like that. I guess they figured that they'd rather skimp on the longevity of the thing for the few dollars saved using passive heat dissipation vs. slapping a fan in there.