New Apple Displays?

[Dave00]

Think Secret

I'd take anything coming out of ThinkSecret these days with a huge grain of salt. The signal to noise ratio has been awful lately. To wit: the new machines were to be 2.0/2.2/2.6; then two days before the new machines were released, they said the lineup would be dual 1.8/2.0/2.5, but that there would still be an entry level single 1.8. Nothing was mentioned about liquid cooling. And, the releases were pegged for a day earlier than actually released. (The earlier erroneous reports are of course removed from the site.)

Now, they're saying that there are 3 new models, 20" (1680x1050), 23" (1900x1200, HD ready), and 30" (2560x1600); and the ADC option has supposedly been discontinued. Compare that with the new powermacs, which all have ADC and support digital resolutions up to 1920x1200. The proposed 20 & 23" new models would have virtually the same resolution as the current 20 & 23" models. The 20 & 23" models aren't earth shattering, because hey, that's what's currently shipping (probably the new ones have higher contrast ratios or a thinner bezel.) The 30" model has long been rumored, but the specs rumored on the 30" do not seem to be supported by any of the graphics cards offered on the new powermacs.

I don't doubt that new displays will be released at the end of the month (as is suggested by the expiration of the "brilliant savings" deal). I just don't think Think Secret has any more idea than anyone else on the specs.

 

[mikefl420]

Another thought in the endless stream...

While normally a hardcore pessimist, even I occaisionally have an optimistic moment. I'll share my hopes for the end of the month as far as displays and the lot:

A) I could care less if they come out with a 30", chances are I couldn't afford it anyway.

B) If Apple does release a 30" display with the rumored resolutions, perhaps we will also get new video card choices (i.e. - something that is neck-in-neck with the PC world).

C) I've been praying daily that after WWDC the Apple Loan for Education will go back to the 24 mos. interest only payments.

A lot to ask for? Yes. But we can have dreams and aspirations...

 

[PowerMacMan]

I am really excited for these, I'm gonna purchase a 23'' one if they come out with that as an option... I really would like to see it match the G5 or just be the same as they are now except with the aluminum border...

 

[aswitcher]

I'd take anything coming out of ThinkSecret these days with a huge grain of salt. The signal to noise ratio has been awful lately. To wit: the new machines were to be 2.0/2.2/2.6; then two days before the new machines were released, they said the lineup would be dual 1.8/2.0/2.5, but that there would still be an entry level single 1.8. Nothing was mentioned about liquid cooling. And, the releases were pegged for a day earlier than actually released. (The earlier erroneous reports are of course removed from the site.)

.

Its a shame they dont seem to be as on the ball as they used to be. Still not too bad...although removing stuff that was in error is a little bit dodge or though does stop confusion...

 

[sinclairZX81]

Its a shame they dont seem to be as on the ball as they used to be. Still not too bad...although removing stuff that was in error is a little bit dodge or though does stop confusion...

I hope you guys are wrong on this because I desperately want this rumour to be true!

 

[DMann]

New Monitors will be Sweeeeeet!!!!!

I am really excited for these, I'm gonna purchase a 23'' one if they come out with that as an option... I really would like to see it match the G5 or just be the same as they are now except with the aluminum border...

..... And the 23" will be reasonable by comparison.
Hopefully, the new LCD technology will be implemented
in the next generation following!

 

[jbee]

Old Apple Cinema Display - Good riddance!

Whilst they look great and are a quality LCD the current Apple Cinema Displays are now really outdated. The unnecessarily thick plastic border round the screen is a total waste of space, the translucent plastic doesn't match any of apple's hardware and worst of all the hinge bracket is appalling. I can only ever get one 'setting' when positioning my 20" cinema display - i.e. tilting backwards a bit. It's infuriating for music producers who often position the display at a higher than desk level, using a midi keyboard underneath the screen. In this scenario you need a screen that can sit flat at 90 degree NOT with an annoying angle to it.

I certainly hope that Apple bring out these new displays soon. I'm not so bothered about materials used (Although brushed aluminium would be nice) and could not care less about the loss of ADC as rumoured (who CARES about cables????!!!!) but I just hope to high heaven that they take up less space round the bevel and that they are truly adjustable for different viewing situations.

COME ON APPLE!!! WHERE ARE THOSE DAMN SCREENS!?!?!?! we've got £15k to spend on new mac gear RIGHT NOW and i'm waiting for these new screens!!! COME ON IT'S FRUSTRATING!!

 

[motti]

In this scenario you need a screen that can sit flat at 90 degree NOT with an annoying angle to it.

I agree!

and could not care less about the loss of ADC as rumoured (who CARES about cables????!!!!).

First, I like the idea of being able to power the computer on by just touching the display instead of bending under the desk. Second, not having a separate power box under my desk sounds great as well.

 

[VespR]

What I'd like to see from the new Apple Displays is a swivel stand like what's on the iMacs. That would set them apart from the competition. Only wish the iBook had a mini-dvi port now otherwise it'll be cables galore for screen spanning...

 

[TednDi]

What I would like to see

in any monitor from apple is the ability to use a pen (digital of course) on the screen. For all of the digital photographers out there there is only wacom's cintiq. If apple used the technology and produced a monitor with high resolution but added the ability to interact with the creative material on the screen that would be huge.

 

[PowerMacMan]

This picture was created or found by a member on AI....

And I thought it was the coolest display I ever saw, it looks gorgeous...

You can tell it was edited from the original ones on TS.

But with the addition of that clear plastic... it looks that much better!

 

[aswitcher]

On the new screens I would have really liked to see a bit of a Goth vibe by having big cat clawed feet.

 

[wdlove]

This picture was created or found by a member on AI....

And I thought it was the coolest display I ever saw, it looks gorgeous...

You can tell it was edited from the original ones on TS.

But with the addition of that clear plastic... it looks that much better!

I'm not all that impressed by what I see. Maybe it would look better in person.

 

[PowerMacMan]

I'm not all that impressed by what I see. Maybe it would look better in person.

I doubt we would get the chance to see it in person...

Directed towards whoever said that teh new displays would be less reliable then the current ones (because I can't find whoever said that):

Why do you/they think that the new displays will be more unreliable?

 

[TrenchcoatJedi]

Hey all, this is my first post so here goes.

I work in an environment where I service and support around 70 G5 machines each day. Each machine we have here with one exception is connected to a 17" display. These machines get shuffled, moved about and reconfigured every which way imaginable each day. This is why I would hate to see the ADC go.

ADC makes life here tolerable. Not having to worry about excess cabling and other assorted nonsense allows us to experiment with these machines. When a designer comes in and needs the added desktop space, we can acomodate dual monitor support in minutes. Each day I see Zip drives, floppy drives, portable tablets, PDAs and the occasional web cam plugged into the convenient rear USB ports as well. This innovation is marvelous. It's simple and it works. Even Dell is doing something similar with one of their new displays.

That being said, the DVI connector is the way to go for market penetration and revenue. Apple should bundle all of their monitors with ADC adapter dongles for use with the DVI connectors.

About the design itself, they seem to be getting it right. When you're in an environment like mine, the first thing you notice is that the current display crop accumulates fingerprints at an astonishing rate. Not only do we need to wipe down the screens each night but the plastic as well. In addition, the goddamned third leg of the tripod is unstable and does not get abused well. We have had four of them break in the last two months. If the ThinkSecret rumor is true and there will be a stand, I welcome it. It will lower the maintenance factor on these considerably. Yay for brushed metal.

As for the firewire, more ports are better. We have firewire hubs up the ass here since people are under the impression that the G5's only have one firewire port in the front. Here we are all much wiser than that but I get video editors coming in here with five firewire drives and asking me for two hubs to connect them all (and don't bring up daisy chaining since it's so unreliable for multiple HDs when doing hardcore Final Cut renders).

The sizing seems an issue for me. We barely can fit the 17"ers comfortably. Three of our machines have 20" widescreen displays and those almost double the working area we have to allow. Apple needs to realize that there are some of us with cramped conditions and we just cannot fit a 20" display. They really need to have a low end model available. Dropping this size seems surprising for other reasons as well. In Japan, there is no one who will by a 23" display because they can scarcely fit a bathroom let alone a huge monitor in their apartments (I've been there, I know).

Apple can get this right. I know it. I have faith in their designers. Yet a huge power brick, loss of ADC or a similar technology and huge monitors may not help things all that much.

 

[iDave]

TrenchcoatJedi,

Good post and some very valid points. I agree that Apple should keep a 17" or similar display in their line for the reasons you mention as well as cost. Many people just don't want to spend what it costs to get a 20" display and won't even if the price goes down a bit.

You are among the exceptional in that you work with so many Macs, and further, that you shift them around so much. For most people ADC is merely a convenience the once or twice a year they might need to move their computer.

You say "huge power brick" but what do you think PowerBook and WinPC owners have to contend with anyway if they want to hook up an Apple monitor; the ADC adapter? Basically, it's a huge power brick. I suspect the power supply for new displays will be pretty small and somewhat like the power adapters for iBooks and PowerBooks. No big deal, in my opinion.

The fact is, ADC is convenient only for those with Power Macs. PowerBook owners suffer as do WinPC owners who want to use Apple displays. DVI is really much more versitile in that it connects to nearly everything; Power Macs, PowerBooks, PCs and HDTV tuners. What have I left out?

I suspect the cable coming out of the back of new Apple displays will be very similar to ADC. The only difference being that it splits at the end where you will plug four separate connectors into four ports; DVI, power supply, Firewire and USB. At least that's my hope. It won't seem too inconvenient to me.

 

[~Shard~]

TrenchcoatJedi,

Good post and some very valid points. I agree that Apple should keep a 17" or similar display in their line for the reasons you mention as well as cost. Many people just don't want to spend what it costs to get a 20" display and won't even if the price goes down a bit.

Ah, but what if Apple axes the 17" model and releases a new 20" at the current price of a 17"?

More seriously though, I agree - for many people a 17" in more than enough real estate. But for others, 30" would definitely be welcome...

 

[iDave]

Ah, but what if Apple axes the 17" model and releases a new 20" at the current price of a 17"?

Um, I'd order one the first day even though I've been planning to buy a new 23" model. I think I could live with 20" if it was only $699.

 

[wdlove]

Ah, but what if Apple axes the 17" model and releases a new 20" at the current price of a 17"?

More seriously though, I agree - for many people a 17" in more than enough real estate. But for others, 30" would definitely be welcome...

The problem with not having a 17", would be the situation that ran into. When my studio display died, I found out that my G4 could only run with the 17"

 

[~Shard~]

The problem with not having a 17", would be the situation that ran into. When my studio display died, I found out that my G4 could only run with the 17"

Really? Hmm, interesting - you learn something new everyday!

 

[iDave]

The problem with not having a 17", would be the situation that ran into. When my studio display died, I found out that my G4 could only run with the 17"

It's true that some Power Mac G4s will not support newer larger displays without replacing the graphics card. One more reason for Apple to continue offering a smaller cheaper 17" or similar display.

Today, I watched the stream of the European iTunes Music Store launch and was interested that Steve Jobs was using a 17" Studio Display and not a Cinema Display for the demonstration. It's better suited to match the big screen presentation he was giving, I suppose.

 

[Nick dePlume]

I'd take anything coming out of ThinkSecret these days with a huge grain of salt. The signal to noise ratio has been awful lately. To wit: the new machines were to be 2.0/2.2/2.6; then two days before the new machines were released, they said the lineup would be dual 1.8/2.0/2.5, but that there would still be an entry level single 1.8. Nothing was mentioned about liquid cooling. And, the releases were pegged for a day earlier than actually released. (The earlier erroneous reports are of course removed from the site.)

Dave,

Thanks for the comment, but I wanted to correct a few inaccuracies in your statement.

The weekend prior to Apple's announcement, Think Secret incorrectly reported that the new towers would top out at 2.6GHz; no information about other model speeds was reported. We later updated the story with new information -- that Apple's line-up would top out at a Dual 2.5GHz --and included specific information on hard drive sizes and graphics cards for each model. We're committed to providing the most detailed, reliable information as it becomes available to us, but the updated story still made reference our initial, erroneous assertions, so nothing was "removed from the site."

In addition, our story emphasized quite clearly that announcement dates for speed bump upgrades can be subject to change, and have been in the past.

-Nick

 

[KindredMAC]

17" is enough?!?!?!?!?

I can't comprehend where some of these people are coming from when they say that they actually prefer a 17" screen! I'm a package designer and when I started at my company years ago they had the 17" Apple CRTs on their G4's. After a year I bought 21" Sony Trinitron Flat Display CRTs because the real estate on the 17" screens was just too small. Now I am finding that the more the field progresses the 21" screens and starting to feel cramped. We use Photoshop, Illustrator and Freehand predominately and I know for a fact that when the price of a 23" or larger Apple display comes down I will try to get them in there.

 

[Windowlicker]

This picture was created or found by a member on AI....

And I thought it was the coolest display I ever saw, it looks gorgeous...

You can tell it was edited from the original ones on TS.

But with the addition of that clear plastic... it looks that much better!

that's like the ugliest display you could ever have! someone's just copy-pasted G5 box around a SONY display. very nice indeed :Q

 

[macsrus]

If you really want an awesome display buy IBMs 22 inch T221 it is 9.2 million pixels.

Thats a sreen resolution of.......3840x2400

Although it doesnt have the beautiful designs that apple is famous for, It cant be beat for gorgeous high resolution an clarity..

It had a crazy price tag of $22,000 when it released 3 YEARS AGO
It can now be had found for $4k from Tiger Direct