Thunderbolt 27in or Cinema Display 30in for my 2011 MBA??

[shaodeee]

Hey guys I'm having trouble deciding whether to pick up a new thunderbolt display 27in or getting the older 30' Cinema Display for my 2011 Thunderbolt MBA. I've basically broken it down to a list of pros and cons for each display and I still haven't been able to decide. If you guys have any input or suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

Price - I can get them both used for about the same price on my local Craigslist ($800-900).
Winner - Tie

Tech - Obviously the Thunderbolt with its newer technology and the ability to plug and play with the MBA is a big plus.
Winner - Thunderbolt

Looks - I definitely prefer the Matte display of the Cinema as opposed to the glossy Thunderbolt. The aluminium casing of the Cinema also looks pretty badass and timeless.
Winner - Cinema

Warranty - The cinema I'd be buying would have no warranty obviously but the Thunderbolt even though its used should have 8-10 months of warranty left.
Winner - Thunderbolt

Screen size - This one is obvious.
Winner - Cinema

Display Issues - Seems like a lot of people have been having issues with the Thunderbolt display not working right. Has it been fixed or is it pretty much the luck of the draw? I haven't really seen any setups on the web with the MBA driving the 30in cinema, if you have one please post one up.

 

[MovieCutter]

Don't forget the $100 adapter you'll need for the 30". Everything else is purely subjective. You like matte? Get the Cinema. You want a bigger display? Get the Cinema. You want a docking station? Get the Thunderbolt. I didn't have any issues with my Thunderbolt display.

 

[nutmac]

Thunderbolt Display also has:

• FaceTime HD camera
• Microphone
• 2.1 channel speakers
• Introduces FireWire 800 and gigabit Ethernet ports
• Higher pixel density (109 vs 102)
• Ability to use dual Thunderbolt Displays if you have MBP and other capable Macs
• Can charge your MBA (it's like getting a free charger)
• You can get a brand new panel without any wear and tear for about $950

You lose some vertical resolution, but having used both, it's not that noticeable.

 

[calderone]

I sold my 30" in favor of the Thunderbolt. I don't regret my decision.

 

[flynz4]

I plan on sticking with Apple for a while... and I suspect that their products will all be TB enabled for the foreseeable future. Personally, I would rather go where the puck is going... rather than where it has been.

/Jim

 

[minifridge1138]

I went with the 30", but i'm not using it with a Desktop.

My decision was base solely on the Matte vs Glossy display.

If they offered a Matte Thunderbolt, I'd have done that.

 

[t0rr3s]

I got my 3.5 yr old 30" ACD for 670 for my macpro with a brand new dual link dvi adaptor. I'll still take it over any TB displays now. Matte!

 

[joshsage]

I would go for the TB for the extra amenities it offers