Timeline of Retina Displays

[skaertus]

What is considered impressive is really relative. You could as well say, that the rMBP screen is not really impressive, as there are mobile displays with much higher pixel densities, and larger 4K displays available. But for it's size and price it is really impressive, just as the 1600x1200 and 1920x1200 mobile workstations were in back when they were introduced. (Ok, the 16:10 ones were not as impressive as the 4:3 ones had been a couple of years earlier, because the densities weren't much higher.)

A lot has gradually changed with display technology in these years, and now we are starting to see it in consumer products across the board.

But I agree that it keeps the list more readable, if only displays over those resolutions are listed. Looking forward to your future updates

I said the 2880x1800 resolution was more impressive because it was unique at the time of launch last year. The 1920x1200 resolution was uncommon, but not unique, seven years ago. It had been released some time earlier, and was not a leap in laptop pixel density as the 2880x1800 resolution represented.

 

[laurihoefs]

I said the 2880x1800 resolution was more impressive because it was unique at the time of launch last year. The 1920x1200 resolution was uncommon, but not unique, seven years ago. It had been released some time earlier, and was not a leap in laptop pixel density as the 2880x1800 resolution represented.

Seven years ago there were still huge amounts of 17" 1024x768 CRTs on peoples desks.

I just suggested, that instead of only listing panels that have impressive resolutions, it would also make a lot of sense to show what has lead to the them. Resolution is not the only development, nor is pixel density, and I think a lot of key points are left out if resolution is the only thing in focus. It was a friendly suggestion that with I sincerely wanted to try to help you improve your list and your research behind it. It's your list, so are free to do what ever you like best. Peace.

 

[skaertus]

Seven years ago there were still huge amounts of 17" 1024x768 CRTs on peoples desks.

I just suggested, that instead of only listing panels that have impressive resolutions, it would also make a lot of sense to show what has lead to the them. Resolution is not the only development, nor is pixel density, and I think a lot of key points are left out if resolution is the only thing in focus. It was a friendly suggestion that with I sincerely wanted to try to help you improve your list and your research behind it. It's your list, so are free to do what ever you like best. Peace.

Thank you, I really appreciate the suggestion. But I don't know where to begin with. I don't know which was the first 1600x1200 or 1920x1200 panel, nor when it was released. It certainly is much older than that, as there were already screens with higher resolutions in 2002. Any clue?

 

[laurihoefs]

Thank you, I really appreciate the suggestion. But I don't know where to begin with. I don't know which was the first 1600x1200 or 1920x1200 panel, nor when it was released. It certainly is much older than that, as there were already screens with higher resolutions in 2002. Any clue?

According to my knowledge, both of the panels mentioned were the first ones mass produced in that size and that resolution. Larger displays with similar resolutions had been mass produced earlier, but they can hardly be viewed as milestones. For instance a 32" 1920x1200 panel would only be 72PPI, which is roughly the same density as a 14" 800x600 panel. But a 15" 1920x1200 has twice the density, roughly 150PPI, which is a higher density than a 32" 4K UltraHD panel would have.

So, along resolution, density, panel size and time of production are all important aspects.

The only listing of milestones or interesting panels that I'm aware of is on this site: DPI Calculator / PPI Calculator. There are several panels listed that for their time had a high resolution for their size (in other words, a high density for their time).

 

[skaertus]

According to my knowledge, both of the panels mentioned were the first ones mass produced in that size and that resolution. Larger displays with similar resolutions had been mass produced earlier, but they can hardly be viewed as milestones. For instance a 32" 1920x1200 panel would only be 72PPI, which is roughly the same density as a 14" 800x600 panel. But a 15" 1920x1200 has twice the density, roughly 150PPI, which is a higher density than a 32" 4K UltraHD panel would have.

So, along resolution, density, panel size and time of production are all important aspects.

The only listing of milestones or interesting panels that I'm aware of is on this site: DPI Calculator / PPI Calculator. There are several panels listed that for their time had a high resolution for their size (in other words, a high density for their time).

Thank you for the input. I would need some more precise information on the dates of release of specific screens with those resolutions in order to make them fit into a timeline. I remember there were 1920x1200 panels as early as 2003, and I really couldn't find any specific information on this yet.

 

[skaertus]

I have just updated the list with a few new additions. I don't see too many new devices with these high resolutions coming out. After Computex, in June, and with the release of Haswell, I expected to see a lot of laptops being released with crazy resolutions. But, besides the rMBP, the Pixel and the Kirabook, the only one that has made it so far appears to be the Ativ Book 9, which is still available for pre-order...

 

[mcarling]

I think the interesting questions are:

1) When will Apple introduce a Retina Thunderbolt Display with 4K resolution (3840x2160)? My guess is it will be announced when the new Mac Pro becomes available to order.

2) When will iTunes movies become available in and an updated Apple TV support movies in resolutions above 1080p, such as 1440p or 4K? My guess is that probably is being delayed by contract negotiations with the content providers.

 

[skaertus]

I think the interesting questions are:

Well, I don't know. I think I have some slight different opinions on this.

1) When will Apple introduce a Retina Thunderbolt Display with 4K resolution (3840x2160)? My guess is it will be announced when the new Mac Pro becomes available to order.

I don't think Apple will release it with the new Mac Pro for the following reasons:

A 3840x2160 display should still be very expensive for mass production (look at the prices of all these ultra-high resolution TV sets). Apple won't be able to cram a 3840x2160 resolution in a display with the same quality as the current Thunderbolt displays and sell it for US$ 999, or even US$ 1,999.

What size would be the display? If the display has the same 27" as the current 2560x1440 display, than (i) Apple would have to make it a retina display and then the real estate will be actually lower than the current model; or (ii) the real estate would be very high, but pixels would be very small. I don't think Apple will release a larger screen than 27", because that would make it really hard for using it.

Which video card would drive such high resolution? An NVIDIA high-end card could handle it for daily tasks, but the Mac Pro is supposed to use the full power of these video cards for some real work, and not for just making a smooth web browsing experience.

The Thunderbolt display has the same display as in the iMac. Apple could release new Thunderbolt displays to match the new iMac displays (e.g., less brightness). But I don't think a higher resolution will come right now.

2) When will iTunes movies become available in and an updated Apple TV support movies in resolutions above 1080p, such as 1440p or 4K? My guess is that probably is being delayed by contract negotiations with the content providers.

Perhaps it is under negotiation. I don't know if it's being delayed. I guess there just aren't too many devices so far to make use of it so it's worth it.

My questions are a little bit different, and perhaps simpler:

(1) When the retina MacBook Air will be released? I guess next year, together with a redesign.

(2) When the retina iPad mini will be released? I guess next year as well, but could well be later this year.

(3) When the retina iMac will be released? I guess with the next redesign, in some 2 or 3 years from now.

 

[mcarling]

I don't think Apple will release it with the new Mac Pro for the following reasons:

A 3840x2160 display should still be very expensive for mass production (look at the prices of all these ultra-high resolution TV sets). Apple won't be able to cram a 3840x2160 resolution in a display with the same quality as the current Thunderbolt displays and sell it for US$ 999, or even US$ 1,999.

When Apple first introduced the 30" Cinema Display, it was priced at $2999 if I recall correctly. 31.5" 3840x2160 displays now cost $3500 to $4000 with prices dropping rapidly as yields improve.

What size would be the display? If the display has the same 27" as the current 2560x1440 display, than (i) Apple would have to make it a retina display and then the real estate will be actually lower than the current model; or (ii) the real estate would be very high, but pixels would be very small. I don't think Apple will release a larger screen than 27", because that would make it really hard for using it.

The small pixel argument should have ended when Apple released the rMBPs a year ago.

Which video card would drive such high resolution? An NVIDIA high-end card could handle it for daily tasks, but the Mac Pro is supposed to use the full power of these video cards for some real work, and not for just making a smooth web browsing experience.

Intel Iris HD 5100 graphics and Iris Pro 5200 graphics are quite capable of driving a 3840x2160 display for productivity work or watching movies.

(1) When the retina MacBook Air will be released? I guess next year, together with a redesign.

It was either going to be this year or next year, so now it has to be next year. The conventional wisdom is that at least the bezel will have to be redesigned. I don't see any need to redesign the lower part of the case, as I expect Broadwell, the Retina display, and Thunderbolt 2 to be the main improvements.

(2) When the retina iPad mini will be released? I guess next year as well, but could well be later this year.

I guess it probably will be whenever Apple release the next iPad Mini.

(3) When the retina iMac will be released? I guess with the next redesign, in some 2 or 3 years from now.

Sounds about right. It will depend on how fast rising yields lower the costs and how well the (not yet released) Retina Thunderbolt Display sells.

 

[skaertus]

When Apple first introduced the 30" Cinema Display, it was priced at $2999 if I recall correctly. 31.5" 3840x2160 displays now cost $3500 to $4000 with prices dropping rapidly as yields improve.

Apple will release a 3840x2160 display or something similar, but I just don't know when.

Said that, a 31.5" 3840x2160 display would not go well with a 27" 2560x1440 display, given the difference in pixel density.

The small pixel argument should have ended when Apple released the rMBPs a year ago.

That's not what I meant. If the 3840x2160 is a retina display, than the screen real estate will be lower, despite the higher pixel count.

For it to make sense, I guess Apple would have to release a 3840x2160 display and a 5120x2880 display to replace the 2560x1440 one.

Intel Iris HD 5100 graphics and Iris Pro 5200 graphics are quite capable of driving a 3840x2160 display for productivity work or watching movies.

I don't know about that. And I haven't seen any tests so far.

And professionals using a 3840x2160 display will not use Intel integrated graphics to do their work.

It was either going to be this year or next year, so now it has to be next year. The conventional wisdom is that at least the bezel will have to be redesigned. I don't see any need to redesign the lower part of the case, as I expect Broadwell, the Retina display, and Thunderbolt 2 to be the main improvements.

Next year, for sure. The tech is already here. Look at the Samsung Ativ 9 with a 3200x1800 display. It's very similar to what a rMBA should be. The next refresh will certainly bring retina displays. But a redesign will probably be needed to accommodate the display and perhaps a slightly bigger battery. Perhaps the exterior design doesn't change too much.

I guess it probably will be whenever Apple release the next iPad Mini.

I just don't know. If Apple has to redesign the internals of the iPad Mini to put a retina display on it, then it may well wait until next year to keep up with the two-year cycle of iOS devices designs.

Sounds about right. It will depend on how fast rising yields lower the costs and how well the (not yet released) Retina Thunderbolt Display sells.

It was just a guess. Will Apple release new retina Thunderbolt Displays together with retina iMacs or will they come before? I haven't heard any rumors about it, so I'm skeptical that Apple will release some sort of 3840x2160 Thunderbolt Display so soon.

 

[mcarling]

a 31.5" 3840x2160 display would not go well with a 27" 2560x1440 display, given the difference in pixel density.

Huh?

If the 3840x2160 is a retina display, than the screen real estate will be lower, despite the higher pixel count.

You think a dimensionally larger screen with more pixels will result in less screen real estate. That's a novel idea.

For it to make sense, I guess Apple would have to release a 3840x2160 display and a 5120x2880 display to replace the 2560x1440 one.

Do you think MacOS is limited to the primitive pixel doubling of iOS? If so, you have never used a rMBP. I suggest you try one in an Apple store before posting anything more on this topic.

professionals using a 3840x2160 display will not use Intel integrated graphics to do their work.

Professionals are exactly the folks least likely to hold the quasi-religious belief that discrete components are better than integrated components.

Will Apple release new retina Thunderbolt Displays together with retina iMacs or will they come before? I haven't heard any rumors about it, so I'm skeptical that Apple will release some sort of 3840x2160 Thunderbolt Display so soon.

My guess is that the most likely time for Apple to announce a 3840x2160 display would be when they announce availability of the new Mac Pro.

 

[vpro]

Most of these designs by other companies look like parts for a stove or washing machine why? Why prey tell - does a washer or propeller blade design suit a notebook form factor? They are so ugly!

 

[skaertus]

Most of these designs by other companies look like parts for a stove or washing machine why? Why prey tell - does a washer or propeller blade design suit a notebook form factor? They are so ugly!

Many designs do really look ugly. But design is not only about beauty, it's also about ergonomics and functionality. Apple's designs are usually beautiful, ergonomic and functional, and other companies struggle to reach that.

I saw a 13" MBA and a 13" 1st gen Zenbook side-by-side today at a meeting. While the original Zenbook was one of the most beautiful Windows laptops at the time it was released, it couldn't match the beauty of the MBA, regardless the latter having an older design.

But now other companies seem to be learning to design their products better. Laptops such as the Asus Zenbook Infinity, the Acer Aspire S7, the Sony Vaio Pro and the Samsung Ativ 9 look well designed, at least in the photos I've seen.

This is restricted to high-end products. Low-end products have serious limitations, including on the materials that may be used, and the final product will never be as fine crafted as an Apple product. And the vast majority of laptops are, of course, very low end.

 

[skaertus]

Updated again, and now it features the Asus Zenbook UX301 and the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, both of which were released at IFA. Let me know if I'm missing something!

 

[skaertus]

Information on laptops with high resolution displays prior to the release of the rMBP is difficult to find, and I don't know if the list is complete. Does anyone know any source on high-resolution (QXGA) NEC Versa and IBM ThinkPad laptops, or on another older laptops with such high resolution?

 

[skaertus]

There are news on this nearly every day now. Hard to keep track of everything.

 

[skaertus]

Updated again! The list is getting really long!

 

[Mr MM]

Updated again! The list is getting really long!

I told you, you are going to have trouble.

I think we are going to see igzo on the new xps line

 

[skaertus]

I've updated the list again. Nearly everybody now is offering ultra-high resolution devices.

The list is getting too long, and I won't be able to update it anymore, as MacRumors doesn't have support for so many characters in one single post.

 

[Tears Apart]

I've updated the list again. Nearly everybody now is offering ultra-high resolution devices.

The list is getting too long, and I won't be able to update it anymore, as MacRumors doesn't have support for so many characters in one single post.

Thanks for the amazing work you took upon yourself!

Perhaps one day in the future screen resolution will be such an obsolete aspect of computers that we'll look back at this and find it funny.

 

[skaertus]

Thanks for the amazing work you took upon yourself!

Perhaps one day in the future screen resolution will be such an obsolete aspect of computers that we'll look back at this and find it funny.

Thank you. I guess these screens are becoming increasingly popular.