The main point of the ATD is to be a 'desktop dock' for a MacBook - so the fact that it will do display, webcam, microphone, audio, 1GB ethernet, firewire, USB2 (fine for your keyboard, printer and mouse), thunderbolt thru for extra (fast) HDs etc... - all with just two wires - is a killer feature.
The speakers aren't going to satisfy an audiophile, but they are much better than the built-in speakers in a notebook, with a sub that can actually put out some base.
Yup - that's the deal-breaker for me, too. But if you are buying it primarily as a dock for your TB-equipped Macbook, that's not necessarily an issue.
...like many Apple products it was reasonable value when it came out (other 1440p monitors cost nearly as much without the TB features) but hasn't really kept up - they can get away with it because nothing else offers the same features.
That's the problem with ATD. It's a specific accessories for specific type of computer products made on specific time frame with specific ports and charger.
So much .. specificity for $999, don't you think?
Might as well call it [Mac Thunderbolt Hub with Built in Display] rather than being a "display" itself. At least Apple should have the decency to support regular mDP or even add HDMI 1.4 input for versatility. It's a computer display anyway. So why not make it useful as intended.
PC monitors (Dell, HP, NEC, etc.) need all those different video inputs because they have to support the plethora of display connectors currently in use in the PC market.
All current generation Apple Macintosh hardware supports video over the Thunderbolt port so the Apple Thunderbolt Display need only support that one standard.
And why supporting a wide range of products is such a bad thing? That way you can target more demographic, more market and so .. more sales number means more money. Maybe because of the classic reason "Apple is all about integrated, strong part of hardware and software" ?
And no, actually some of Mac hardware also supports native HDMI output i.e: Mac Mini, rMBP so it means Apple actually ease off with connectivity than ever. The ATD is a stupid move and product, left it out with USB 2.0 port is bad enough. Sell it at $999 with less "functionality" than the good old 27" Cinema Display is even more ridiculous.
No. The ATD is overpriced. Name-brand monitors with the same resolution can be had for around $700 or less. Personally, I don't think a fancy hub, a webcam and speakers are worth the extra $300. Plus, the alternatives are more versatile since some include USB3 hubs and all support non-Apple computers.
Agreed. Look at Viewsonic or Dell. For $700 or even less you can get the same display or better (PLS anyone?), same resolution, more inputs, more versatility, more in-depth settings and tweaking, also USB 3.0 hub which just marvelous.
With ATD you have to look carefully or "beg" for refurbished items just to get a decent cut. Not really that decent actually. It's still more expensive.
Korean monitors on ebay use the same panels (A- as opposed to the a+ that apple uses) for less then $300...
Yeah well how about not buy the cheap Korean knock off? Try Dell, Samsung or Viewsonic. Less $$ to waste and more flexibility to enjoy.
