What's the cheaper alternative to Apple's 24" Cinema Displays?
May 7, 2010 10:52 AM   Subscribe

What's the cheaper alternative to Apple's 24" Cinema Displays?

Long time ago (2004?), I did some shopping for myself and found a way to find which actual LCD panel was being put in the then-current Apple Cinema display, and what other models from other manufacturers used the same high-quality LCD panel - but didn't charge an extra $400 for the Apple branding and brushed aluminum housing.

A friend just asked me what external display to get for her MacBook Air so she could watch movies. I know she'll need to get an adapter from the Air's DisplayPort to VGA or DVI, but I can't remember where I found that equivalent-LCD-panel-for-less info for myself last time.
Tips?
posted by bartleby to Computers & Internet (10 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
 
I use a Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP with a Macbook Pro and am very happy with it.
posted by nitsuj at 10:55 AM on May 7, 2010


Best answer: Are you thinking of CinemaView?
posted by reductiondesign at 10:58 AM on May 7, 2010 [2 favorites]


There's a new 24" from HP the zr24w which is an IPS display and has a DisplayPort input.

The Dell U2410 also is a 24" IPS display. It has a DisplayPort input.

Both are cheaper than the Apple 24" model.
posted by GuyZero at 11:09 AM on May 7, 2010


I wouldnt buy the Dell stuff.....had two back to back bad experiences with these monitors...I would seriously look at the cinema view.
posted by The1andonly at 11:14 AM on May 7, 2010


I'm quite happy with a Dell U2408WFP.
posted by emeiji at 11:23 AM on May 7, 2010


Dell monitors are excellent. Using a 27" Ultrasharp with my Mac Pro right now. Awesome product.
posted by teedee2000 at 11:28 AM on May 7, 2010


At work I have a DELL UltraSharp 2408WFPb ...and I constantly get comments from people saying how beautiful the image looks. (granted, part of that equation is using incredible wallpapers from Interfactlift.. but still... its a luscious monitor.. and sometimes I just lean back in my chair and admire it. :P
posted by jmnugent at 11:53 AM on May 7, 2010


The geeks over at HardOCP are insanely picky; I prefer their opinions over the questionable reviews at Amazon and other major retailers. Newegg reviews can sometimes be helpful too.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 12:47 PM on May 7, 2010


CinemaView monitors are not LED backlit nor are they IPS panels.
posted by wongcorgi at 1:37 AM on May 8, 2010


Response by poster: I can't Best Answer everyone who recommended Dell monitors, but thanks to all for the recommendations - I have a Dell on my Mac too, and it's good to know they're still quality. Although it's purely cosmetic, the friend who's looking for a Cinema substiute is both cheap AND into appearances - so the CinemaView knockoff is probably the best pick for them. Thanks!
posted by bartleby at 10:27 AM on May 11, 2010


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