Apple monitors: Worth the $$?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 1:55pm

Hey Kids,

So I'm a new convert to the MAC. I have a macbook and want to get a nice monitor for the home set up - but of course the Apple LCD monitors are crazy expensive. Do any of you have any experience with them? Are they really worth the extra cost or are you just paying for the sexy factor? I do love the idea of a LCD monitor with a built in camera...

[Tag]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 2:29pm

I don't think Apple makes just monitors. Do they?
Their iMac which is the large monitor is actually the whole computer (no tower like a PC).

[Taryn]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 2:35pm

They do make monitors, Tag.

http://www.apple.com/displays/

Unfortunately, I have no experience with them, so can't comment.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 3:10pm

I think you can use "normal" desktop screens, can't you? I don't think it has to be just apple

[SNAFU]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 3:19pm

There are only a handful of companies that make the actual screen for your monitor, I believe it is Samsung and LG. They supply them to Apple and the other monitor manufacturers.

[binau]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 6:17pm

I don't think they are worth it. Though the new Cinema Display may be especially convenient because it's designed to work with your MacBook (e.g. having magsafe cable), I still don't think this makes it worth the extra expense.

Consider if you buy another monitor you'll have to also get an inexpensive adapter though (mini displayport>DVI, most likely).

[Wildcard]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 6:30pm

Depending on how much colors matter to you, they are definitely worth it. The colors are more accurate on an Apple monitor. I have an Apple monitor at work and a generic one at home and there is definitely a difference. The built-in camera is a big plus too.

[BDrischBDemented]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 11:14pm

My parents have one, and while it's really nice in my opinion, I wouldn't like absolutely say you should buy it if you find a cheaper one you like as much / better. It is a nice thing to have, though.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 9/17/09 at 1:22am

899 compared to the thousands they were before is considerably reasonable.