Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Flat-Panel Display Review

I've been looking for a new WUXGA monitor for the last month, and I've conducted a lot of research. I narrowed down my choice to these monitors: Dell 2405FPW, Samsung 244T, ViewSonic VP2330wb, HP L2335, and Sony SDM-P234/B.

I will be using the monitor for coding, illustration, and DVD playback, in that order of importance. Prolonged periods of looking at text must be easy on the eyes. It also has to have natural colors with no casts or artifacts and a reasonable response time.

Two of these monitors are 24" and their panels are made by Samsung, the 2405FPW and the 244T. The others are 23" and their panels are made by LG-Philips.

The Dell 2405FPW was ruled out because, even though it's the cheapest by a big margin, it has a notorious high-pitch squeal problem that Dell doesn't acknowledge or address and people are still getting squealers to this day. This would surely drive me crazy. In addition, I don't like the shiny Dell logo at the front bezel, and the silver plastic stand looks very cheesy. I also heard reports that the brightness is so strong it would fry your eyes, even if you turn it all the way down. It might be good for gaming, but staring at texts for extended periods leaves you with eye fatigue. Dude, you're NOT getting a Dell!

The Samsung 244T is the most expensive of the bunch, and it has the fastest response time. However, since its pixel pitch is 0.27, text doesn't look as crisp as it does on the LG-Philips monitors, which have a pixel pitch of 0.258. Add to this the excessive brightness and an ugly stand that looks like a shovel handle and it's a no go!

The main problem with the HP L2335 is that it's been discontinued by the manufacturer, and that doesn't inspire confidence. The earlier batches of the LG-Philips 23" panels had pink and yellow cast problems, and if you want to buy a monitor that uses these panels, you need to make sure its one of the latest batches. In addition, the stand doesn't have cable management, so the wires droop all over the place. No go!

The Sony looks pretty good, but its scarce reviews on the web aren't encouraging, especially those about units that die after a couple of months and don't get replaced for weeks. Furthermore, I'm not a big fan of sliver/black monitors (like the 2405FPW, L2335, and SDM-P234/B). I prefer either all black or all silver (like the 244T, VP2330wb, and Cinema 23 HD). No go!

The ViewSonic VP2330wb is very close. It looks pretty good, pivots, and has a very good response time. In addition, my current monitor is a ViewSonic VX2000. I had it for more than two years and I'm very satisfied with it. So I was kind of inclined to go again with the same brand. According to a ViewSonic rep, however, it won't launch till February 13. In addition, its predecessor, the VP231wb, didn't have good color reproduction, and I prefer a lighter color bezel because it gives a more natural look, so it's skipped for the Apple.

When it comes to looks, the Apple Cinema HD is Miss Universe of the monitors. It's not just a monitor: it's a piece of art (and I'm not even an Apple fan; I use Windoze). On paper, the specs look fantastic. Small pixel pitch for extra clarity, moderate brightness, good response time (not spectacular, but then again, I'll be using it mostly for development), and according to most reviews, its colors look more natural than all the other LG-Philips-based monitors. It doesn't pivot, but that's a non-issue because I'd rather have more windows side-by-side than a single long window.

However, I had misgivings about the Cinema 23 HD because it has a bad rep from all the negative reports about pink color casts and uneven lighting. It seems that most of these complaints are from the earliest LG-Philips batches. But I wasn't really sure, and I had to take my chances.

The first one I bought didn't have bad pixels or a pink color cast, but it had a severe uneven backlighting defect. In a dim environment with a black background, you can easily see a golden/yellow spot at the upper right corner. It's very annoying and distracting when you watch DVDs in a dark room. And if you change your viewing angle vertically, you can see that blacks shift immediately to faint yellow. So I took it back to the Apple Store and got a brand new replacement.

The replacement was awesome. Uniform backlight, no color casts, not a single dead or stuck pixel, and absolutely gorgeous, clean, sharp, vivid, natural picture.

I really love this monitor, but I had to take one star out because Apple has major quality control problems. Apparently getting a good unit is a hit-and-miss proposition, and if you can lay your hands on one, it's worth every penny.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple Cinema 23-inch HD Flat-Panel Display

Product Description:
Includes: DVI cable, FireWire 400 cable, USB 2.0 cable, and DC power. Apple 23" LCD Cinema Display - This huge 23" computer monitor is perfect for the prosumer and professional alike. Imagine multi-tasking with multiple full-size windows open simultaneously, or editing video with a super-wide timeline! It has a native resolution of 1920x1200, and a contrast ratio 400:1, for stunning quality on either a Mac or a PC.Brightness - 400 cd/m2 Viewing Angle - 170 degrees horizontal / 170 degrees vertical Antiglare Hardcoat Screen Treatment Kensington Security Port User Controls - Display Power, System Sleep, System Wake, Brightness and Display Tilt Connects to a PC or Macintosh via a digital DVI connection

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ViewSonic VX2245wm 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor with Integrated iPod Dock Review

Let me begin by first agreeing the general assessment that the sound is truly awful. But seriously, what's so surprising? The thing has a 3 inch sub woofer. I laughed when I read it and again when I heard it. I didn't expect great sound, so I'm not disappointed. Still, the sound is so bad that it knocks a star from my review.

The screen is 22 inches diagonally, but in terms of 'feel' it measure in acres. It's huge. The picture is razor sharp and brilliant.

The monitor shell is very elegant with it's high gloss, piano black/satin silver color scheme. The iPod dock and USB hub built into the unit's base eliminate all computer peripheral clutter. The only time you need to touch your computer tower is to feed it disks or to use the power button. The iPod, flash drives, memory cards, headphones, audio input or any USB device can be plugged right into the monitor, giving you more flexibility in where you keep (or hide) your tower. Though I have no use for it, it even has a built in microphone. Windows Vista recognized the USB hub and card reader(s) and installed it's own drivers without prompting.

For some reason, some people seem to think the presence of an iPod dock means that this monitor is for listening to your iPod. I use the dock to sync and manage. The song files are already on the computer. Why wear out the iPod, when you can listen to the exact same material from your computer? As a sync dock, it's a very nice convenience.

For the picture quality, I'd give this 5 stars. For the convenience of the iPod dock/card reader/USB hub/audio in and headphone jacks - another 5. For the sound? Forget about it. Get some decent speakers and enjoy what this monitor does very well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ViewSonic VX2245wm 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor with Integrated iPod Dock

Product Description:
Innovative functionality and stunning design come together beautifully with the ViewSonic 22-inch VX2245wm ViewDock LCD Monitor. The display blasts through barriers with its integrated iPod dock and beautiful piano-black, gloss finish. The design features a thin bezel that lets you see more without taking up valuable desktop real estate. Plus, the high neck and floating head design accentuate the visual experience.


The VX2245wm features a full host of multimedia and USB connections--even an iPod dock. View larger.

Just as stylish from the rear as from the front. View larger.

A slim profile and discreet styling. View larger. Dock your iPod and listen to tunes while you surf the Internet or do your work. The big 22-inch screen and super-fast 5ms video response time help you excel in your games with no blurs, ghosting, or jaggies to slow you down. Meanwhile, the integrated stereo speakers and subwoofer drive incredibly rich stereo sound to your desktop display. On top of all that, the VX2245wm sets new standards in multimedia displays with an eight-in-one card reader, USB connections for your joystick/game control and keyboard/mouse, as well as an integrated microphone and headphone jack.
On top of the VX2245wm's clear, crisp 1680 x 1050 resolution, the monitor features Viewsonic's ClearMotiva technology, which enables fast 5ms video response times. Fast response brings new clarity and no annoying ghosting to your HD broadcast-quality videos. The monitor also features Dynamic Structure technology, an innovative liquid crystal composition and pixel matrix system that further accelerate video response for seamless video and intense graphics. Meanwhile, OptiSync digital/analog inputs expand your connectivity. This multi-mode input technology supports both digital (DVI) and analog (VGA) signals for ultimate compatibility with both PCs and Macs, as well as configuration flexibility. You'll also enjoy ultra-high brightness and contrast (280-nit brightness and 700:1 contrast ratio) for rich, detailed images. Additionally, a generous viewing angle (170-degrees horizontal, 160-degrees vertical) make it possible for large groups to enjoy the display, no matter where in the room they're viewing from.
It's also worth noting that this monitor complies with the world's strictest standards of low radiation, safety, ergonomics and power management while saving cost through automatic power saving modes.

What's in the Box
LCD display, power cable, 15-pin VGA video cable, DVI cable, Quick Start Guide, and ViewSonic Wizard CD.

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Apple LED Cinema Display 24-Inch MB382LL/A Review

I've owned this display a few months (just got the wife one this week, too!), and it's a FANTASTIC display. I moved from my original Apple 23" Cinema Display to this 24" LED Cinema Display, and don't regret it for a second. The screen is incredibly vivid, and if you don't have any obvious windows behind you, the glare from the glass is a non-issue. This holds true for Apple's current notebook lineup.

What I'm really tired of is people complaining that it only works with the Mini-displayport-equipped notebooks. While this is TRUE, it's not like Apple is hiding it from anyone. It says so right on the box! Apple is switching all its equipment, as they have said, to mini displayport. End of story. If you don't have a new Apple notebook, you can't use the display! Go get a different display! Nobody is forcing you to buy this one!

Now, getting back to the review, some might complain that the better part of nine-hundred dollars is a lot of money for a 24" display. But there is a reason for the price-tag. Several reasons, in fact. First, it uses an IPS panel, which provides wonderful color, and fantastic viewing angles. Every four-hundred dollar screen of this size at Best Buy will be a TN panel, which while having the fastest refresh rate, provides terrible color accuracy and viewing angles that fall off drastically when viewed from any angle other than DEAD center. IPS panels are considerably more expensive for this reason. Second, this is an LED backlit display, not a traditional CCFL backlit display. This means the screen reaches full brightness almost instantaneously after turning it on, whereas CCFL LCD screens take some minutes to achieve the same goal. And, of course, LED lit screens are wonderfully bright compared to CCFL. There is currently, as of typing, no screen out there this size which is LED lit and IPS for this price.

Next, let's add the fact that it will power your new MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air because it provided a power plug for your laptop! So now you can leave your laptop charger in your bag! Now, let's add that this screen has two fairly decent speakers and a rear-facing subwoofer built in. Sure the quality of the speakers isn't going to be so much that you replace a high-end desktop speaker system with it, but for me, for quiet music and YouTube etc, it's perfect. And it also has three USB ports in the back for plugging in your other devices. Oh, and it has a webcam/microphone built in!

The ONLY reason I don't give the display 5 stars is because Apple has a bit of work to do in their "dust-free environments." I've used four of these displays, and each one has had between one and five dust flecks or debris of some sort under the glass. Many people won't notice, but they're there, and others have reported such things on the Apple Discussion Boards.

In any case, this should not put you off buying what is perhaps not even arguably the most stunning display on the market (provided you have a new Apple notebook of course!). I, for one, could not be happier. It takes my breath away every time I turn it on.

To sum up, for the cost of this display, you get a stunning LED lit, IPS panel, which serves as a docking station of sorts to your Apple notebook by providing USB ports, microphone, webcam, speakers AND power to it. Great stuff. I think it was worth the money.

4.5/5

*EDIT 5/20/10*

There are now third-party adapters to let you use your own older MacBook/other laptops with the Cinema Display. Use at your own risk. They're definitely not a guaranteed!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple LED Cinema Display 24 Inch MB382LL/A

Product Description:
Designed for the new MacBook family of laptops, the Apple LED Cinema Display features a stunning 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. It also includes an integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports and the new Mini DisplayPort, making it easy for MacBook users to quickly connect and power their notebooks as well as use their favorite peripherals.


Expand the screen of your new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air (notebook not included); see larger version. The 24-inch glossy, widescreen display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution uses LED-backlit technology to provide instant full-screen brightness and great power efficiency. LEDs are solid-state light sources that light up very quickly, so there's no waiting for your display when you connect your new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. With the built-in iSight camera, microphone, and speakers, you can connect your new MacBook--leaving it open or closed--and engage in video chats or listen to music just as you would with a desktop computer.
The LED Cinema Display includes a MagSafe connector that powers and charges your new MacBook. The connector sits on your desk, ready and waiting--no need to unravel the cord to the power adapter that came with your notebook. On the back of the display, you'll find three self-powered USB ports that are enabled the moment you plug the USB connector into your new MacBook. Connect a printer, camera, iPod, iPhone, USB hard drive... and they can stay connected so you can just grab your MacBook and go.
Tilt the LED Cinema Display to get the viewing angle that's best for your work environment. With its smooth-motion hinge, adjustment is effortless. Choose an angle anywhere from -5 to 25 degrees.
Part of the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard, the new Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, perfect for the sleek design of the new MacBook family. Adapters are available for using the MacBook's Mini DisplayPort with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays.
The new LED Cinema Display is the greenest Apple display ever, made with mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials. The LED Cinema Display meets stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status. The new display contains no brominated flame retardants, all internal cables and components are PVC-free and its foam packaging has been reduced by 44 percent.

Specifications

Compatibility: MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro systems with Mini DisplayPort
Display: 24-inch (viewable) LED-backlit thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display
Supported resolutions: 1920 by 1200, 1280 by 800, 1024 by 640 pixels
Display colors (maximum): 16.7 million
Viewing angle: 178° horizontal; 178° vertical
Brightness (typical): 330 cd/m2
Contrast ratio (typical): 1000:1
Response time (typical): 14 ms
Audio: Built-in 2.1 speaker system
Maximum power: 212W (LED Cinema Display while charging MacBook Pro)
Energy saver mode: 1W or less
Connections: Three self-powered USB 2.0 ports; one cable with three connectors: Mini DisplayPort, MagSafe, USB 2.0
Dimensions: 22.57 x 18.84 x 7.76 inches
Weight: 21 pounds

What's in the Box
Apple LED Cinema Display, AC power cord, cleaning cloth, printed documentation

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ASUS VK246H 24-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - Black with Webcam Review

I am a professional 15 years old experienced digital artist. I am working with professional screens at work, I also have dell 24wfp at home, I order this monitor from amazon for using dual screen for my reference pictures and web browsing on the other monitor, I wasn't expecting amazing quality, but I am really surprised with the image quality, my $800 Dell monitor is only slightly better then this Asus. First time I plug it, it was too bright, I mean the images, not the screen. I was kind of disappointed. Then I discover the scenery mode and I tweak the brightness, sharpness and the saturation, like about 5-10 minutes I get almost the same image like my dell monitor. Do not bother the other setups, just select the scenery mode and put this settings up,
Brightness 51, Contras 64, Sharpness 44, Saturation 50 or 55. so it's pretty much the same as calibrated dell 24wfp screen.

There is some downs on this monitor too, Up and down angles are getting darker, Left right is better, you don't move your head up and down much so if you can get the right angle it will work great. if you like to put your monitor high up, you are going to hate the stand, it is horrible. You can not move your monitor up and down, I put a ikea furniture piece to raise it up.
it is looking good actually, I glued some artwork on it, now it looks retro, I love it,but I am lucky that I have this furniture piece, Otherwise I might going to use books to raise it so it could be looks boring because I can only use my old Stephen king books as a raiser. :)
There is also details lost on light images, it is very very slight, sharpness is great, colors are amazing, I turn down the green a little like %3 to match my pro screen. So overall I am very pleased with this monitor even after stand and brightness works.
I still draw my images on my dell screen, because it's a bit better, also it has 1920x1600, so there is 120 pixel difference vertically.
so, it is perfect for second monitor, but if it is your only monitor and you are a digital artist, buy pro monitors. For other type of user this monitor is supersonic!Actually even if you are digital artist with a tight budget or if you are a beginner artist, it might be your favorite monitor.
if my pro screen dies, I might get one more Asus, and use that $600 difference for buying 600 glow stick from dollar stores then crack them at the same time and watch them.

Other then the image quality, I never test the speakers or HDMI I don't care.
Digital camera is not working with XP 64 bit because there is no driver, so it feels like my asus monitor has a blind eye on top of her head.
Anyways this is a good buy, for $209, it's a steal. I recommend this monitor anyone except digital artist who is going to use it as a main monitor as a main monitor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS VK246H 24 Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - Black with Webcam

Product Description:
16:9 Full HD, HDMI, 1.3M Webcam, 2ms and 2Wx2 Build in Speaker

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