Comparable displays are similarly priced, albeit slightly less expensive. A comparable Samsung 27" with the same display resolution of 2560x1440 for example is roughly $800.00 (the TB Display being $999 brand-new; $849 refurbished). They're gorgeous displays and look great on any desk. Plus they double as a great hub for USB, FW, TB and Ethernet, along with a set of speakers and iSight camera. They use IPS panels as well. The picture quality is fantastic in my experience but it is glossy, so you have to decide if glossy is for you or not.
If you're going to purchase the TB Display, I'd consider APP before the year is up at $129 - no brainer in my opinion for a display that costs a grand. It can be pricey to repair if it breaks down, depending on the actual issue, but most repairs are likely north of the $129 price point. That being said, to each their own - issues with the TB Display do not appear to be very common from what I see - generally quite reliable and well-liked.
__________________ ACMT Mac mini (Mid 2011) 2.7 GHz i7, 8GB RAM, Crucial M4 256GB SSD + 500GB + 1TB FW800 OWC Mercury Elite Pro mini iPhone 4S • iPod nano 8GB • Sound System Audio Engine A2 • Display UltraSharp U2412M 24"
Last edited by monokitty; May 31st, 2012 at 03:48 PM.
What appeals to me is that it acts as a hub so you're not constantly plugging and unplugging a half dozen cables every time you sit at the desk. I'm trying to justify the purchase of the TBD to use with my new MBP!
Is there a way to keep the MBP from going to sleep when the lid is closed? I'd find it distracting having the MBP open while connected to the TBD.
Is there a way to keep the MBP from going to sleep when the lid is closed? I'd find it distracting having the MBP open while connected to the TBD.
Yep. If the MBP is shut down, plug in the TB display cable + power, plug in keyboard and mouse, and power on. The second you hear the chime, close the lid and the video will route to the TB display as the primary display, while disabling the MBP's display.
__________________ ACMT Mac mini (Mid 2011) 2.7 GHz i7, 8GB RAM, Crucial M4 256GB SSD + 500GB + 1TB FW800 OWC Mercury Elite Pro mini iPhone 4S • iPod nano 8GB • Sound System Audio Engine A2 • Display UltraSharp U2412M 24"
Keep in mind that for $999, not only do you get a docking station and display, you also get a charger. It might not be important to you but with my Dell work laptop I keep one charger plugged in all the time at work and keep one in my bag for use on the train or at home.
The Belkin Thunderbolt Express hub coming in September will cost $299. It's a cost saving measure if you pair it to a 23" IPS display which can be had for as little as $180 (23", 1920x1080) or a better option for professionals if they want a colour accurate matte screen display. You could also get a Henge Dock for $55 if you do not need to add Firewire or Thunderbolt devices, keep in mind you'll still have to buy a DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI adapter and a USB hub or what I'd prefer a breakout hub.
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Home: 2006.5 iMac 20"
Me: 2010 MacBook Pro 13", iPad Mini Wifi 32GB Black, iPhone 4 16GB Black
Wife: 2011 MacBook Air 11.6", iPhone 4 16GB White
Are you backed up??? If so, why? Psyllium Fibre is not free but will do wonders!
Yes the fact that it charges the portable is huge... and being able to use the display without the distractions of the open laptop is a bonus as well... thanks for that Lars.
As it has an ethernet port I was hoping the TBD could act as a hub when connected to my airport extreme. So I could connect a USB drive in the TBD and access my iTunes library on the drive without having the MBP connected, but I don't think the TBD can do that.
Anyone know for sure?
Can we see a refresh of the TBD in September 2012 or ?
Any regrets or glowing recommendations? It's super expensive as monitors go... even at the refurb price. Is it worth it?
I have one.. It is very nice but expensive..
the negative is it will only work on a thunderbolt computer - so if you have a MacPro you have to spend the same amount on the non thunderbolt display - which is bizarre.
One more issue but more with the laptop top, than the monitor.. I would love to use the set up with the laptop in closed lid mode but can not, as the fans will spin on high - which drive me nuts - so I have the laptop set up with open lid behind the unit.
When I first set up the display - I had to play with Skype and FaceTime and ichat to make sure the mic and sound and cameras were used correctly.
The Cables of the monitor are not very flexible - so trying to twist tie them are difficult
Other than that.. those are my negatives with it.
The pros:
one power cable plugged in to the wall, when you use it with a laptop.
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Apple MacBook Pro 13" 2.9GHZ i7 12GBs
Apple Thunderbolt display 27", Macally Bluetooth Keyboard
Internal 1 x OCZ Deneva2 SSD 480 GBs ( removed superdrive - installed 750GB HD in place )
LaCie Stark 1TB for time machine, Apple Track Pad
Moshi Keyboard cover ( to catch the drool when surfing rumor sites )
Linear Mode
