The 27" Thunderbolt display that is...

Anyone here using one?

Pros?

Cons?

Any regrets or glowing recommendations? It's super expensive as monitors go... even at the refurb price. Is it worth it?

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.

I don't like the glossy screen for photo editing.

Thanks for the input...

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.

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.

http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/NM-001-2.jpg

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 ?

Unfortunately you do need a computer running iTunes to stream content.

I envisioned my iMac serving long term as a digital hub.

The 27" Thunderbolt display that is...

Anyone here using one?

Pros?

Cons?

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.

A slight side step here; but could not a Henge Dock be used combined with the Thunderbold Displays TB and MagSafe cables?

Dona83- The Henge Dock is a very clever idea! Unfortunately I need ethernet and firewire... and all of the USB ports as well! I have a Belkin powered USB hub for sale but I think I may pull it into service for the number of USB devices I'd like to keep connected.

Macintosh Doctor- Yes, it seemed a bit pricey to me for what it is but as Lars pointed out it's not too far off the mark of what other manufacturers are charging and it is an Apple product afterall :rolleyes:

When I had the Mac Pro and the Dell U2711 I deleted Facetime and Skype from my computer as the monitor didn't have a microphone, speakers, or camera and I went to using those programs exclusively on the iPad. I find I'm using the iPad more and more for entertainment... watching movies, reading books, sharing photographs, skype and facetime and the computer more for work or consolidating material to go on the iPad!

I think I'll pull the trigger on the TBD this weekend...

I've become enchanted... again:love2:

I think I'll pull the trigger on the TBD this weekend...

I've become enchanted... again:love2:

I doubt you'll be disappointed. I've had mine since October 2011, and really enjoy working with it, especially for those big spreadsheets, or multiple documents open at once. It's well worth the extra cost over the 23" monitors I used previously.

look! finally a thunder port accessory ;) look interesting enough. won't sell my thecus 7 bay raid setup yet though!

Super-fast My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage. - Future Shop (http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/research/super-fast-my-book-thunderbolt-duo-dual-drive-storage/rc9413.aspx?CMP=NLC-ALL-120601)

look! finally a thunder port accessory ;) look interesting enough. won't sell my thecus 7 bay raid setup yet though!

Super-fast My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage. - Future Shop (http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/research/super-fast-my-book-thunderbolt-duo-dual-drive-storage/rc9413.aspx?CMP=NLC-ALL-120601)

Both Lacie and Sonnet already have TB accessories. Hubs and drives.

ThunderBolt devices can get pricy quickly plus budget $50 on any item you buy because apple thunderbolt cable is extra not included.
But in a few years I assume prices will come down.

ThunderBolt devices can get pricy quickly plus budget $50 on any item you buy because apple thunderbolt cable is extra not included.
But in a few years I assume prices will come down.

Definitely. Currently you pretty much need to be a working Pro to justify the cost TB of peripherals.

The WD 4tb TB drive is selling for $550 around town. Costco.ca has it for $539.99.

I'm sure it'll come down to a more reasonable price at about the same time that Apple dumps Thunderbolt for some new connector leaving their loyal customers with 1000's of dollars worth or equipment which now require expensive adaptors.

Boy that was cynical... I can't believe I said that... (as he looks around the man cave at the pile of FW400 equipment which required ill fitting FW800 adaptors to operate):lmao:

The WD 4tb TB drive is selling for $550 around town. Costco.ca has it for $539.99.

I'm sure it'll come down to a more reasonable price at about the same time that Apple dumps Thunderbolt for some new connector leaving their loyal customers with 1000's of dollars worth or equipment which now require expensive adaptors.

Boy that was cynical... I can't believe I said that... (as he looks around the man cave at the pile of FW400 equipment which required ill fitting FW800 adaptors to operate):lmao:

Yes I have tons of FW devices piled high myself..
I have a few USB 3.0 that are pointless as TB doesn't support it, which pretty stupid {currently} - but as for your comment about WD.. I stay away from them like a person with phenomena, it will cost you in the long run; they seem to die quickly..

I have a few USB 3.0 that are pointless as TB doesn't support it, which pretty stupid {currently} -

Good news for you here (http://www.matrox.com/docking_station/en/ds1/)

Expected to be $249, a bit better than the Belkin dock. No Firewire though, not that I have any Firewire devices anymore.

Good news for you here (http://www.matrox.com/docking_station/en/ds1/)

:greedy:XX):eek:
so I have to spend another $249USD on the top of the $999 Display so I can use my $250 USB 3.0 LOL
sims counter intuitive. Next time I will just buy fw 800 [ because that seems to be the most affordable and longest lasting tech out there. ]

:greedy:XX):eek:
so I have to spend another $249USD on the top of the $999 Display so I can use my $250 USB 3.0 LOL
sims counter intuitive. Next time I will just buy fw 800 [ because that seems to be the most affordable and longest lasting tech out there. ]

if the new MBPs are the way they are rumoured to be firewire's goose is probably cooked.

I don't think FW800's "goose is cooked" because TB supports it easily but I think you will not see it on any consumer Macs after next year.

As for TB itself, the landscape is about to change on that BIG TIME now that the intel motherboards with TB on board are out. This time next year there will be a lot more (still "priced for pros") TB peripherals. It's kind of becoming clear now that USB3 will be the consumer standard (eventually) and TB will be what the "serious pros" use (eventually). So really, it's FW vs. USB all over again only 100x faster than the original incarnations of either.