Between refreshing its iMac and Mac Pro desktops and launching the Magic Trackpad yesterday, Apple took the opportunity to release some details on its upcoming 27in Cinema Display.
So Many Pixels
The new entry in the company's lauded monitor line-up fits between the existing 24in and 30in models but adds a few tweaks to the formula. Sporting a cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio, the screen features an impressive 2,560x1440px resolution. This represents a 60 percent boost in screen real-estate over the 24in version, though it isn't quite as many pixels as on the 16:10 30in display. The LED-backlit IPS panel provides excellent 178° viewing angles, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and an improved 12ms response time. Like many laptops, the Cinema Display's new ambient light sensor can automatically adjust the brightness to a suitable level depending on the conditions in the room, which should help to save power.
Otherwise, the screen features everything that you'd expect from a high end monitor, including an iSight camera, built-in stereo speakers and three USB2.0 ports. As a nod to MacBook users, the display also comes with a single cable to easily connect the laptop's MagSafe, Mini DisplayPort and USB connectors to the screen. Apple also boasts a number of environmental credentials for the packaging, manufacturing process and for the monitor itself.
The 27in Cinema Display is slated to be available at some point in September directly from Apple. We aren't clear on the exact UK pricing just yet, though several sources are suggesting that it will retail for $999, which translates to around £780 (including VAT).
Goodbye, Old Friend...
With a horizontal-resolution equal to that of the older 30in model and a price tag that sits only a little higher that the 24in version, you'd rightly be wondering what will become of the two current displays. Apple VP of hardware marketing, David Moody, has confirmed to MacWorld that the new screen will be replacing the existing models. That means that once supplies of the current displays run out, they'll be gone for good.
Apple's monitors have traditionally been considered among the best in class, and once it launches, we expect the new model to be no different. For those interested, more details are available on Apple's product page.
