Product face-offs
Apple LED Cinema Display 24 inch
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| Diagonal screen size | 24 pouces | ||
| Type | IPS | ||
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels | ||
| Response time | 14 ms | ||
| Interfaces (HDMI / DVI / VGA / YUV) | NC | ||
 See all specifications | |||
| Options |
Mini-DisplaPport, Alimention pour MacBook Hub USB 3 ports, Enceintes + Subwoofer Micro et Webcam integrés |
| Viewing angles (H/V) | 178 ° / 178 ° |
 Hide specifications | |
Apple, one big family?
Talk of the Apple community spirit is pretty common but where’s the MAC family’s concern for its older members? You’ll see what I’m talking about when you have a look at the 24 inch LED Cinema Display which can only be used on the latest generations of MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. How have they made sure that the screen is reserved only for those who own the above products? Easy! Only these products have a mini-DisplayPort socket, the only video connector to be found on the latest 24 inch Apple.
Alexandre Botella
Test date: 2009-01-14
Test date: 2009-01-14
According to Apple, the LED Cinema Display is the ultimate must-have accessory for the ultimate must-have laptop. It has advanced LED technology and a splendid glass screen stretching from one side to the other. In view of the “must-have” label, we can be forgiven for expecting miracles. As we’ve come to expecct from Mac products, it has a simple, elegant and impeccably finished design.
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The fact that the mini-DisplayPort is the only video entry is however deplorable. Nor is the base up to much in terms of ergonomics: it isn’t adjustable up and down and doesn’t pivot. The only plus point is that it is mounted on a platter. This monitor does nevertheless include some interesting features: 3 port USB hub, built-in WebCam and microphone. There is also a pair of speakers and a bass box that you can use at a pinch if you only have a Macbook to hand. Another helpful function is you can recharge your laptop directly from the screen – provided it’s a Mac.
Reactivity
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Even if it posts a response time of 14 ms, tests show that reactivity is on a par with a 5 ms TN screen. If we don’t seem to be making any sense to you, look at it as perfect for office, internet and most gaming use (only FPS type games Unreal, Quake..., will cause it difficulties;).
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Colours, contrast and luminosity.
As you can see from our rating, the colours are great. A default dE at 1.9 is pretty rare. The contrast ratio is pretty average however. A max of 750 : 1, while the best screens go as high as 1000 : 1 – as usual this is because of the less deep blacks (but getting better!) on IPS screens than on TN and PVA screens.
The brightness is 400 cd/m², or twice as much as recommended or even 3 times current settings used by graphic designers. The strength of the brightness can be an asset if you use your screen in very well-lit environments – this reduces panel reflection which can be a problem!
If you’re in a less well-lit room, with no window behind you, you need to use the keyboard to adjust the backlighting, otherwise you’ll quite quickly be suffering from a headache. Why do you need to use the keyboard to adjust this? Because the LED Cinema Display doesn’t have any settings buttons, so you need to connect a separate keyboard to the one on your Macbook, as the laptop keyboard only works for its own screen. Luckily, a keyboard and wireless mouse (batteries included!) comes in the box with the 24 inch screen.
The fact that the mini-DisplayPort is the only video entry is however deplorable. Nor is the base up to much in terms of ergonomics: it isn’t adjustable up and down and doesn’t pivot. The only plus point is that it is mounted on a platter. This monitor does nevertheless include some interesting features: 3 port USB hub, built-in WebCam and microphone. There is also a pair of speakers and a bass box that you can use at a pinch if you only have a Macbook to hand. Another helpful function is you can recharge your laptop directly from the screen – provided it’s a Mac. Cable included with, from top to bottom, the mini-DisplayPort, the Mac laptop power supply and the USB hub cable.
Reactivity
Even if it posts a response time of 14 ms, tests show that reactivity is on a par with a 5 ms TN screen. If we don’t seem to be making any sense to you, look at it as perfect for office, internet and most gaming use (only FPS type games Unreal, Quake..., will cause it difficulties;). Colours, contrast and luminosity.
As you can see from our rating, the colours are great. A default dE at 1.9 is pretty rare. The contrast ratio is pretty average however. A max of 750 : 1, while the best screens go as high as 1000 : 1 – as usual this is because of the less deep blacks (but getting better!) on IPS screens than on TN and PVA screens.The brightness is 400 cd/m², or twice as much as recommended or even 3 times current settings used by graphic designers. The strength of the brightness can be an asset if you use your screen in very well-lit environments – this reduces panel reflection which can be a problem!
If you’re in a less well-lit room, with no window behind you, you need to use the keyboard to adjust the backlighting, otherwise you’ll quite quickly be suffering from a headache. Why do you need to use the keyboard to adjust this? Because the LED Cinema Display doesn’t have any settings buttons, so you need to connect a separate keyboard to the one on your Macbook, as the laptop keyboard only works for its own screen. Luckily, a keyboard and wireless mouse (batteries included!) comes in the box with the 24 inch screen.
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Default colour settings
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MacBook charger included
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Open angles of vision
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Contrast below average
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Only compatible with last generation MacBook
For owners of the most recent MacBook - shame it costs twice as much as other 24 inch screens!
