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Apple LED Cinema Display: Review from macworld UK

umgoblue2008

umgoblue2008

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 6, 2008
100
0
http://www.macworld.co.uk/MAC/REVIEWS/index.cfm?reviewid=2937&pagtype=samechandate&pn=5

"As you can see, the new Apple LED Cinema Display has a slightly larger range than the 30in model using the older LCD technology. However, it is less than the HP LP2408zx, which has the largest range of any monitor in our office. We should point out that we’re not offering this as an alternative buying choice but a technical demonstration of what’s possible (because it requires a 10-bit graphics card which Apple doesn’t currently support).

So, the new display has a larger range than the old model so it should have more accurate colour, right? Wrong. When we held the PressMatch Reference Print next to the screen we found extreme variations on the glossy display. The model that we were looking at had slightly rouge lips on the photograph that pretty much matched exactly on the older LCD Cinema Display; but on the new ‘glossy’ LED Cinema Display her lips looked unnaturally red. They were simply different colours.

There’s no denying that the LED Cinema Display produces beautifully vibrant images, the problem is they just don’t look like anything that comes out of the printer. Even after careful colour calibration."

"Macworld Buying Advice
If you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro this is a truly great way to turn your laptop into a desktop computer, it’s certainly more focused than any other display, and the built-in power and USB connections are a boon to any laptop owner. And there’s no denying that it offers superb visual quality, we truly were impressed by the vibrancy of this monitor. However, if you’re a print designer or a photographer and you need reliable colour calibration, Apple’s LED Cinema Display for MacBook simply isn’t for you – the image quality just isn't accurate enough. Maybe no glossy display ever will be. But if you’re looking for the best way to watch and edit movies, play games, or simply want work in style – then this monitor delivers in abundance."
 
shoopaman said:
bigger than 30" :confused:
how is this review different from macworld review?
Click to expand...

Its the UK review. open up the page, and read it. I apologize for quoting it out of context. it's saying that the new LED display has a slightly larger "color range" than the 30" cinema display
 
Thanks for the link;), it wasn't to you personally, just think the "...bigger than 30" range..." doesn't make a whole lot of sense and it's stating S-IPS - WTF:eek: (not to you but to the uk site), didn't we conclude that it was H-IPS?
umgoblue2008 said:
Its the UK review. open up the page, and read it. I apologize for quoting it out of context. it's saying that the new LED display has a slightly larger "color range" than the 30" cinema display
Click to expand...

Update: oh~ bigger color range! I get it now! nice!
 
"Unless we’re mistaken the new Apple Cinema Displays use S-IPS technology, rather than the cheaper TN panels found in most monitors. The difference is instantly noticeable and, make no mistake, this monitor produces stunning image quality. Pictures have an intensity and vibrancy that we simply haven’t seen anywhere else, you can’t help but be drawn in to the screen as it glows in front of you."

from the same review. sounds like they are not quite sure, so i don't know.
 
let's hope, they don't know what they don't know... because I like the Pros

The pros/cons of the H-IPS over the S-IPS:
Pros:
Much less backlight bleed.
No purple hue visible at an angle
Backlight bleed improves looking at an angle
Less noise or glitter seen on the panel surface (smoother surface)
Cons:
Still some backlight bleed in areas that are green.
Viewing angle is narrower.


This is great find!!! UKMW is more detailed and true to life. USMW is a routine jargon. UKMW is definitely going on to my bookmark!!!:D
".... also has built-in stereo speakers in the bottom of the display and a third that bounces sound off the stand towards the user. It’s an interesting setup, although we found the sound slightly tinnier than on the iMac: although it is an improvement over the built-in speakers on the MacBook..."
 
Hi, glad you like the review. It's a fine monitor just a shame that Apple doesn't offer a matte screen option.

There seems to be conflicting opinion on the panel and whether it's S-IPS or H-IPS, I'm starting to think that it may be H-IPS after all (but have asked Apple for confirmation). The unit we have is on loan from Apple so we can't break it open; when somebody else does (or if Apple confirms it) I'll update the review accordingly... I may add a note to the review stating that it may be H-IPS.
 
Cool, thanks for the great review! I've been trying to find good reviews. Anyway I'm thinking about ordering one from online since its 3-5 days now for the shipping.. but my question is if I do get a defective monitor will apple exchange it for me through the mail?
 
I got mine today. The screen is really nice. I had a 24" Alu iMac before and as far as I can tell the screen is the same as that one.

One thing people might want to know is that you can easily pull the front glass panel off using a suction cup, as it's only held in place by magnets in exactly the same way as the alu iMac screens are. At first I thought I might have a defective pixel but once I pulled the front off I realized it was just a speck of dirt on the back of the display, which I easily cleaned off. I bet tons of these get returned for "dead pixels" because people don't realise it could be dirt behind the easily-removable glass.

The only disappointment is the speakers, which I'd call mediocre to poor. The 24" iMac speakers were great... these are definitely worse and are making me consider buying an external set of speakers.
 
SO basically saying

Even though it's a H-IPS panel, it's still not color accurate because the prints are not going to look as nice as what you're getting on the monitor?


Just based on this fact alone, i don't think alot of pros and photographers who are serious about their work will be getting this monitor.
 
Nice!!! Thanks for the update:D I did very much enjoy your review, would've liked 4 1/2 star better, but I respect your opinion! Keep up the good work!!! :)
MarkHattersley said:
Hi, glad you like the review. It's a fine monitor just a shame that Apple doesn't offer a matte screen option.

There seems to be conflicting opinion on the panel and whether it's S-IPS or H-IPS, I'm starting to think that it may be H-IPS after all (but have asked Apple for confirmation). The unit we have is on loan from Apple so we can't break it open; when somebody else does (or if Apple confirms it) I'll update the review accordingly... I may add a note to the review stating that it may be H-IPS.
Click to expand...
 
If you don't mind shipping back and waiting, you should definitely be able to return to replace defects. I would call apple and get an authorization first or ask if you can return at retail(this may not be allowed - someone from forum will advise, if not, a simple phone call to your local apple store will answer)
jjahshik32 said:
but my question is if I do get a defective monitor will apple exchange it for me through the mail?
Click to expand...

I agree! Sound is terrible... as I have mentioned before... it's terrible...:mad: Not a USB techy but I'm leaning towards; it's because the sound is going through USB not a normal sound jack. Knowing :apple: they will not have multiple bom on the speakers. I'm THINKING(yes, this is just my opinion) that it has nothing to do with speakers but it's caused by transfer method from MB to L.C.D.:confused:
maverick808 said:
I got mine today.

...The only disappointment is the speakers, which I'd call mediocre to poor. The 24" iMac speakers were great... these are definitely worse and are making me consider buying an external set of speakers.
Click to expand...
 
maverick808 said:
One thing people might want to know is that you can easily pull the front glass panel off using a suction cup, as it's only held in place by magnets in exactly the same way as the alu iMac screens are. At first I thought I might have a defective pixel but once I pulled the front off I realized it was just a speck of dirt on the back of the display, which I easily cleaned off. I bet tons of these get returned for "dead pixels" because people don't realise it could be dirt behind the easily-removable glass.
Click to expand...

How is the display without the glass? Colors different? Is it matte? Pics? :D
 
Jodles said:
How is the display without the glass? Colors different? Is it matte? Pics? :D
Click to expand...

It's definitely not matte underneath. It's still pretty glossy and reflective even with the front glass removed, which is the same as the alu iMac screen. Basically, there's no point using it with the front glass off because it's still reflective so you don't gain much there, and obviously without the front glass you can see the screws and stuff around the edges, which isn't pretty.

I'm not going to take pics because if I remove the front glass panel again tons of dust will get in and I'll have to completely clean both the screen and the glass panel once more.
 
maverick808: Thanks for your quick reply!

I was hoping it was slightly towards matte underneath.. But as you say it's not and it isn't pretty either...
This is so annoying, I would've bought it already if the colors were more accurate...
 
umgoblue2008 said:
http://www.macworld.co.uk/MAC/REVIEWS/index.cfm?reviewid=2937&pagtype=samechandate&pn=5
"As you can see, the new Apple LED Cinema Display has a slightly larger range than the 30in model using the older LCD technology. However, it is less than the HP LP2408zx, which has the largest range of any monitor in our office. We should point out that we’re not offering this as an alternative buying choice but a technical demonstration of what’s possible (because it requires a 10-bit graphics card which Apple doesn’t currently support).
Click to expand...

Where did you get this information? The ATI X1900XT video card that came installed in my 2007 MacPro supports 10 bit output.

http://ati.amd.com/products/RadeonX1900/specs.html

* Dual integrated dual-link DVI transmitters DVI 1.0 compliant / HDMI interoperable and HDCP ready
* Dual integrated 10 bit per channel 400 MHz DACs
* 16 bit per channel floating point HDR and 10 bit per channel DVI output
* Programmable piecewise linear gamma correction, color correction, and color space conversion (10 bits per color)
* Complete, independent color controls and video overlays for each display
* High quality pre- and post-scaling engines, with underscan support for all outputs
* Content-adaptive de-flicker filtering for interlaced displays
* Xilleon™ TV encoder for high quality analog output
* YPrPb component output for direct drive of HDTV displays
* Spatial/temporal dithering enables 10-bit color quality on 8-bit and 6-bit displays
* Fast, glitch-free mode switching
* VGA mode support on all outputs
* Drive two displays simultaneously with independent resolutions and refresh rates

My HP LP2480zx should arrive this week and is on sale direct from HP until January 31, 2009 for $1999.

Jerry
 
Wonder if he was talking in the scope of anything Apple current sells with mini-display ports? AFAIK, there's no way to hook your 2007 Mac Pro to this new LED monitor.
 
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