Cinema Display Alternatives

[flalaw]

I want a 20 in. screen to pair with my MacBook Pro, which I'll probably be buying in about 2-3 weeks. The ACD is BEAUTIFUL, but its just too too expensive for me given the fact that I'm finding Dell displays with similar specs for almost half the price. I had 2 questions.

1. Is there anything that justifies the ACD price other than the fact that its in a beautiful enclosure.

2. Is there any alternative to the ACD that is cheaper yet still really sexy and well designed, unlike the Dells people have been pointing out on the forums.

Thanks!

oh yea, something in silver or aluminum that matches the MBP would me better than the clashing black Dell display.

 

[dex22]

Not answering your question, but challenging one of your statements...

I find the black bezel helpful. Reflective, shiny bezels bother me. Especially when the inside edge of the bezel is reflective. I'm also disturbed by bright LEDs on the front of the display.

Apple does well by having a matt finish to the aluminum enclosure, and no intrusive LEDs. Dell does better with the black finish, but a little less well on the LED front. However, it doesn't reach intrusive levels - like the recent fashion for silver enclosures and bright blue LEDs seen on emachines displays.

The display is the most important component you attach to your computer: all output to your eyes comes from it - it's how your computer communicates back to you. Ergonomics must take a much higher priority than cosmetic appearances.

That said, I put it forward that the Dells are the least ugly and most ergonomic displays out there besides the Apple displays - and the price is right.

 

[ckeck]

I will second the vote for a Dell LCD...

The Apple displays are very nice, yes...but they are not cost justified...especially when the Dells are as good if not better, and include more options...

I opted to get the Dell 2405FP a while back and have been very happy with it.

 

[Maxiseller]

I'm just here to disagree with the whole Dell community gradually building here!

The Dell displays are ugly in my opinion, and there are many offerings out there that are nicely designed. I had a couple of Sony HS-75's up until last month when I traded for one Cinema Display and I've got to say it is the most easy to work with screen Ive ever used. The silver/black surround non-sense is just that - Non-sense!!

There are no "reflections" from my silver Cinema Display at all - just a nice, attractive (which by the way is also important) screen which suits my eyes perfectly.

As somebody delved into the depths of ergonomics and anthropometrics I put it to you that an "attractive" surround could be more productive than an ugly one. In any case, a silver surround compared to a black surround doesn't affect my work use.

 

[dex22]

As I said in my original post, the rought aluminum surface on the cinema displays doesn't give coherent reflections, and is very good.

However, comparing the Dell to silver displays in the (high quality LCD at half Apple's cost) subset, the silver bezels are plastic and shiny.

Bottom line - after half an hour in front of your computer, you undergo a computing form of "suspension of disbelief" where you become unaware of your surroundings and the screen occupies your full consciousness. Anything that distracts from that reduces your effectiveness.

I wonder how much people think about their mental state whilst computing.

 

[®îçhå®?]

VERY cheap display.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/223879/

 

[Maxiseller]

As I said in my original post, the rought aluminum surface on the cinema displays doesn't give coherent reflections, and is very good.

However, comparing the Dell to silver displays in the (high quality LCD at half Apple's cost) subset, the silver bezels are plastic and shiny.

Bottom line - after half an hour in front of your computer, you undergo a computing form of "suspension of disbelief" where you become unaware of your surroundings and the screen occupies your full consciousness. Anything that distracts from that reduces your effectiveness.

I wonder how much people think about their mental state whilst computing.

Maybe I'm just strange, but i certainly don't forget about my surroundings while using a display...but then frequent breaks also help with my creativity stem. In fact, every time I get a good idea while i'm writing, I'll wander off, let it circle in my brain a few times and then come back and get the idea down on paper (so to speak).

I think to discuss the effect of a black versus silver surround doesn't (for me) make any difference for the vast majority of computer users - and it certainly doesn't for me.

As I said, I'd much rather be using a high-quality, attractive Cinema Display than a less - aesthetically pleasing Dell Display. I don't care how much anybody argues either...Dell is certainly less attractive!

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

As I said, I'd much rather be using a high-quality, attractive Cinema Display than a less - aesthetically pleasing Dell Display. I don't care how much anybody argues either...Dell is certainly less attractive!

Then kudos to you and your ACD. It's truly a total waste of money. The Dell has much better specs, and MUCH cheaper. The Dell LCD's have the best price/performance in the market, and especially over the vastly over-priced ACD's, even with the price drop on them. Based on the countless threads on this site, it seems that most people here agree that the Dell's are the way to roll. Period.

P.S. I've used both a 23'' ACD and Dell 24'', and the Dell wins in performance hands down. Sure Maxiseller, the ACD is better looking, but $200-300 better looking? Please.

 

[Chaszmyr]

I find the black bezel helpful. Reflective, shiny bezels bother me. Especially when the inside edge of the bezel is reflective. I'm also disturbed by bright LEDs on the front of the display.

I'm guessing you haven't used an aluminum cinema display, because they're really not very reflective or shiny