iMac Display

[hower1k]

I'm contemplating getting a 20 inch imac, and my only question, how is he quality of the display? I realize its not apple cinema display quality, what would a good comparison for it?

 

[rogersmj]

Actually, it is Apple Cinema Display quality. It's an S-IPS panel that's the same as what's in the ACD. I've had them side-by-side before, and they're clearly the same monitor. I got myself a Dell 2007wfp that also uses the same S-IPS panel, so it looks the same as my iMac's screen. So either of those would be a good comparison. Later versions of the 2007wfp might use a PVA panel though; it's kind of a lottery once you get past revision A03.

 

[Xyl]

Actually, it is Apple Cinema Display quality. It's an S-IPS panel that's the same as what's in the ACD.

I've been wondering this for a while...do you have any "evidence" other than "because I looked at them and they seem the same"...even if its solid or not-so-solid evidence that the iMac uses S-IPS.

And do all three models use the same panels?

 

[rogersmj]

I can't find the post now, but some guy took his apart one time and confirmed it was the same LG panel as used in the ACD 20" and some of the 2007wfp models.

Also, if you believe Apple's specs, the 20" iMac actually has a slightly higher contrast ratio (800:1) but slightly lower brightness (280 cd/m) than its ACD counterpart (700:1, 300 cd/m). I'm not sure what factors affect that other than backlight.

 

[ctango]

I'm contemplating getting a 20 inch imac, and my only question, how is he quality of the display? I realize its not apple cinema display quality, what would a good comparison for it?

I've used Gretag/Macbeth's eye1 to calibrate many iMac G5's and 20 & 23" ACD's. My honest opinion is that they are "near" identical. Close enough to say that if you calibrate and profile both, you will find little if any differences.

I don't know if they are the same parts anymore, but I do know that different companies make the different sizes of LCD's. I am mainly comparing the 20" iMac (iSight) to a 20" ACD.

 

[jesteraver]

I hope the next line of iMac's will have a better contrast ratio. Hopefully a better response time and brightness.

Contrast: 1000:1 or 2000:1
Response time: 6 ms
Brightness: 550 cd/m2

Now that be great for a computer monitor from Apple.

Hopefully we will get some more powerful NVIDIA something like GeForce Go 7950 GTX

 

[queshy]

I dont know about the numbers, but my 24" looks way better than my old HP LCD 21" monitor. It's hte best computer monitor I personally have ever used. The colors are great, and mine has no light leakage at all, or any dead pixels. I think the 20" may not be as bright, though.

 

[danny_w]

All this talk about the iMac has me wanting to go look at some in the store. I have an older rec b iMac G5 17" and it is clearly not as clear or bright as my 20" Dell 2005fpw. It looks somehow muted by comparison. Do the 20" and 24" iMacs really look that much better?

 

[rogersmj]

All this talk about the iMac has me wanting to go look at some in the store. I have an older rec b iMac G5 17" and it is clearly not as clear or bright as my 20" Dell 2005fpw. It looks somehow muted by comparison. Do the 20" and 24" iMacs really look that much better?

The 20" iMacs look a lot better than the 2005fpw, even. If you like your 2005fpw, you'll love the iMac's screen. It's beautiful.

 

[danny_w]

The 20" iMacs look a lot better than the 2005fpw, even. If you like your 2005fpw, you'll love the iMac's screen. It's beautiful.

Does this go for the current 17" also?

 

[rogersmj]

Does this go for the current 17" also?

I've never seen the 17" side by side with another monitor, but from what I've seen of them in the store they'll pretty sharp too.

 

[queshy]

If you search the forum, there's even some users saying that it's "too bright" on its maximum setting. I think the brightness is great. Go check it out for yourself.

 

[Locatel]

Does this go for the current 17" also?

The 17" iMac uses a TN panel.

 

[Ramsos]

If you search the forum, there's even some users saying that it's "too bright" on its maximum setting. I think the brightness is great. Go check it out for yourself.

I keep the brightness on my 24" down almost half way all the time.

 

[rkaynan]

20" iMac

My 20" iMac showed up on Thursday and I was surprised that the initial setting on the monitor was the brightness all of the way up. I keep finding myself turning it down and it's currently at 1/3. After being a PC user for quite some time, I'm really quite impressed with this machine.

 

[Zwhaler]

I hope the next line of iMac's will have a better contrast ratio. Hopefully a better response time and brightness.

Contrast: 1000:1 or 2000:1
Response time: 6 ms
Brightness: 550 cd/m2

Now that be great for a computer monitor from Apple.

Hopefully we will get some more powerful NVIDIA something like GeForce Go 7950 GTX

550 is a very high brightness, I would be surprised if they upped the 20 to 400cd/m2 taking that that is already enough to get a mild body tan on the 24"