Surely I would be out of my mind to buy an Apple Cinema Display...

[johnbro23]

The only thing holding me back from buying a 20 inch Dell vs. the Apple 20 incher is my loyalty to Apple. Apple's is $800...Dell's is $400. They're the same screen. Apple makes theirs with better parts (aluminum vs. plastic), but come on, it can't cost them that much.

According to the buyers guide, the time between updates (price drops) has been relatively short. We should be due for another price drop soon...right? Apple has to do something.

 

[Peyton]

OK, this very dead horse seems to be beat like mad. When thinking about Apple prices, remember they have a TON of R and D in their designs and so on top of the materials, they have to pay designers for the next round of monitors.

the trick is to be happy with what you buy. I would choose the ACD b/c it will match your comp (cept ibook imac), you're supporting a good cause, Apple, and at least for me, I wouldn't have buyers remorse because I knew I got what I wanted.

Just know what you will be happier with.

Oh yeah, and I'd expect that the ACD has a design update this summer or fall because they are 2 (maybe 3?) years old, and will probably come out with the rumored larger displays. (and I'd guess they'd come along side the new powermacs) IMO

 

[exeterbohemian]

think about it this way... acd equals sexy. dell equals eyesore. 'nuff said.

 

[Chundles]

You would totally be out of your mind to buy the ACD. You would be totally sane though, if you were to purchase one for me.

 

[Josias]

They have made new ACD's for almost every new generation of PowerMac's, so I would wait, but if you need a display now, I would still go for the ACD. It's usually just design they update. Not much technical.

 

[Abstract]

the trick is to be happy with what you buy. I would choose the ACD b/c it will match your comp (cept ibook imac), you're supporting a good cause, Apple, and at least for me, I wouldn't have buyers remorse because I knew I got what I wanted.

Apple isn't a good cause. They're a corporation that wants your money, and they care about you as much as Dell does, which is "very little."


There are only a few companies in this world who make LCD panels, and Apple and Dell both use panels from LG, I think. They did semi-recently, although I'm not sure as of today. Anyway, if you pay $800 for the Apple display, just realize that for $400, you'd be getting equal or better technology (most likely better, actually). With Dell, you pay $400 for the display technology, the R&D involved in making a display (very little since they buy LCD panels and the technology isn't exactly "new"), and the plastic enclosure. With Apple, you'd be paying $400 for the display technology, and $400 for the LCD's aluminium enclosure. Yes, you read correctly.....$400 for the "design" and R&D of the enclosure.

Funny how Dell's displays tend to provide more contrast and brightness than a comparable Apple display ,but for a fraction of the price. Now you know why so many regulars here at MR go with Dell anyway, despite their loyalty to Apple.

 

[MRU]

As someone who has both. The ACD is better built and if you view a black screen you will see equal backlight & eveness. Whereas if you look at the dell on a black screen, there is backlight leakage.

The ACD has firewire hub and just looks more aesthetic.

On the otherhand the dell is so much cheaper and has extra ports so it's a trade off.....

Also I think aestheics count for a lot. If your staring at somthing for 8 - 10 hours a day, you dont want to be looking at a plastic lump. That being said, there was a guy who sprayed his 20" white and it made a huge difference in appearance. Also it's the base of the 20" that sucks the most. On their 26", 32", 37" TV range they have wonderful base design that's actually very heavy and sturdy and flexible. If they used that on the 2005fpw it would make a huge difference...

 

[Josias]

It just looks kinda wrong with a PowerMac and a Dell display. It's like a Dell with a Mighty Mouse.

 

[emaja]

While the ACD is just plain sexy, the Dell uses the exact same Philips panel and you get the same display quality.

It's your $400 - $300 with the edu discount - but is the USB/FW hub worth the difference to you?

I want to support Apple in every way I can, but their display prices are steep compared to other similar displays - not the "El Cheapo" displays, but the ones inthe same class - and Dell wins this one in my mind.

 

[calebjohnston]

I really would recommend the dell. Half the price, same screen - and the black border to your mac screen really doesn't look bad at all.

 

[Raukodur]

or get this 19 inch widescreen ACER for much cheaper. Sure, it isnt the same as a dell or an apple, but its the budget option

Is what im using on my PC atm, and hope to use with my apple when i decide to buy one (will prob be a mini)

 

[Josias]

Acer?!? WTF? If you want a discountscreen, go for LG. My dad got a 17" LG for $180, and it is perfect. But i guess you want larger screens so...

 

[Raukodur]

lol, only reason i bought acer was because it was the cheapest 19 inch widescreen with good reviews. Has worked perfectly ever since i got it.

 

[PlaceofDis]

well if you have more money than you know what to do with, then you wouldnt be insane to get an ACD. if you're on a budget, then you would be. i don't see anything wrong with the dells myself. they are quality displays in my opinion. couldn't you get the dell 24" for under the price of the ACD?

 

[Josias]

I just don't like Dell. They're the image of PC. ughh! In dansih, we say "kill dell", like this: "Slå Dell ihjel!" It rhymes. hehe

 

[calebjohnston]

What's with this whole.. OMG I HAVE A MAC I'M TOO GOOD TO USE A PC. ALL PEECEE's BLOW OMG thing. "Dell is the image of PC" Does that even make sense? Dell might be a computer company that uses the Windows OS, but that doesn't mean they don't make incredible LCD's for good prices.

 

[theheyes]

Come on man, go for the Dell - its half the price!

Its the screen that counts and at 20 inches you shouldn't notice the edges anyway.

 

[danny_w]

I've got the Dell 2005fpw and I love it. True, it does not have the sexy aluminum bezel and atand, but it does have S-Video, Composite, DVI, and VGA inputs, and a USB hub, which are all great for exoansion and connecting to other comps and video consoles.

 

[MRU]

Acer?!? WTF? If you want a discountscreen, go for LG. My dad got a 17" LG for $180, and it is perfect. But i guess you want larger screens so...

The Acer 19" is a very good monitor for the price.

LG are either owned or own Philips.
LG make around 60% of ALL the flat panel LCD screens, be them housed in a Sony/Panasonic/Dell/Apple frame..

LG Philips supply both the 20" ACD & DELL (but only the LCD panel)

Other things like backlight etc are different - hence light bleed on the dell machine.