What 3rd party monitors work well with new MacBooks?
I have decided that I am indeed going to sell my 17-inch MacBook Pro and use the new aluminum MacBook as my primary computer. To do that I will need to connect a big monitor to the MacBook at the desktop so I can have plenty of screen real estate. I ordered one of the new Apple 24-inch Cinema Displays last week for a number of reasons, primarily because I knew it would work well with the Mac. The display was back-ordered and wouldn’t ship until next week and yesterday due to second thoughts I canceled that order.
The more I thought about the high cost of that Apple display the harder it was for me to justify paying it. There are many third party monitors available today that sell for less than $400 and it’s just lunacy to pay $900 for an Apple-branded monitor. So I canceled the order and now I’m looking for a good alternative.
I have already spotted a number of good candidates online with Samsung leading the pack. They have a number of models, all under $400, that look like good monitors. I definitely want a 24-inch monitor and I would prefer to get one that I know will work well with the new MacBook. What I need from you are your recommendations. I am especially interested in hearing your thoughts on any monitor that you are actually using with a new MacBook or MacBook Pro/ Air. That means you are using the monitor with the mini DisplayPort on the new Mac. So let me hear your recommendations. I need to get this going before the holidays so I can settle down and concentrate on good times, not gear.
If you are willing to pay ~$600, I’d recommend contacting HP to find out whether the new LP2475w is Mac compatible. (Or perhaps you could swing an evaluation unit?) The monitor has a wide range of inputs including Displayport, and features an IPS screen. Here’s a review:
http://www.prad.de/en/monitore/review/2008/review-hp-lp2475w.html
James, keep in mind there are a few nice touches that might make the $899 price easier to handle on the Apple 24″. For instance, it has a built-in 2.1 sound system plus a webcam to use if you run your MacBook with the lid closed. Also, it has additional USB ports, plus it supplies power to the laptop, which means you could leave your MagSafe AC adapter in your gear bag, instead of having to shell out for another one.
But probably the most important feature is the LED backlighting, which most third-party monitors do not use yet, not at this large size. If you have a chance to see one of these in person at an Apple Store, the display is just gorgeous, and I can’t wait myself to pick one up for use with my new MB Air.
Although it’s not a 24″ monitor, I’m using the HP w2207h with my new MacBook and couldn’t be happier. I’m using the Apple mini display port to VGA adapter due to the KVM switch I’m using to also connect it to my desktop. It has built-in speakers (never used them), two usb ports, HDMI, DVI & VGA inputs, rotates 180 for portrait display (again, never used it), and overall similar styling to the Apple display. The only down sides are the lack of a built in web cam and the dust trap that is the screen bezel. It’s currently available at Best Buy for $299. http://tinyurl.com/h2207w
There’s also a 24″ model available but for best bang for my buck I chose this one. Good luck on your search!
I personally think the Apple display offers features to justify the price. Still, if you believe Apple is overpriced there’s no sense in trying to sway you.
However, once you get the mini DisplayPort to DVI adaptor you can use just about any monitor you wish, so I’m not clear on why you think using it with the MacBook would have any bearing the decision? Or are you curious whether the adaptor may be an issue?
Look at LG. I have a 22″ working well with a DVI-D connection.
They do a nice 26″ Flatron Wide screen for $460 on amazon.
I too find the Apple display to have a lot of features but again I don’t see me paying that much for one.
I do want a 24″ monitor as I feel that will fit my needs and workspace perfectly.
Tom, I have read accounts from those who’ve tried the DVI adapter from Apple that it is really DVI. There are those reporting that the adapter can’t be used by monitors they already own. I just want to be sure as returning a 24″ monitor would not be easy.
Jk,
I’ve been looking at some monitors too. Here’s some of my findings in the 24′ range…
The same Samsung for $280, if you (or a friend) has Samsclub. You can’t beat their RETURN policy if it’s a lemon…
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=410802
Asus with HDMI/DVI for $300…I’ve seen some Asus, and they do look really good…
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236049
Asus with HDMI/DVI and webcam for $310…
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236048
Here’s some more on samsclub’s return policy:
http://samswest.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/251/session/L3NpZC9lNnhqRGlsag==
basically, since it’s not a computer, you have a 100% infinite customer satisfaction guarantee. well worth the $40 annual membership fee, IMHO.
Hope it helps, JK
This is actually a good question to ask, since there seems to be a software bug from 10.5.5 that kills DVI output from the mini-DVI and mini-Displayport Macbooks.
Personally, my new Late 2008 Macbook Pro won’t work with my 20″ Viewsonic. Here’s some information on the problem from MacFixIt.
http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20081020231611468
(I just did a Google search for “apple discussion macbook viewsonic” and found this article, I didn’t realize MacFixIt had picked up my Apple Discussion post until searching for a link to share here… I swear this isn’t blog spam.
)
Can I suggest the Dell 2408WFP? It’s about $600 if you catch it on sale and features four digital inputs (2xDVI, 1xHDMI, 1xDisplayPort), component video, VGA, composite, and s-video. It’s a S-PVA panel, but you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between this panel and an IPS panel. I certainly can’t! The broad range of inputs is a huge advantage to this display as DVI KVMs are quite expensive.
I am guessing that part of the problem people have with DVI adapters is with non-HDCP compliant displays. The Dell monitor is HDCP compliant, and when someone finally makes a mini-DisplayPort to full size adapter, you’ll be able to use that too.
My new MacBook works great with the 24″ Samsung monitor I bought early in the year. It’s 1920×1200, LED backlit and Energy Star rated. I forget the actual model, but it was a refurb for $300. Worth every penny.
I ended up doing the same thing. I placed an order for the Apple 24″ LED Cinema Display only to cancel it when it was placed on backorder. I just cannot justify spending money on anything Apple until I see what happens at MacWorld. With it so close, I hate not to wait. Who knows, maybe I will just get me a new iMac and use Teleport.
http://www.abyssoft.com/software/teleport/
This one looks good but is not LED:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/spec.do?group=computersperipherals&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS24CMKKFV/ZA&fullspec=F
@Kevin: Would you mind looking at the back of the monitor to see what model you do have? At $300 for a 24″ LED display, I would certainly be interested to know. Thanks!
What about the Dell Ultrasharp 2408WFP?, I have never heard anything but great things with this monitor, and using live cashback or waiting for slickdeals, you could probably find it for a pretty decent deal.
the page for the monitor-http://tinyurl.com/yq4wo4
ps. the Dell model has a displayport
Lance, I’m away for the weekend, but a little web searching told me I was wrong about the backlighting (assuming I’m correctly remembering which LCD model I have). If I recall, I bought a Samsung SyncMaster 24BW. Apparently, it’s CCFL backlit, based on some specs I just saw. Hard to believe by using it, but I’ll have to assume that the web sources I checked were correct. I’ll double-check when I get home. It’s still an excellent monitor for my daily use and I though it was a steal at just over $300 refurbed.
James – I was asking all the same questions, as I just got rid of my Vista tablet, and went full bore on a new Macbook. I had always used a Dell 19″ LCD in portrait mode for web & my to do list throughout the day. I just picked up the mini displayport to DVI adapter, and it worked like a charm in landscape & portrait. And, unlike a Vista machine, everything works the same even with the additional display attached (sleep mode, instantly recognizes the orientation of the display in portrait, no problems with disconnecting the displayport and all of the windows moving to the Macbook without a hitch, etc). I’m very pleased with the setup. I do want to get a larger 22″ or 24″ display, but I’m having a hard time justifying Apples unit for $899 for LED, sound, isight and displayport native. It would be nice, but i can think of plenty of things I’d drop that extra $500 on. Good luck, and let us know what you do!
Kevin & Lance: According to Kevin, “…this is a Samsung SyncMaster 245BW. I bought it from eCost for $300 plus shipping as a recertified unit.”
http://www.jkontherun.com/2008/06/little-umpc-mee.html
Go with Dell or Samsung, James. The model you choose may even have better specs (where it counts) than the 24″ Apple LCD.
I have a 19″ Samsung that’s served me well. I do have to change the color profile in the OS X preferences, but works great when I use it. Just wish it were 21″ or 22″.
I still say the apple one is a good value and the convenience it adds is priceless. And I mean, honestly, its the sexiest display ever.
But you could always go with a dell. My 3008 30 incher has been working great, and Im glad I got it over the apple 30 inch because of all the extra ports and card readers.
@nomo: Excellent research. Thanks!
@Kevin: Thanks for the information. Sometimes, I forget that we could be replying from anywhere this day and age. Have a safe trip!
As mentioned, I am in the same boat James is. However, I really cannot seem to find anything comparable to the Apple 24″ LED Cinema Display. After borrowing a 24″ iMac recently, I am going to have a tough time going back to a matte display. While many on the Internet swear by the matte display, I really enjoyed the sharpness of the glossy 24″ display on the iMac. Seeing that the new display is LED backlit, it could only be better.
Anyway, I still plan on waiting until MacWorld. Looking forward to see what James decides to do. Take care.
Hi Kevin,
Apple’s Cinema display is really expensive but there is good reason for the high price. First of all the display uses an IPS panel which means you can view it at 180 degrees without any significant color shifting. Of course no one views their monitor like this but TN and MVA panels are not as good even head on. All professional monitors use IPS panels that should tell you something.
I haven’t seen a 24 inch IPS monitor for less than $500, add in the fact that it uses an LED backlight and you can see the price sky rocketing. I haven’t seen a single other 24 inch panel with LED backlighting either so I can’t compare pricing there. When I was looking at monitors it was about 3 months ago, but when you said your panel was LED backlight I knew you were mistaken. LED backlighting isn’t that cheap where you can get a monitor for anywhere near $300. Throw in the fact that the monitor is beautiful with its glass and aluminum construction whereas other monitors go simply with plastic and the price keeps climbing.
If we are talking bang for buck then yes $900 for a 24 inch monitor loses miserably. Most people won’t be bothered by the slight color shifting seen in monitors with TN panels or with a slightly uneven backlighting from ccfl. Most people won’t care all that much how stylish the monitor looks either.
So while their is some justification for Apple’s high price for their 24 inch monitor I don’t think spending 2-3x as much means you’ll be 2-3x as happy with it. As you noticed the backlighting on your Samsung monitor is pretty good!
Eizo 24″ LED Backlit w/ speakers, same specs as Apple? MATTE screen!
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/lcd-monitor-led-backlight-mercury-free-power-savings.php
http://www.eizo.com/products/lcd/ev2411w/index.asp