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MillimeterReview: Apple Mac Pro
Jun 4, 2009 12:00 PM, By Jan Ozer
New iteration of Apple powerhouse sees a performance boost from Intel Nehalem processor.
Apple LED Cinema Display
As mentioned, Apple sent along a new Apple LED Cinema Display, a beautiful 24in. flatpanel display that retails for $899. Like most Apple hardware products, the display looks like it should go directly to the Museum of Modern Art without passing Go, and I found the glossy display very crisp and easy to work with. Still, there are a couple of issues you should at least consider before running down to the local Apple Store and buying the unit.
In terms of specs, the display has a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 and a stated contrast ratio of 1000:1. It ships with a Mini DisplayPort connector, which works with the latest versions of the MacBook notebooks and Mac Pro desktops. Billed as the “first display designed specifically for the MacBook,” the display also comes with a universal MagSafe power connector that can supply power to your MacBook, a great feature if you have a MacBook. The display also features an iSight camera with microphone, an internal loudspeaker, and a USB hub with three ports.
The display uses solid-state LED light sources for backlighting its glossy screen. There’s a new black edge of glass around the monitor that’s reminiscent of the iPod touch or iPhone. The rounded back is thinner around the edges than the older-style displays, and the overall look and feel is warmer and more compelling as compared to older Apple Cinema panels.
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If you read the online reviews at the Apple Store and elsewhere, you’ll note that the responses to the glossy finish are polarized; most folks love it, but some hate it. When not turned on, the unit is very reflective, and it prominently displays fingerprints and dust. While the unit is working, most of this disappears, and you end up noticing the high contrast ratio and bright colors more than any reflection. I compared the monitor with a similarly sized LCD panel running the identical program side by side, and the LED Cinema Display was clearly sharper and more readable. Several random visitors had a close look at the monitor while it was running in my office, and none of them even mentioned the reflection.
All that said, when displaying black onscreen, the reflections can get very noticeable. For example, while testing the monitor and Mac Pro, I shot and edited a piano recital, and when the black baby grand filled the picture, you could definitely check your five o’clock shadow or makeup. Your eyes quickly learned to tune this out, but some folks might find this irritating and/or distracting.
On the other hand, the embedded loudspeakers were a nice touch without a real negative. The audio comes up via the USB cable, so there’s no loudspeaker cable to hassle with, and the quality was certainly good enough for meat-and-potatoes video work. If you’re mixing audio or performing noise reduction, you’ll need your headphones or professional (audio) monitors, but you probably use those even with traditional loudspeakers. Though there’s no headphone port on the monitor, if you plug your headphone into the computer driving the monitor, the loudspeakers in the monitor shut down, which is great in an office situation.
Beyond the glossy look, what are the other concerns? First, the cable is ridiculously short—about 42in. by my measure—and barely reached the computer when the display sat on a traditional desk. If you use a standing desk like I do much of the time, you’re out of luck, as Apple doesn’t yet offer a cable extension. Second, an HDMI or even S-Video connection would have been nice for those wishing to use the $899 display for pure video playback. These are common features on competing 24in. monitors. Finally, with 24in. monitors from name-brand competitors priced in the $300-to-$400 range, the LED Cinema Display may be a tough sell for all but the most well-heeled buyers, and museums, of course.
bottomline
Company: Apple
www.apple.com
Product: Mac Pro
Assets: Performance boost with Intel Nehalem; new, serviceable case design.
Caveats: Can’t add second processor if you choose single-processor system; no FireWire 400 port; no Blu-ray recording options.
Price: Starting at $2,499 (single-processor); starting at $3,299 (dual-processor); $6,799 (as tested)
Continue the discussion on Crosstalk the Millimeter Forum.