Apple Cinema Display

[Vikki Sixx]

Hey guys,

I know most of you are gamers, but I am more a graphics/photography guy and hence refresh times, etc, do not bother me too much. What I do need is excellent color rendition and accuracy.

I have decided to take the plunge and get myself an Apple Cinema Display, but I do not want a Mac as I want to be able to upgrade reasonably often.

My question(s) is therefore:
- is it possible to connect an Apple Cinema Display to a PC?
- how is this done? Easy?
- if it can be where do you get the equipment from?

Thanks
Vic

 

[ponder]

- is it possible to connect an Apple Cinema Display to a PC? Yes
- how is this done? Easy? yes
- if it can be where do you get the equipment from? No idea.

There are some good S-IPS LCD's out there from other manufacturers that are cheaper, what size are you looking at?

 

[Vikki Sixx]

There are some good S-IPS LCD's out there from other manufacturers that are cheaper, what size are you looking at?

So, how is it done then - the guy at the iStore said it can't be done (I didn't believe him)?

I was looking at a 27" widescreen but a 24" standard will do nicely too - can you suggest some?

 

[ponder]

So, how is it done then - the guy at the iStore said it can't be done (I didn't believe him)?

I was looking at a 27" widescreen but a 24" standard will do nicely too - can you suggest some?

I know at one stage some of the Dell S-IPS LCD's were very highly rated (The 30" for one and another smaller one) and if I'm not mistaken they used the same panels that Apple used.

I will have to get back to you with more info tomorrow hopefully.

 

[Viva]

I did a little searching, and it looks like you need a Mini Displayport to DVI adapter. How can the guy at the store not know about the adapter? Or is this issue about the additional pins?

 

[ponder]

How can the guy at the store not know about the adapter?

Because he does not know any better.

 

[dj_jyno]

Because he does not know any better.

or he wants to sell Vic a Mac.

 

[Vikki Sixx]

or he wants to sell Vic a Mac.

Yeah ..... I think that's the case.

Thanks guys ... will do some investigating. Please get back to me Ponder on those Dell's ...... cheers

 

[Rudimental]

Here is some info on the Dell's

Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP 30"
Dell UltraSharp U2711 27"
Prices for these two are probably around R7-7.5K. In a straight comparision, U2711 is probably going to be a better bet colour wise, and you might find 30" a little too big.

Dell UltraSharp U2410 24"
This guy is probably around R5-5.5K, and is at the lower 1920x1200 resolution, vs the higher of the others (2560 x 1440 for the U2711 and 2560 x 1600 for the 3008WFP).

 

[ponder]

Here is some info on the Dell's

Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP 30"
Dell UltraSharp U2711 27"
Prices for these two are probably around R7-7.5K. In a straight comparision, U2711 is probably going to be a better bet colour wise, and you might find 30" a little too big.

Dell UltraSharp U2410 24"
This guy is probably around R5-5.5K, and is at the lower 1920x1200 resolution, vs the higher of the others (2560 x 1440 for the U2711 and 2560 x 1600 for the 3008WFP).

Ta, you saved me some searching.

 

[P924]

Call the guys from the outdoorphoto shop in PTA, they will know exactly how to connect an apple cinema display to a PC. They also sell them.

 

[Vikki Sixx]

Here is some info on the Dell's

Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP 30"
Dell UltraSharp U2711 27"
Prices for these two are probably around R7-7.5K. In a straight comparision, U2711 is probably going to be a better bet colour wise, and you might find 30" a little too big.

Dell UltraSharp U2410 24"
This guy is probably around R5-5.5K, and is at the lower 1920x1200 resolution, vs the higher of the others (2560 x 1440 for the U2711 and 2560 x 1600 for the 3008WFP).

Thanks !! Are these as good (or better) as the Apple Cinema or just cheaper ...

 

[Vikki Sixx]

Where can you get the Dell's from?

 

[Pada]

AFAIK the quality should be the same of the Dell screens compared to the Apple ones. I really don't see a point in spending 2-3x as much for the same quality screen, that has less inputs.
The only reason you'll want to go for the Apple ones is if you're concerned about the looks/style of the screen (and I'm not speaking about the image quality of the panel here).

I have the Dell 3008WFP, which is an older screen than the U2711. The 3008WFP is also big and heavy, and it doesn't allow you to tilt it 90' without taking it off the stand by unscrewing the backplate.
I haven't had the chance to compare my 3008WFP side-by-side with my colleague's U2711 yet, so I really can't tell which one has better colour accuracy, but I suppose that the U2711 is slightly better in that sense.

I simply love the 3008WFP for both gaming & programming, as well as viewing movies & photos.

I got my Dell from LandmarkPC, which is based in Cape Town. If you're working for a big corporate, then you can most likely get it directly from Dell with a massive discount of like 30% or so.

 

[ponder]

I haven't had the chance to compare my 3008WFP side-by-side with my colleague's U2711 yet, so I really can't tell which one has better colour accuracy, but I suppose that the U2711 is slightly better in that sense.

If I recall correctly (I could be wrong) I think the U2711 was a bit better than the 3008WFP from reviews I have read.

Distributors & partners:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/t...ntact/commercial_za?c=za&cs=zadhs1&l=en&s=dhs

 

[Brawler]

http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/dell-ultrasharp-3008wfp-monitor-p-6628.html

 

[Pada]

Yes, Ponder. The U2711 did get better reviews. The 3008WFP actually got quite a few reviews that weren't that positive.

 

[PostmanPot]

HP ZR24

 

[RoganDawes]

Where can you get the Dell's from?

I have seen the 3008 at LandmarkPC for around R7200

 

[dj_jyno]

Some older Dell and Apple Cinema Displays used exactly the same LG-Philips panel inside. Wonder whether this is still the case? If so, there is no reason, other than the design, to pay a premium for the Apple.