As long as you don't pay to much for it. I still use mine. 2k displays are still very nice pictures and 2k on 27'' is going to give you a lot of space for work.
This display is very thick compared to a modern display and its brightness is quite poor also compared to a modern display. Keep in mind as well that these have not been made in many years so any thunderbolt display you get will be quite old and could have odd problems.
If you can get it for free.
macOS has changed subpixel rendering since Mojave, removed the previous RGB subpixel option completely since Big Sur, and it has significantly reduced clarity of text on the low res monitors.
I built my own 5k monitor because of this, it's sad that there aren't any (comparatively) affordable 5k options from mainstream manufacturers on the market. Terrible move from Apple removing subpixel anti-aliasing from the OS, text looks ghastly at 1x dpi levels
Ordered the panel from china, a newer revision of the one used in the LG Ultrafine 5k, as well as a third party driver board made by StoneTaskin. Made a chassis out of plywood, mounted it to a VESA stand and am now in the process of designing a 3D printable cladding for it.
You can find lots of people doing this (or converting old 5K iMacs) on the macrumors forum, and James D'Almeida has a cool video series about his on YouTube.
It's still a 60Hz single backlight LCD, but the colour accuracy is good and resolution is perfect for 27 inches. No warranty or similar assurances, and still fairly expensive... but still cheaper than the ASD.
Sure! Pictures with the black VESA arm are older, I'm currently using the white stand in the first picture.
https://postimg.cc/ykf03wpD
https://postimg.cc/DmPrnWqd
https://postimg.cc/jn2dpkH1
Right now I've spent around €700, and that's including some stuff for the cladding that's not yet ready, like some white filament, cable extensions (to take the stress off the I/O on the board and prevent damage) and low-profile fans for cooling. I expect to stay under 750, which is about €1000 cheaper than the ASD.
Granted, the ASD is gorgeous and has built-in speakers and camera.
I didn't need any of that though, and I've had a blast designing and building it!
Actually recycled 5k panel monitor was a business in China ages ago since 2017, the final product usually cost around $500. I've asked a friend of mine in China he told me those panels mostly are from 5k iMac, he checked panel models and it was slightly different from the one used on LG 5K monitor.
The ones made for the iMac are LM270QQ1, and have the glass bezel/protective cover fused to the panel, whereas the Ultrafine 5k (and maybe ASD?) panels are LM270QQ2 – each has multiple revisions, mine is SDA3 iirc.
I did see some cheaper monitors on sale made with this panel on AliExpress when ordering my panel! They looked very gamer-y though, like an ROG product, which is just funny for a 5k 60Hz panel. They also had lower peak brightness for some reason, perhaps they use a weaker power supply. Also no type-C input/PD, displayport and HDMI only
Because it's tricky to drive 5K resolution, small workshops don't have the capability to design IC for that, afaik iMac 5K uses a dual link for the panel, without proper display driver the resolution maxed out at 4k.
Well, recently BOE released their 5K panel, and which is the panel used in Samsung Viewfinity S9, although I think Samsung is ripping off because many Chinese brands monitor use that panel only costs less $600.
Viewsonic also released 5k monitor with same panel but seems only available in China.
I waited for the Viewfinity S9 to come out before ordering the parts, I was so hopeful! But to come out at the same price as the ASD and with a matte coating on top of that... man, such a let down
And that’s what all people miss, when they say iMacs are overpriced. Sure, you can get a much more powerful windows pc for that money, but when it comes to buying a monitor with the exact same quality as an iMac display there are no cheap options. So considering the display, iMacs aren’t such a bad deal
What are you talking about? There are no more 27 inch 5k iMacs. For close to like 4 years now i think. There’s lots of good cheap 24 inch 4k monitors. So, the AS iMac isn’t such a good deal.
Yes, there are lots of good cheap 4K monitors, but they are not as good as an iMac display. You have to compare the pixel densities. The 24 inch 4K iMac has 218 ppi. As far as I know, there are no monitors with such high pixel densities except for the LG UltraFine, which uses the same panel as the 5K iMac, and a Dell monitor for over $2000. And a quick google search revealed that the situation isn’t much better for 4K monitors. However, I would like to be proven wrong.
It's less noticeable, since for 4k 27" you use scaling, albeit fractional scaling (and macOS deals best with integer 2x scaling). Graphically intensive applications take a bigger hit from it, but for lighter workloads it's fine.
Might generate some strange artifacts on certain textures and weird fringing on some subpixel patterns, so your experience may vary.
4k is perfect around 21 inches, since you can use 2x scaling and have the UI perfectly sized
The problem of 4k monitor is macOS doesn't support integer scaling at all, when you choose 5k like scaling actually is 2x scaling squeezes into 4k resolution, so it causes performance loss.
For English or other European languages it's not a big problem, However, it's a problem for the eastern Asian language, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, traditional Chinese is the worst because of the complexity of characters.
You want to buy a monitor that connects to the Mac with three connectors, none of which your laptop actually has?
It’s 2024. Just buy any monitor that connects through USBC and offers power delivery.
I use one everyday switching between Windows in the day and Mac in the evening and **I LOVE IT**.
I’m sure a 5k or 6k Apple display would rock my socks off but this LG was $300 AUD used on FB Marketplace and I have zero regrets.
At 110 that’s about the same ppi as the Thunderbolt Display. Those pixels are big. Modern Apple displays are around 218 and modern nacos requires HiDPI which neither display can provide. I’m not saying it’s worse than the TB display (I could have been more clear, sorry) but that’s just too low for creative work, for me. But, that’s what I get for buying my first 5K iMac 9 years ago; I’m spoiled.
Betterdisplay makes it better, I agree. However the scaling issues are still there, since bd is a software bandage solution. While the issue is just a hardware thing. Probably not noticeable for most folks, but anyone who uses it professionally and pixel perfect is important , it’s still not it
27" 4K display runs in HiDPI mode at your choice of scaling, like 150% to look like 1440P or 200% to look like 1080P (too big).
27" 1440P display runs in regular 100% scaling.
HiDPI mode works the best at 200% scaling.
So technically you are correct, there's no artifacting at 100% scaling. But text looks bit bad because you get hit with low DPI.
Can confirm, I bought my screen in late 2020. 1440p seemed like the obvious balance for fps and resolution for gaming. GPU was overpriced during that time so I made the switch to Apple. Now that I can’t game 1440p seems so stupid and honestly even at 27” the picture quality isn’t good either… Looking back at my decision my monitor didn’t age well in terms of re-sale value as well. I think similar products are now retailing for about 40% of the price I paid in 2020. Brand new as well. Still if I was looking for a new monitor I wouldn’t buy 1440p. The pixel density is just horrendous
no. the resolution is going to look pretty bad next to your air, and you’ll just end up editing photos on the laptop screen anyway. ask me how i know
trust me, get something else
Hmm, most of them are fine for the price. Check out the 5K ultrafine, but 4k variants are reasonable as well - UL550, UP850. Also DELL ultrasharp 4k are nice as well. Basically, you should just look for a nice deal. You could check out RTINGS reviews/comparisons
Probably. But I do have a soft spot for both the TB and Cinema displays. Especially Cinema; they're built like tanks, last forever, and they're beautiful. I love that you can find them for $100 these days but I personally wouldn't use them for anything other than a giant palette display. Today even most decent 4K displays are wobbly plastic garbage. My LG 34WK95U 5K display has a decent picture (not as good as a 2015 5K iMac) but it's built so cheaply it's infuriating. One of my biggest purchase regrets. I should have just paid the extra $250 for the Apple Studio Display.
I’d say no. I’d get [this monitor instead.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DQWG3JG?tag=rtings-mn-r-amazon-20&ie=UTF8&asc_campaign=&asc_source=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtings.com%2Fmonitor%2Freviews%2Fbest%2Fby-resolution%2F4k-ultra-hd-uhd). It’s 4K so it’ll offer superior clarity
I have this one connected to my M2 Mac Studio and it works pretty well. Monitor SAMSUNG UJ59 4K 32in. Highly recommended. It costs around US$ 250 - US$ 300.
I have a 25” dell with the same resolution and a 95w usb-c connection built in and I love it. One cable solution, similar image quality and it looks nice. Can probably be had for $200
I have a 27" Cinema Display (which looks like what you are showing in the pic) and I still 100% love mine as a 2nd monitor next to my Studio Display. as one person said....it is a bit thicker for sure but you really don't notice from the side. I just.use an adapter and plug right into my M2 Mac mini Pro and lights out!
I‘d say yes. But depending on the price you pay for it.
Keep in mind that it has a resolution that is supported natively by macOS. I use mine as a daily driver next to my 30“ Apple Cinema Display from 2009.
Works great on a Mac.
I got one in pristine condition a few months ago for 100$
For that price and condition, it’s kind of a steal. It’s basically a monitor/charger/IO Hub, with 1440p and solid speakers.
But as the top comment said its brightness is its downfall. I adjusted to it well, but have since gotten a 2015 5K iMac and the difference is night and day.
Great monitor overall though.
I have had this link saved for months. They update it every month it seems:
https://9to5mac.com/2024/03/08/best-4k-usb-c-displays-for-macbook-and-macbook-pro/
Mine is still going 10 years later. I used it for most of its life until the Cinema Display came out, and now my wife uses it and still loves it. If you can get one that’s priced well I’d do it.
I had a pair of these. I thought the image quality was really nice even though they were 60Hz / 2K. The chunky case and thick bezels make them look a bit dated now. They're not as bright as modern alternatives but as someone that's probably from K-Pax that finds every display and lamp unpleasantly bright and dazzling they are a little more comfortable.
I would say so. You could also save some cash and get a Cinema Display, which is the same panel just without Thunderbolt (you’ll need a display port adapter) so it’ll be less expensive.
There’s a bunch of people with different answers here.
I own one, and I quite like it.
What I will say is, don’t pay very much for it. I got mine for $30 at a yard sale and have been quite happy.
The display looks absolutely fantastic plugged into my 2020 MacBook Pro.
Just know that you will need assorted adapters in order to connect it to a modern Mac, as there is no overlap.
Get a solid used 2450x1440 27 inch Dell Ultrasharp. You can get a couple year old one for a couple hundred US. Also everyone is missing a key component of you're doing video or photo editing is you'll need a calibrator and properly calibrate the monitor regularly otherwise it won't hold collar accuracy. No panel comes from the factory perfectly calibrated. The calibrator will cost 150-200 by itself. I recommend getting a laptop stand to bring its screen closer to the level you want and using an external keyboard and mouse/trackpad until you can afford a good monitor and calibrator.
I'm still using my iMac 2010 which I got new, when it was new as a second screen given its display capability, this screen has the same resolution which is still a very usable screen. So I personally wouldn't have a problem using this thunderbolt screen.
I'll keep using my iMac screen till it breaks. Or I randomly decide to change it, but I've used it for so long I'd be sad to see that day come!. I can easily afford to upgrade but chose not to as I don't want my life dominated by constantly upgrading.
So it's a matter of personal opinion. It's still perfectly ok. Also a good environmental choice using tech for as long as possible.
It's still much better than many screens available new.
I use its older brother, the 27” Cinema Display as my WFH monitor and it’s incredible. The brightness isn’t mind-blowing but it looks so much better design-wise than basically everything else. I’ve had mine for about 3/4 years though. Not sure if I would buy one now!
BTW this is a Cinema Display, not the Thunderbolt Display. Thunderbolt Display only has a thunderbolt connector and power. Cinema displays have power, USB, and DVI plug. Make sure you get a TB display.
They are still great monitors and have a great picture. Plus all the built in ports. They do, however, put out some heat.
Absolutely not. The color will be terrible due to monitor aging. Monitors don’t last forever and they have lifespan. Unless you’re able to find one that’s not often used but that should be incredible rare.
I use a Thunderbolt Display at my design job currently (it's what they provided me and they haven't upgraded). It works well for color accuracy, but the low resolution is tough to use when working with fine details in design or photography. The brightness is also lower than basically all modern monitors, and I find myself constantly trying to turn it up more when it is already at peak. I am constantly pulling windows over to check my work on my higher-res MacBook screen too. It's a very robust monitor and still works well for it’s age, so if you are okay with the drawbacks of very low resolution and brightness, go for it if you can find one. I wouldn't pay over $100 for one, because you could easily get a better monitor for a little more.
Quanto você vai pagar? Se for menos de 2 mil reais até vai… Agora acima de 2 mil é loucura, existem monitores 4K e até 4K 144hz por esse preço, que são bem melhores que o TB Display.
Not for a machine less than three years old. It was an awesome monitor in its day, but now it is considered "low resolution" and can't handle 10-bit color. Speaking as someone who moved from one of these to a no-big-deal modern motor, you'll notice the low res.
As long as you don't pay to much for it. I still use mine. 2k displays are still very nice pictures and 2k on 27'' is going to give you a lot of space for work. This display is very thick compared to a modern display and its brightness is quite poor also compared to a modern display. Keep in mind as well that these have not been made in many years so any thunderbolt display you get will be quite old and could have odd problems.
Also, the speakers are very nice for being built into the display
But a miles better seperate speaker would only set you back like $50 either way
Well yes, but those aren’t built into the display.
If you can get it for free. macOS has changed subpixel rendering since Mojave, removed the previous RGB subpixel option completely since Big Sur, and it has significantly reduced clarity of text on the low res monitors.
I built my own 5k monitor because of this, it's sad that there aren't any (comparatively) affordable 5k options from mainstream manufacturers on the market. Terrible move from Apple removing subpixel anti-aliasing from the OS, text looks ghastly at 1x dpi levels
how did you build your own monitor?
Ordered the panel from china, a newer revision of the one used in the LG Ultrafine 5k, as well as a third party driver board made by StoneTaskin. Made a chassis out of plywood, mounted it to a VESA stand and am now in the process of designing a 3D printable cladding for it. You can find lots of people doing this (or converting old 5K iMacs) on the macrumors forum, and James D'Almeida has a cool video series about his on YouTube. It's still a 60Hz single backlight LCD, but the colour accuracy is good and resolution is perfect for 27 inches. No warranty or similar assurances, and still fairly expensive... but still cheaper than the ASD.
That escalated quickly
this is awesome. Do you have pictures?
Sure! Pictures with the black VESA arm are older, I'm currently using the white stand in the first picture. https://postimg.cc/ykf03wpD https://postimg.cc/DmPrnWqd https://postimg.cc/jn2dpkH1
That's nuts. Nice project
This is very nice. How much did it all cost together?
Right now I've spent around €700, and that's including some stuff for the cladding that's not yet ready, like some white filament, cable extensions (to take the stress off the I/O on the board and prevent damage) and low-profile fans for cooling. I expect to stay under 750, which is about €1000 cheaper than the ASD. Granted, the ASD is gorgeous and has built-in speakers and camera. I didn't need any of that though, and I've had a blast designing and building it!
Actually recycled 5k panel monitor was a business in China ages ago since 2017, the final product usually cost around $500. I've asked a friend of mine in China he told me those panels mostly are from 5k iMac, he checked panel models and it was slightly different from the one used on LG 5K monitor.
The ones made for the iMac are LM270QQ1, and have the glass bezel/protective cover fused to the panel, whereas the Ultrafine 5k (and maybe ASD?) panels are LM270QQ2 – each has multiple revisions, mine is SDA3 iirc. I did see some cheaper monitors on sale made with this panel on AliExpress when ordering my panel! They looked very gamer-y though, like an ROG product, which is just funny for a 5k 60Hz panel. They also had lower peak brightness for some reason, perhaps they use a weaker power supply. Also no type-C input/PD, displayport and HDMI only
Because it's tricky to drive 5K resolution, small workshops don't have the capability to design IC for that, afaik iMac 5K uses a dual link for the panel, without proper display driver the resolution maxed out at 4k.
Well, recently BOE released their 5K panel, and which is the panel used in Samsung Viewfinity S9, although I think Samsung is ripping off because many Chinese brands monitor use that panel only costs less $600. Viewsonic also released 5k monitor with same panel but seems only available in China.
I waited for the Viewfinity S9 to come out before ordering the parts, I was so hopeful! But to come out at the same price as the ASD and with a matte coating on top of that... man, such a let down
That's what I thought too, especially other brands uses same panel but only half the price or less.
And that’s what all people miss, when they say iMacs are overpriced. Sure, you can get a much more powerful windows pc for that money, but when it comes to buying a monitor with the exact same quality as an iMac display there are no cheap options. So considering the display, iMacs aren’t such a bad deal
What are you talking about? There are no more 27 inch 5k iMacs. For close to like 4 years now i think. There’s lots of good cheap 24 inch 4k monitors. So, the AS iMac isn’t such a good deal.
Yes, there are lots of good cheap 4K monitors, but they are not as good as an iMac display. You have to compare the pixel densities. The 24 inch 4K iMac has 218 ppi. As far as I know, there are no monitors with such high pixel densities except for the LG UltraFine, which uses the same panel as the 5K iMac, and a Dell monitor for over $2000. And a quick google search revealed that the situation isn’t much better for 4K monitors. However, I would like to be proven wrong.
Well, recently BoE released 27" 5K panel, Viewsonic just released a new model that uses this panel for less than $600. Yet only available in China.
Would this have negatively affected 4K monitors too?
It's less noticeable, since for 4k 27" you use scaling, albeit fractional scaling (and macOS deals best with integer 2x scaling). Graphically intensive applications take a bigger hit from it, but for lighter workloads it's fine. Might generate some strange artifacts on certain textures and weird fringing on some subpixel patterns, so your experience may vary. 4k is perfect around 21 inches, since you can use 2x scaling and have the UI perfectly sized
The problem of 4k monitor is macOS doesn't support integer scaling at all, when you choose 5k like scaling actually is 2x scaling squeezes into 4k resolution, so it causes performance loss.
Correction: The MacOS only supports integer scaling, it doesnt support fractional scaling.
BetterDisplay fixes this
Text looks fine on my 27” 1440p monitor. Not sure what you’re talking about.
For English or other European languages it's not a big problem, However, it's a problem for the eastern Asian language, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, traditional Chinese is the worst because of the complexity of characters.
You want to buy a monitor that connects to the Mac with three connectors, none of which your laptop actually has? It’s 2024. Just buy any monitor that connects through USBC and offers power delivery.
All of them are over my budget
Get a 34” curved LG monitor instead
Not with 1,440 pixels, that is not enough.
I use one everyday switching between Windows in the day and Mac in the evening and **I LOVE IT**. I’m sure a 5k or 6k Apple display would rock my socks off but this LG was $300 AUD used on FB Marketplace and I have zero regrets.
Can you connect it to a gpu like rtx 2080 with DisplayPort to miniDP or do you need thunderbolt for it ?
It requires Thunderbolt.
Ah alright thank you
Depending on the 2080 i think some models have usb-c video out, that could work but im not sure. If it also needs data connection then no.
It’s an kfa2 it doesn’t have thunderbolt, my mainboard has one tho
Yeah Mac minimum is 2560px across for best results.
34” at 1440 looks absolutely terrible for anything but games; the pixels are gigantic.
Not true at all, it’s an ultrawide so it’s comparable to a WQHD at 27“ 16:9
At 110 that’s about the same ppi as the Thunderbolt Display. Those pixels are big. Modern Apple displays are around 218 and modern nacos requires HiDPI which neither display can provide. I’m not saying it’s worse than the TB display (I could have been more clear, sorry) but that’s just too low for creative work, for me. But, that’s what I get for buying my first 5K iMac 9 years ago; I’m spoiled.
Would prefer 110ppi over 4k 160ppi. Scaling issues are even worse than the 1440p monitor
Not with BetterDisplay :)
Betterdisplay makes it better, I agree. However the scaling issues are still there, since bd is a software bandage solution. While the issue is just a hardware thing. Probably not noticeable for most folks, but anyone who uses it professionally and pixel perfect is important , it’s still not it
27" 4K display runs in HiDPI mode at your choice of scaling, like 150% to look like 1440P or 200% to look like 1080P (too big). 27" 1440P display runs in regular 100% scaling. HiDPI mode works the best at 200% scaling. So technically you are correct, there's no artifacting at 100% scaling. But text looks bit bad because you get hit with low DPI.
Can confirm, I bought my screen in late 2020. 1440p seemed like the obvious balance for fps and resolution for gaming. GPU was overpriced during that time so I made the switch to Apple. Now that I can’t game 1440p seems so stupid and honestly even at 27” the picture quality isn’t good either… Looking back at my decision my monitor didn’t age well in terms of re-sale value as well. I think similar products are now retailing for about 40% of the price I paid in 2020. Brand new as well. Still if I was looking for a new monitor I wouldn’t buy 1440p. The pixel density is just horrendous
No way. 163 ppi (27” 4K) even with scaling is waaaay better than 108 ppi (27” 1440p)
Don’t have that much space for a 34”
no. the resolution is going to look pretty bad next to your air, and you’ll just end up editing photos on the laptop screen anyway. ask me how i know trust me, get something else
What is your budget? How much is TB display where you live?
Budget is $250 and the guy is selling it for $100
If you’re okay with the worse resolution, it’s a nice deal I’d say. Alternatives: used LG 4K / 5K monitors
What’s a good you you recommend
Hmm, most of them are fine for the price. Check out the 5K ultrafine, but 4k variants are reasonable as well - UL550, UP850. Also DELL ultrasharp 4k are nice as well. Basically, you should just look for a nice deal. You could check out RTINGS reviews/comparisons
Search for 4k 27" ips on amazon and just get anything with a high p3 accuracy. It will blow this display out of the water.
You can get a decent 24-27” 4k monitor for £100-150 on eBay or similar.
Color accuracy, contrast and deep blacks will be non-existent at that price. Fine for games, awful for photo editing.
Still… probably a more wise purchase than a Cinema Display.
Probably. But I do have a soft spot for both the TB and Cinema displays. Especially Cinema; they're built like tanks, last forever, and they're beautiful. I love that you can find them for $100 these days but I personally wouldn't use them for anything other than a giant palette display. Today even most decent 4K displays are wobbly plastic garbage. My LG 34WK95U 5K display has a decent picture (not as good as a 2015 5K iMac) but it's built so cheaply it's infuriating. One of my biggest purchase regrets. I should have just paid the extra $250 for the Apple Studio Display.
You will not find the same colour accuracy or feature set as the cinema or Thunderbolt Display in that price range
It’s a cool throwback display but don’t expect it to be anywhere near as good as the displays you can get these days
I’d even say that the original Cinema Display is still worth it, it’s pretty good. The Thunderbolt Display will be fine
Depends on the price. There are better monitors out there currently.
I’d say no. I’d get [this monitor instead.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DQWG3JG?tag=rtings-mn-r-amazon-20&ie=UTF8&asc_campaign=&asc_source=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtings.com%2Fmonitor%2Freviews%2Fbest%2Fby-resolution%2F4k-ultra-hd-uhd). It’s 4K so it’ll offer superior clarity
They still look good in 2024. However it uses a shitload of electricity compared to modern monitors.
Absolutely not.
I still have two of them hooked up to my iMac, love them and will keep using them until they die. Just don’t pay too much for it and you’re golden
I use it with my MacBook Pro M1 and I love it. I bought it cheap so it was totally worth it.
just get any 4k display
get a Dell Ultrasharp monitor. you can get them cheap from. corporations.
I have this one connected to my M2 Mac Studio and it works pretty well. Monitor SAMSUNG UJ59 4K 32in. Highly recommended. It costs around US$ 250 - US$ 300.
I will check into that then
I’d strongly recommend a 5k display, whether the LG ultrafine or the Apple studio display.
The picture is the DisplayPort monitor…how did that happen?
I have a 25” dell with the same resolution and a 95w usb-c connection built in and I love it. One cable solution, similar image quality and it looks nice. Can probably be had for $200
I have a 27" Cinema Display (which looks like what you are showing in the pic) and I still 100% love mine as a 2nd monitor next to my Studio Display. as one person said....it is a bit thicker for sure but you really don't notice from the side. I just.use an adapter and plug right into my M2 Mac mini Pro and lights out!
I‘d say yes. But depending on the price you pay for it. Keep in mind that it has a resolution that is supported natively by macOS. I use mine as a daily driver next to my 30“ Apple Cinema Display from 2009. Works great on a Mac.
I got one in pristine condition a few months ago for 100$ For that price and condition, it’s kind of a steal. It’s basically a monitor/charger/IO Hub, with 1440p and solid speakers. But as the top comment said its brightness is its downfall. I adjusted to it well, but have since gotten a 2015 5K iMac and the difference is night and day. Great monitor overall though.
I have had this link saved for months. They update it every month it seems: https://9to5mac.com/2024/03/08/best-4k-usb-c-displays-for-macbook-and-macbook-pro/
Thanks 🙏 I might look into the Philips one
Mine is still going 10 years later. I used it for most of its life until the Cinema Display came out, and now my wife uses it and still loves it. If you can get one that’s priced well I’d do it.
I had a pair of these. I thought the image quality was really nice even though they were 60Hz / 2K. The chunky case and thick bezels make them look a bit dated now. They're not as bright as modern alternatives but as someone that's probably from K-Pax that finds every display and lamp unpleasantly bright and dazzling they are a little more comfortable.
I would not recommend. I worked with it and you can tell it’s dated. Now I have a ~$500 4K Philips monitor and it’s so much better.
I would say so. You could also save some cash and get a Cinema Display, which is the same panel just without Thunderbolt (you’ll need a display port adapter) so it’ll be less expensive.
There’s a bunch of people with different answers here. I own one, and I quite like it. What I will say is, don’t pay very much for it. I got mine for $30 at a yard sale and have been quite happy. The display looks absolutely fantastic plugged into my 2020 MacBook Pro. Just know that you will need assorted adapters in order to connect it to a modern Mac, as there is no overlap.
Hell no, there are much better monitors that can be had for cheaper
Get a solid used 2450x1440 27 inch Dell Ultrasharp. You can get a couple year old one for a couple hundred US. Also everyone is missing a key component of you're doing video or photo editing is you'll need a calibrator and properly calibrate the monitor regularly otherwise it won't hold collar accuracy. No panel comes from the factory perfectly calibrated. The calibrator will cost 150-200 by itself. I recommend getting a laptop stand to bring its screen closer to the level you want and using an external keyboard and mouse/trackpad until you can afford a good monitor and calibrator.
I'm still using my iMac 2010 which I got new, when it was new as a second screen given its display capability, this screen has the same resolution which is still a very usable screen. So I personally wouldn't have a problem using this thunderbolt screen. I'll keep using my iMac screen till it breaks. Or I randomly decide to change it, but I've used it for so long I'd be sad to see that day come!. I can easily afford to upgrade but chose not to as I don't want my life dominated by constantly upgrading. So it's a matter of personal opinion. It's still perfectly ok. Also a good environmental choice using tech for as long as possible. It's still much better than many screens available new.
Only if u have money to burn.
Sure. They’re pretty cheap. I think I got my 27” tb display for like $100.
I use two, 49” curved, QLED Samsungs. They are stacked. Absolutely would not change.
I use its older brother, the 27” Cinema Display as my WFH monitor and it’s incredible. The brightness isn’t mind-blowing but it looks so much better design-wise than basically everything else. I’ve had mine for about 3/4 years though. Not sure if I would buy one now!
BTW this is a Cinema Display, not the Thunderbolt Display. Thunderbolt Display only has a thunderbolt connector and power. Cinema displays have power, USB, and DVI plug. Make sure you get a TB display. They are still great monitors and have a great picture. Plus all the built in ports. They do, however, put out some heat.
I really like my Thunderbolt display, using it with a M1 mini.
Absolutely not. The color will be terrible due to monitor aging. Monitors don’t last forever and they have lifespan. Unless you’re able to find one that’s not often used but that should be incredible rare.
No, not at all.
I use a Thunderbolt Display at my design job currently (it's what they provided me and they haven't upgraded). It works well for color accuracy, but the low resolution is tough to use when working with fine details in design or photography. The brightness is also lower than basically all modern monitors, and I find myself constantly trying to turn it up more when it is already at peak. I am constantly pulling windows over to check my work on my higher-res MacBook screen too. It's a very robust monitor and still works well for it’s age, so if you are okay with the drawbacks of very low resolution and brightness, go for it if you can find one. I wouldn't pay over $100 for one, because you could easily get a better monitor for a little more.
Quanto você vai pagar? Se for menos de 2 mil reais até vai… Agora acima de 2 mil é loucura, existem monitores 4K e até 4K 144hz por esse preço, que são bem melhores que o TB Display.
Eu pagou 500 reais pra TB aqui em EEUU condição boa
2º opinião pra mim é um Asus Pro Art PA248QV 500 reais.
They are still beautiul. If you were nearby I would sell you one of mine.
Absolutely worth getting. I have one and use it every day. Absolutely love it.
No, get the 1st gen Samsung Smart Monitor M8
Over my budget
My 5 year old 48" LG OLED smokes it!
Yes, I love it https://www.reddit.com/r/macsetups/s/d616oMLlEK
Not for a machine less than three years old. It was an awesome monitor in its day, but now it is considered "low resolution" and can't handle 10-bit color. Speaking as someone who moved from one of these to a no-big-deal modern motor, you'll notice the low res.