Apple has just released a brand new Apple Thunderbolt Display (999, Apple Online Store) – essentially a revamped Apple Cinema Display, featuring Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, USB 2.0 ports, and an additional Thunderbolt port for plugging your Thunderbolt accessories into – and it all works over a single cable!
I’ve been waiting for this display for a very long time, and I will, in all likelihood, purchase one very soon – if and when I do, you’ll be among the first to know! One truly awesome aspect is that the new Thunderbolt Display has now been updated to work like a docking station with access to ALL ports, including FireWire 800 and Thunderbolt! Yes!
The full details from Apple’s product page for the Apple Thunderbolt Display follow:
Introducing the world’s first Thunderbolt display.
Thunderbolt technology built in.
Thunderbolt I/O technology lets you move data between your devices and your computer with unprecedented speed. With two channels of 10-Gbps throughput in both directions, it’s up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and up to 12 times faster than FireWire 800. And it allows you to connect as many as six devices through a single, compact port.
The ultimate docking station.
With just one cable, connect any Thunderbolt-enabled Mac and get 27 inches of high-resolution screen space, high-quality audio, a FaceTime HD camera, FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet ports — and a Thunderbolt port you can use to daisy-chain additional high-performance peripherals such as hard drives and video capture devices.
Plug in and power up.
The Thunderbolt Display includes a MagSafe connector that powers and charges your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. The connector sits on your desk, ready and waiting. No need to unwind the cord to the power adapter that came with your notebook. Leave it exactly where it is, in your bag.
A bigger display for your biggest ideas.
Connect your Thunderbolt-enabled Mac to the Thunderbolt Display for a panoramic viewing experience unlike any other. This huge 27-inch glossy widescreen display features a cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio and an astonishing 2560-by-1440 resolution. That gives you more room to work with apps on your MacBook Air. More pixels for your MacBook Pro. And a worthy desktop companion to your iMac or Mac mini.
LED backlighting.
Full brightness with no waiting. That’s the big advantage of LED backlight technology. Unlike most displays that take time to warm up before they reach maximum brightness, an LED-backlit display is instantly on and uniformly bright. LED backlighting also gives you greater control over screen brightness. So you can tune the Thunderbolt Display to suit the ambient light in even the dimmest room.
Built-in FaceTime HD camera and microphone.
With the built-in FaceTime HD camera and microphone, you can connect your Mac desktop or notebook — open or closed — and make HD video calls* or take a few snapshots using Photo Booth.
What’s in the Box
- Apple Thunderbolt Display
- AC power cord
- Printed documentation
System Requirements
- Thunderbolt-enabled Mac computer, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac
- OS X v10.6.8 or later
Technical Specifications
- Screen size: 27 inches (diagonal viewable)
- Screen type: TFT active-matrix LCD with in-plane switching (IPS)
- Resolution: 2560 by 1440 pixels
- Colors: 16.7 million
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Viewing angle: 178° horizontal; 178° vertical
- Brightness: 375 cd/m2
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Response time: 12 ms
Cables
- Built-in Thunderbolt cable
- Built-in Universal MagSafe cable (up to 85W)
Ports
- Three powered USB 2.0 ports
- FireWire 800 port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Thunderbolt port
- Kensington security slot
Camera and Microphone
- Built-in FaceTime HD camera with microphone
Speakers
- Built-in 2.1 speaker system (49 watts)
Electrical Requirements
- Input voltage: 100V to 240V AC; 50-60Hz
- Maximum power: 250W (Thunderbolt Display while charging MacBook Pro)
- Energy saver mode: 1W or less
Environmental Requirements
- Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
- Storage temperature: -4° to 116° F (-20° to 47° C)
- Operating humidity: 20% to 80% noncondensing
- Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet
Size and Weight
- Height: 19.35 inches (49.1 cm)
- Width: 25.7 inches (65 cm)
- Depth (with stand): 8.15 inches (20.7 cm)
- Weight: 23.5 pounds (10.8 kg)
VESA Compatibility
- Compatible with VESA Mount Adapter Kit (sold separately)
