Apple Thunderbolt Display Package Contents
Apple Thunderbolt Display Contents:
- Screen.
- Network cable.
- Documentation.
Why did Apple decide to take such an unpredictable step? Previously, monitors could be connected to almost any suitable device. This method will promote Thunderbolt to the masses. Of course, not everyone can afford to pay almost a thousand dollars for a monitor, but do not forget that these are high-tech Apple technologies.
Apple Thunderbolt Display 27 Monitor - Specifications
You've never seen a monitor like this before. Its built-in Thunderbolt technology doesn't just give you more pixels. It gives you more options. Built-in Thunderbolt technology. The fastest and most versatile of all I/O interfaces, this monitor does what others can't.
Thunderbolt technology makes it possible to transfer data between your computer and various devices at unsurpassed speeds. With two 10 Gbps channels in each direction, data is transferred up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and up to 12 times faster than FireWire 800. The monitor allows you to connect up to six devices through one compact port. Now this powerful and versatile port is built directly into the monitor for the first time. That's why Apple Thunderbolt Display is much more than just a pretty screen.
The perfect docking station. With built-in Thunderbolt and MagSafe connections, the Apple Thunderbolt Monitor turns any new Mac laptop into a full-featured workstation.
Convenience of a single cable. The versatility of Thunderbolt. At first glance, the new Thunderbolt Display is a stunning 27-inch LED-backlit screen. But connect it to any Thunderbolt-equipped Mac and it becomes an essential element in everything you do. A 27-inch high-resolution screen, great sound, a FaceTime HD camera, and support for FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet. And all this through one wire.
MagSafe connector. Thunderbolt Display is equipped with a MagSafe connector, which supplies power and charges the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The connector is always on your desk, always ready for use. There is no need to untangle the power adapter wire that came with the laptop. Leave it in your bag.
Even more features of MacBook Air. Connect Thunderbolt Display to your MacBook Air to expand its capabilities even further. For example, you can connect peripherals with a FireWire port, connect to high-speed Ethernet networks, and make HD video calls with other Mac users with a built-in FaceTime HD camera.*
Expand the capabilities of your MacBook Pro. Connect two Thunderbolt displays to a 15- or 17-inch MacBook Pro or iMac and enjoy 7 million extra pixels. Turn your MacBook Pro into a workstation by simply connecting additional Thunderbolt-enabled devices through the monitor, such as a high-performance drive or audio and video recorders.
Broad prospects. 27-inch LED-backlit monitor. To say that it is amazing is to say nothing.
Big monitor for big ideas. Connect Apple Thunderbolt Display to your Thunderbolt-enabled Mac for panoramic viewing like never before. The huge 27-inch glossy widescreen monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and an impressive resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. It gives you new space to run apps on your MacBook Air. More pixels for your MacBook Pro. And it will be a worthy companion for your iMac or Mac mini.
LED backlight. Bright present. Instantly turns on full brightness. This is a big advantage of LED backlight technology. It usually takes a while for the screen to reach maximum brightness - but an LED-backlit screen turns on instantly and doesn't dim. LEDs allow you to more accurately adjust screen brightness. Therefore, the LED-backlit Thunderbolt Display can be adjusted to suit ambient light even in a dark room.
Crystal clear picture from any angle. Thunderbolt Display looks great from any angle thanks to advanced IPS (in-plane switching) technology. IPS technology delivers vibrant images and exceptional color stability, even when viewed from the side.
Volumetric, beautiful sound. A Thunderbolt monitor gives you not only video, but also audio. The built-in speaker system includes a subwoofer, giving music, movies and games deep sound with a wide range of frequencies.
Built-in FaceTime HD camera and microphone. With a built-in FaceTime HD camera and microphone, you can connect the monitor to your desktop or Mac laptop without even opening it to take HD video calls or Photo Booth photos.
Ambient Light Sensor The Ambient Light Sensor automatically adjusts the Thunderbolt Display's brightness to the surrounding conditions. This ensures optimal brightness in every situation and reduces power consumption.
Smooth hinge. Thunderbolt Display can be tilted to any angle you like. Thanks to the smooth-operating hinge, adjustment is effortless. Tilt angle from –5 to 25°.
Thunderbolt Display Design
The first thing that catches your eye after purchase is the huge box in which the equipment is packaged. If you compare the monitor and the box itself, the dimensions are disproportionately small, although the weight of the monitor itself is not so small - 10.8 kilograms.
The design of the monitor itself will not leave any user indifferent. The metal case against the background of a rather masonry and narrow matrix looks incredibly stylish.
Apple Thunderbolt Display 27 review
LG ColorPrime IPS 27' (27MB85R-B)
For those who are looking for a Thunderbolt Display replacement but don't need 5K resolution, there is a good option from LG, which, as you know, is one of the suppliers of LCD panels for Apple Thunderbolt Displays. Model 27MB85R-B has an IPS display and supports WQHD resolution (2560x1440) and other characteristics similar to Thunderbolt Display, except for a matte finish.
Unlike other monitors in this price category, the 27MB85R-B has a dual-link DVI-D port, HDMI, DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort. LG equips the monitor with Scaler and True Color Pro calibration tools to ensure high color accuracy.
Essentially, the 27-inch ColorPrime is the next generation of Thunderbolt Display, which Apple will no longer create. You can buy it from B&H Photo ($597.99), and the more advanced ColorPrime 27MB85Z-B with two Thunderbolt ports is on Amazon ($748.16).
Design features of Thunderbolt Display
Now let's talk in more detail about the monitor's characteristics:
- The length of the monitor is about 65 centimeters.
- Height – 49.1 centimeters.
- There is a special stand that fits perfectly on the table.
- Diagonal – 27 inches.
- Screen resolution – 2560*1440 pixels.
- Backlight.
- IPS matrix.
In simple terms, the monitor is exactly what Apple can boast of.
How to use Thunderbolt Display?
Everything here is quite primitive and does not require any additional knowledge:
- If you want to use a monitor with a laptop, it is best to connect the mouse and keyboard first.
- Next, you will need to connect the monitor to a power source.
- Then you can connect the monitor directly to the laptop itself with Thunderbolt.
For those who work on Windows, there is no point in using a monitor, but for MacBook owners it is really worth purchasing a monitor.
Photo: Connectors in Thunderbolt Display
What's on the back of the monitor:
- Three USB ports.
- FireWire.
- Gigabit Ethernet.
- Thunderbolt
- Special security lock.
A selection of the best alternatives to Thunderbolt Display
The reason for the disappearance of Thunderbolt Display from store shelves, which seemed quite expected, has finally received official confirmation. The five-year watch of the Apple monitor has ended, the vacant position of his successor remains unfilled, and the timing of the appointment of the “newcomer” is kept secret. So what should thirsty consumers do? Look for an alternative, of course!
Before you begin an active search, I strongly recommend checking the characteristics of your Mac with the characteristics of the external monitor that you choose. It depends on your attentiveness and, of course, whether your desktop or laptop supports second or third generation Thunderbolt technology whether the accessory will reproduce 4K resolution or not. According to official data, Ultra HD support is guaranteed to owners of the following devices:
- MacBook Pro Retina mid-2014 and newer,
- Mac Pro Late 2013 and newer
- iMac'27 released late 2013 and newer,
- MacBook Air early 2020 and newer.
Everyone else will have to curb their ambitions and just look for a monitor with a lower resolution.
Dell UltraSharp InfinityEdge (U2717D)
An excellent solution from a well-known manufacturer that can satisfy even the most sophisticated visionaries. A widescreen monitor with 2K resolution and zero bezels at the edges of the display is in many ways superior to even Cupertino's Thunderbolt Display. Among the main advantages of the U2717D, it is worth noting the presence of an anti-reflective coating, the ability to be adjusted in several positions, as well as a high-quality IPS matrix with a unique pixel structure. The cost of a monitor in Russia, according to Yandex.Market data, is approximately 40,000 rubles.
Dell UltraSharp (U2715H)
A slightly less functional and slightly more affordable monitor with the index U2715H is the predecessor of the model described above. At the same time, despite the lower cost, the response time of the “old man” is only 8 ms versus 12 ms for Thunderbolt Display at twice the cost. Owners of the U2715H will enjoy the same IPS matrix with a 2K resolution, integrated into the device’s body according to the “edge to edge” principle. A nice addition to the purchase will be an analog audio jack, 5 USB 3.0 connectors, as well as a built-in power supply that will save you from unnecessary fuss with wires. With due persistence, a monitor can be purchased for no more than 35,000 rubles.
BenQ GW2765HT
The most affordable representative of our selection, the characteristics of which, however, are in no way inferior to other opponents. The 27-inch IPS display with 2K resolution will appeal to beginners and ardent pragmatists who are not used to overpaying for brand status. Excellent viewing angles coupled with excellent color rendering will provide you with the same work comfort that Thunderbolt Display owners are accustomed to. And only a thousand rubles per inch.
Asus PB278Q
If this monitor were my friend, I would call it “Asya 178th”. Why, you ask? Yes, because the maximum angle, when viewed from which the PB278Q does not even think of distorting the picture, is 178 degrees. It seems even Thunderbolt Display can't do that. And, unlike the Asus product, it is not able to boast two three-watt speakers, a pair of audio jacks, a response time of 5 ms, and an unsurpassed brightness of 300 nits. The retail price of Asus PB278Q fluctuates around 60,000–65,000 rubles. Not cheap, but Thunderbolt Display is still more expensive.
Dell Ultra HD 4K P2715Q
The only monitor from the entire selection with a 4K resolution on the previous 27 inches was recognized by the editors of iMore as the best monitor for Mac existing today. It seems that a successor to Thunderbolt Display already exists, and it's already in front of you. The P2715Q's performance is lightning fast, and the color reproduction is so realistic that it will amaze even an experienced artist. Stop editing UltraHD video on your iPhone, trust this device from Dell, especially since its cost is approximately the same as the price tag for the “gray” iPhone 6s.
