Apple Cinema Display user reviews (23-inch)

2.0 stars

"Surprisingly poor clarity, fuzzy image & low refresh rate" on October 2, 2006 by awmawm

Pros: Nice large display, excellent design

Cons: Low refresh rate caused headache after 15 min, not a crisp image

Summary: I was so enthusiastic about buying this monitor but was disappointed by the lack of clarity, and the low flicker rate actually caused a headache after 15-20 minutes of use. Alternating display settings didnt fix the issue, I had someone else use it and the headache issue was replicated. I have four LCDs and this was supposed to be "the good one" but it was inferior to the others. The monitor was so problematic that I suspected that it potentially had a defect, I spent over 90 minutes (mostly on hold) on the tech support line with five different people. I had to start over and re-explain each time I got a new person on the line. No one admitted to a problem but I did get Apple to agree to take it back although they initially told me that I would have to pay $100 for restocking fees. With the $1000 cost and the Apple name I had expected much better clarity, and at least helpful technical support if the issue warranted it; I was unfortunately dissapointed by both.

5.0 stars

"Best color consistency I have had in YEARS (and it is sleek)" on February 28, 2005 by tjod123

Pros: Color!!! WOW!

Cons: Wish I could get in 40"

Summary: Not sure which fool thinks the color is poor-- I do digital photography touch-ups for a fortune 100 ad agency and my life has been made so much better with the clear, consistent color of the 23" model.

Apple always seems to get it right, and get it right they have with this one. A digital photographers DREAM come true.

I HIGHLY recommend this monitor (and I use one of the two we got on a windows machine as well....

0.5 stars

"Severe Color Problems" on February 14, 2005

Pros: Nice large screen, bright, looks stylish and sleek.

Cons: Color consistency is very poor. 2-3 inches on the left and right side, color is washed out and very uneven (very visible with solid-colored backgrounds). Not good for color-critical work.

3.5 stars

"Great Even for gaming" on February 28, 2005 by jgilflamer

Pros: Large clear picture

Cons: Not PC compatible

Summary: I wanted a large monitor that delivered great picture quality and fast response (fast enough) time for gaming, this monitor delivered. The only sacrifice you have to make is:1. Price, 2. No PC compatibility; which only means you cannot use the USB ports or connect the monitor to a PC USB. 3. Actually goes with #2, since is not PC compatible, you will not see any DOS promt, bios screen, or the "Windows" load up screen, first thing you will see is the "Welcome" screen. This is all fine except if you are trying to get into your system bios, or even if you just want to delete old video card drivers for a new one, you will need to plug in PC monitor to do this. My suggestion, keep a old 15" LCD around just in case. Otherwise this monito is great for normal work, viewing movies, and playing games, there is no ghosting at all.