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This monitor lacks a lot of features, and it makes sense because it was released in mid 2004. Apple has also officially DISCONTINUED it if you look on their web site. I'd encourage people to wait until Macworld '09 in SF this January, where they will likely introtuce new models with more competitive features (wide gamut, better viewing angles, contrast ratio, etc). If you need a monitor right now I'd look into NEC's high end 24" and 26" monitors.
Apple monitors are seriously overpriced. Colorcomp help insure even colors across the the screen. There is also a 26in version (2690WUXi) that is Wide Gamut, for those than need it. For your money there are better alternatives. There are "spectraview" packages that include a one eye calibrator and NEC's software. If you want a good photo editing 24in LCD look at the NEC 2490WUXi. It is a decent monitor, just much too expensive. Check out Reviews and you will find it is a pro quality monitor that matches monitors 2-3x the price.
It is about 200 more but the screen is much better. It has an A-TW polarizer which increases the viewing angle and comes with an internal LUT for better calibration. It is about 100$ more for that version. Check out Hardforum.com for LOTS of good info on the subject.
The one at work was purchased to replace a 2004 model 23" Cinema HD (same model, just older) one that was stolen. I have one at work (I'm a graphic and web designer for an Ad agency) and now one at home and love them both. Both were purchased here at Amazon in August '08. That one had an obvious pink cast to it that was hard to correct even with calibration, but both of the new ones are beautiful and quite color "neutral." The 1920x1200 feels like a lot of room to work but not "too much".if that's even possible. If you can afford it, go for it.
I originally bought this for my PC-based NLE workstation. The power indicator thoughtfully goes dark during use to reduce distraction. Fine details can be seen that aren't noticeable on other nearly as expensive monitors. It would boot OK with 2 displays connected, so I used it for a few weeks. Have Fun,KeriUpdate: I confirmed that the incompatibility with my PC was a fault of the Video Card, not this monitor. A utility called "WinACD" helps enormously when using it with a Windows PC. It's not 100% PC compatible, as my system refused to boot with only this display connected to an ATI 3850 video card. It so impressed me, I bought a Mac Pro to go with it.I seem to have gotten one of the perfect ones with even backlighting and color and no dead or stuck pixels.Details are sharp and clear and video plays well with no noticeable ghosting or jaggies.
The monitor is well made with a solid aluminum frame and stand. It's got great details like a single cable connecting the monitor to a breakout box at the computer end, Firewire 400 and USB ports and unobtrusive touch switches for power and brightness. It's by far the best monitor of any kind that I've seen yet. A BIOS update of the Video Card resolved the issue with this and certain other DVI monitors.
For color critical work Ezio and NEC have some amazing products, but expensive. I read endless reviews before deciding on which display to pair with my new Mac Pro. Dell and Samsung have some great value monitors but not great for creative design work. I looked at monitors from Dell, NEC, Ezio and Samsung. I even visited a few stores for that "see it for you self" experience. The Apple Cinema 23 fell somewhere in between in terms of color accuracy and price.The choice was clear for me and I have no regrets. It even looks better at home on my desk than it did at the Apple Store.
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