Apple Releases New Cinema Display: 27 inches, 2560x1440 Resolution

When the new iMacs came out last year, the feature that generated the most buzz - by far - was the impressive and gorgeous 27-inch display on the high-end model. With a 2560x1440 resolution, it offered real estate previously only available on 30 inches and above. After all the rumors, Apple finally released it in a standalone frame.

Photograph courtesy of Apple

The new 27-inch Cinema displays include a built-in iSight webcam and microphone as well as a set of stereo speakers.  There's also a powered USB2.0 hub and a MagSafe connector for charging Apple's Macbook and Macbook Pro laptops. Apple is quick to point out the fact that the built-in audio and video equipment make the new Cinema Display a logical choice for existing Apple customers who want to conduct video conferencing without extra clutter.

27-inch Apple Cinema Display Specifications:

• Size: 27 inches (diagonally)
• Resolution: 2560x1440
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Panel technology: IPS
• Vertical viewing angles: 178°
• Horizontal viewing angles: 178°
• Built-in iSight webcam, microphone, stereo speakers
• Powered three-port USB 2.0 hub, MagSafe connector
• Mini DisplayPort-in video connection
• MSRP: $999

As we mentioned earlier this week, the new Cinema Displays also give uses a modest bump in terms of pixel density.Pixel density is essentially the number of pixels spanning a display within a given length. The older 30-inch Cinema Display monitors offered customers just under 101 pixels per inch (diagonally) while the new 27-inch models, with the new 2560x1440 resolution, offer 109. It means that from the same distance, the new displays should look ever so slightly sharper than the older models.

The new monitors can only be connected via the newer mini DisplayPort standard Apple first premiered on their updated Macbook Pros. PC users who wish to hook the new ACD up to their desktops will need a compatible new graphics card, or one of several converters that have sprung up on the market.

Available starting in September for $999, the display is not unreasonably expensive, especially when considering the price of alternative monitors. NEC's own IPS-based, 27-inch display came out two months ago, but costs four hundred dollars more.  Equivalent 30-inch models also carry a significant price premium - it will be interesting to see how competitors react to the sub-$1,000 price.

Be sure to check out our complete coverage of everything Apple that's happened this summer here!