Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display
The Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display introduces Thunderbolt technology to the market, providing ultra-fast speeds. Thunderbolt is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and up to 12 times faster that FireWire 800, poising this monitor in a position to change the way you work, play, and more! The 6 ports on the monitor include, of course, the Thunderbolt port, 3 powered USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 800 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a Kensington security slot. That's a lot of flexibility when it comes to connecting other devices to the monitor.
Speaking of other devices, the Thunderbolt Display turns your MacBook into one stunning desktop, but it can also add oomph to your iMac or Mac mini configuration. The glossy 27" widescreen display has an incredible 2560 x 1440 resolution that makes everything you view on it come alive and the built-in speaker system and subwoofer provides full-range audio... which makes the monitor especially nice when using the FaceTime HD camera to chat with family and friends on other Macs. To connect, the monitor simply uses one-cable for Thunderbolt enabled Macs, making it a plug-and-play hub for your entire digital life. Additionally, the monitor comes with the MagSafe connector for powering the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.
- Thunderbolt Technology. Built Right 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. Now, for the first time, all that power and flexibility is available through a port built right into your display. Which makes the Apple Thunderbolt Display so much more than just a pretty screen
- The Ultimate Docking Station
-
With built-in Thunderbolt and MagSafe connections, the Apple Thunderbolt Display transforms any new Mac notebook into a complete desktop workstation
One-cable convenience. Thunderbolt versatility. With its 27 inch LED-backlit screen, the new Thunderbolt Display delivers a brilliant viewing experience. But connect it to any Thunderbolt-enabled Mac, and it becomes a plug-and-play hub for everything you do. You get 27 inches of high-resolution screen space, high-quality audio, a FaceTime HD camera, and support for FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet. All through a single connection
MagSafe connector. 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
Do more with MacBook Air. Connect MacBook Air to the Thunderbolt Display and you can do even more with a computer that already does a lot. Like adding FireWire peripherals, connecting to Ethernet networks at gigabit speeds, and making large-as-life, HD video calls to other Mac users with the 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 to an iMac and put an extra 7 million pixels to work. To make a desktop workstation out of your MacBook Pro, just daisy-chain additional Thunderbolt devices, including high-performance storage and video and audio capture devices, through the display
- See the Bigger Picture
-
A 27 inch widescreen display with LED backlight technology. Stunning is an understatement
A bigger display for your biggest ideas. Connect your Thunderbolt-enabled Mac to the Apple 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. Bright on. 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
Crystal clear from every angle. The Thunderbolt Display looks great from any seat in the house, thanks to a premium display technology called in-plane switching (IPS). IPS delivers a bright picture with excellent color consistency, even if you're viewing the display from the side
Built-in Face Time 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
Ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor intelligently adjusts the brightness of the Thunderbolt Display to your room environment. This gives you the perfect brightness for any situation while using the least amount of energy necessary
Big, beautiful sound. The Thunderbolt Display gives you more than video. It gives you audio, too. The built-in speaker system includes an integrated subwoofer that delivers immersive, full-range sound for music, movies, and games
Smooth-motion hinge. Tilt the Thunderbolt Display to get the viewing angle that's best for you. With its smooth-motion hinge, adjustment is effortless. Choose an angle from -5 to 25 degrees
| Panel/Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | Thunderbolt with TFT active-matrix LCD with in-plane switching (IPS) |
| Viewable Size | 27" |
| Brightness | 375cd/m2 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Viewing Angle | 178° horizontal, 178° vertical |
| Pixel Dot Pitch | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Response Time | 12ms |
| Panel Life | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Colors Supported | 16.7 million |
| Signal | |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Connections | 3 x USB 2.0 1 x FireWire 800 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port 1 x Thunderbolt port 1 x Kensington security slot |
| Speakers | Built-in 2.1 speaker system (49W) |
| Controls | |
|---|---|
| Buttons | N/A |
| On-Screen Display | Yes |
| Auto Configuration | Yes |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Tilt/Swivel Range | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Security | Kensington |
| System Requirements | Thunderbolt-enabled Mac computer, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac OS X v10.6.8 or later |
| Power Requirements | 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz Consumption: 250W (max), 2W (Energy saver mode) |
| 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% Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 25.7 x 19.35 x 8.15" / 65 x 49.1 x 20.7cm |
| Weight | 23.5 lb / 10.8kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 30 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to set up (24)
- Great picture quality (22)
- Vivid colors (22)
- Adjustable (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked to A laptop (20)
- Home computer (13)
- Multimedia (11)
- Office (4)
- Gaming (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Quality oriented (24), Tech savvy (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (14), Business (12)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (26)
Most Liked Positive Review
So choice. If you have the means...
The screen is beautiful, the speakers are solid, USB works like a champ.
Make sure you're plugging it INTO a Thunderbold port. Old mini display ports won't make it work,...Read complete review
The screen is beautiful, the speakers are solid, USB works like a champ.
Make sure you're plugging it INTO a Thunderbold port. Old mini display ports won't make it work, which is disappointing. I've also had trouble plugging other monitors into it with DVI-DisplayPort converters, which is sad.
But as these are not what I bought the screen for, I'm not too sad.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice but buggy
The monitor is very nice, but many people are having problems with these displays. Mine worked for about a month but usb ports were very slow. Also a few times I had connectivity issues...Read complete review
The monitor is very nice, but many people are having problems with these displays. Mine worked for about a month but usb ports were very slow. Also a few times I had connectivity issues that require a computer reboot. However most of the time the monitor worked well with the computer. But then a few days ago it stopped working. Now is completely dead. Perhaps I just got a defective item. My advice is to research the other people's experience (apple support site is good for that) before buying.
Reviewed by 30 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy To Set Up
- HUB BEHIND
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Photo Editing
- Video Editing
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I have been using for a couple of days and very impressed with it.
It was extremely easy to install, to config and to learn how to use. The best display I have ever had and the resolution is outstanding.
The Hub behind the display is very useful and adds few more ports to my macbook pro. At first sight I tought it was huge but after a few minutes in use just realize how good the screen size was.
Very happy with it.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
Apple's Thunderbolt Display is beautiful and of course works perfectly with my MacBook. However, it was expensive. Luckily B&H had the best price by far. And the monitor was delivered much faster than I expected.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I use it with my 17" Macbook Pro. I am a photographer so I use it for business, mostly with Photoshop and related software. I have used 2 monitors for years with a PC, now I don't have to.
My only complaint is when I have plugged my phone into one of the USB's on the back at night to charge it. In the morning the battery is just about depleted and did not charge at all. This may be related to something I am doing wrong. The Macbook Pro is sleeping and the monitor is also is some kind of power saving mode. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to work. But it is a little disappointing.
But overall, a great monitor. I love just having to uncouple the thunderbolt and power cables from the laptop and go. Nothing else has to be plugged into the laptop.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
- none so far
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
Bought to use with new Mac Mini as a desktop system. The thunderbolt display integrates seamlessly and provides beautiful color and resolution. No idea how well it would work on a non-Mac system since the Thunderbolt connection is the only direct output. Agreed, this is a very expensive display but so far the performance justifies the investment.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I had an old dell 2404, which I knew was getting old, the LCD was starting to retain images.. I decided to replace it with the 27" thunderbolt, knowing there would be an improvement, I was surprised at the level.. Sharp, sharp images, much better color and contrast. I was worried about the glossy screen, not an issue at all, in fact, prefer it in the location. ( it controlled lighting, no real glare, particularly with the brightness of this display).
Love the two plug docking station feature, One for power, the other for network, USB and display.. Was looking at this or the Dell 27, glad I spent the extra $40, for this feature.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy To Set Up
- Great docking station
- Lightweight
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Docking Station
- Gaming
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Hub for second display
- Multimedia
- Photoshop Editing
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
The 27" Thunderbolt Display is far more than a monitor. First it is a docking station with a power supply and cable for a MacBook. In that role it comes complete with three fully powered USB2 ports, a firewire port, and an ethernet port.
Second it serves as a second video driver in that a second Thunderbolt Display can be daisy chained to the fist one providing some serious pixel real estate.
It has a 720p camera and a 75 watt sound system that even has mini-woofer! The sound system is good enough that I find myself forgetting to turn on my 6-channel system because it sounds so good.
The visuals are astounding. There is absolutely no visual degradation from any angle. I am not familiar with the internal processors, but I can say that there is a noticable improvement in video performance on the Thunderbolt when compared with my MacBook 15" screen. Cranking up Minecraft on my MacBook produces some serious lag, but when the Thunderbolt is where Minecraft is displayed, it runs like greased lightening!
With a keyboard and the MacBook closed, resting ont the base, there is no noticable difference between what I have and a top of the line iMac. I can put my MacBook to sleep at work, take it home and plug in the power and Thunderbolt cables trailing from my home Thunderbolt, open up the MacBook and pick right up where I left off.
The bottom line for me is that having two Thunderbolts is like haveing two iMacs and a MacBook pro to boot!
The only thing I have noticed that is other than absolutely perfect is that the screen is highly reflective. It is not a good idea to have a window behind me when I am using a Thunderbolt. That drawback is a very small price to pay for such superior performance.
Last but not least, B&H shipped it to me in record time. It was packed in a box in a box in a box with lots of padding. Inside the final box (with the Apple branding all over it) the Thunderbolt was secured with plenty of sturdy, form-fit foam.
This is one product that fulfilled every expectation.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
- Recommended:
- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, Logitech wireless thumbball
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Gaming
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
Being a designer / animator, I made my purchase for 2 of theses displays and all I can say is that I am very happy with my decision! Stunning colors and everything is nice and crisp. Of course I did calibrate my monitor, but out of the box it was amazing.
The construction and overall quality is top notch. Exactly what you would expect from Apple. This is a glossy screen and I know some people complain about that aspect, but it doesn't bother me at all.
I would recommend this monitor to anyone! Oh and need I say that it runs FPS games without any issues!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I recently purchased this display and a just can't stop staring at it. As I recently converted from pc, I ask myself what took me so long. This is truly the best display I have seen and well worth the price.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
Not much to say. This is an excelent product. Colors are amazing, speed: unrealistically fast.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
- Recommended:
- Apple track pad
Pros
- 2560 X 1440 Resolution
- Easy To Set Up
- MegaSafe Connectors
- OneCable Super Connection
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Home Computer
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I purchased the Thunderbolt display to team up with my new Mac Mini, duo which compliment each other to perfection!!!
The Thunderbolt display comes with a FaceTime HD camera & microphone, which with most other displays you have to purchase separately.
The quality of the Image is outstanding with it's 2560 X 1440 resolution, plus the one cable super connection to the Mac Mini & it's MagSafe All-in-One cable connectors, make these two a match made in heaven.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
This upgrade in display size for me has made a world of difference in my image processing. I'm looking forward to utilizing all the peripherals with blazing speed.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I use the display with a macbook pro. With this setup, I now have a desktop and a portable mac system. It performs flawlessly; excellent resolution and color. I havn't run into problems with the usb or firewire outputs on the back of the display mentioned in earlier reviews.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
The screen works very well, looks great, good quality but, according to Apple customer support, no way to connect to Apple TV?! Look elsewhere if you are wanting to use the Apple TV 'box'. APPLE Thunderbolt screen WILL NOT connect to APPLE TV!? Did they miss this?
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
i use it to edit videos, good point is how big display, so i can save the time for editing.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Camera
- Network connection
- Speakers
- Thunderbolt port
- USB Hub
Cons
- Small text like 17" Macb
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
This is a great Apple Monitor, but it only works if you have a new Thunderbolt-equipped Mac. (2011 or newer)
I have several of these and highly recommend them because of the extra screen real-estate, good color, plenty of brightness (I turn mine down), and connectivity:
I plug it in to the MacBook Pro and instantly have a wired network connection, a camera, speakers, 3 USB ports, Firewire, and another Thunderbolt connection.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
- No power onoff button
Best Uses
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
Just upgraded from my Dell 24 inch monitor.
I love the higher resolution of the Thunderbolt Display. I love the convience of the Firewire and USB hubs. I don't have additional Thunderbolt devices yet, so I don't have a use for the additional TB port, but that will come in time.
Overall the monitor works perfectly, and visually it's a beautiful addition.
The built in speakers were ok for moderate sound quality. It would be fine for Youtube videos, etc. But if you're going to watch a movie on this or listen to some quality music, I'd highly recommend plugging in external speakers. The built-in speakers are what you would expect from that of say a 32-inch TV. Also there's no physical power on/off button. Not sure if that bothers anyone or not, but it was not a problem for me.
Finally, ordering from B&H was great as always... no dead pixels. Thanks!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
- Poor Adjustability
Best Uses
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
- Multimedia
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
First of all, I love the built-in ports for Ethernet, USB & firewire. I only have to plug in the supplied power cable and the Thunderbolt cable and my MacBook Pro is an instant desktop computer. It's a beautiful display, but the screen is not level! It's about 3/16" lower on the left end of the screen than the right end. Of course it will cost a lot tp ship back to B&H. I purchased Apple care with it and they advised me to take it to the Apple Store. I lugged it to the Apple Store and they just blew me off. 3/16 " doesn't sound like a lot, but if you look at the display foe a while it will drive you crazy! So I paid over [$] for a display that I have to prop note paper on one side to make level. Not such great quality or customer satisfaction from Apple.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
- Glossy screen
Best Uses
- Home Computer
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
The Macbook air is the best laptop ever made, and with this display, it makes an excellent desktop machine too.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Image
- Vivid Colors
Cons
Best Uses
- Hooked To A Laptop
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I use the Thunderbolt display for serious color correction and digital retouching for photography. It's great to have the additional connection ports on the display now, which makes it a valuable update on the 27" Cinema Display, which I continue to use on an older macbook pro. I can't say anything negative about this display!! I just wish the third party vendors would hurry up with those Thunderbolt adapters and new devices. Definitely buy this display!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 27" Thunderbolt Display:
I purchased this display to have more work space for my 13" MacBook Pro (MBP), which I purchased in February 2011. The monitor wouldn't power on and after searching the Apple support website I learned that my MBP was built in mid-2010 and can never work with this monitor. I thought that I had done enough research prior to purchasing but I was sadly mistaken. Do your research and don't be fooled like I was!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
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Cables & Adapters
- Price: $47.25
Stands & Mounts
- Price: $39.00
Color Calibration
- Price: $169.00
What's in the Box
- AC Power Cord
- Printed Documentation
- 90-Days Telephone Support & 1-Year Limited Warranty
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