The Pro Display XDR from 18 years ago!

In 2004 Apple released a display that was so incredible that it still shines today, 18 years later! This is the story of the 30 inch Apple Cinema Display; how Apple was able to produce a high resolution, large format display in 2004 to how you can still use one of these today!

Gear:
*Amazon Links are affiliate codes and generate small commission to support the channel*

[Photo]

Imagine buying this at release and still using it today (dongles aside). What an amazing investment.

[EugWanker]

A few random points about using the 30" Apple Cinema HD Display with a modern Mac:
1. You can power the Apple mini-DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter with an external power source. An iPhone USB charger would suffice.
2. However, if you don't connect the USB cable from the above adapter to your Mac, then you lose brightness control from the keyboard. (Yes, keyboard control of brightness works even in Monterey, as long as you plug the USB directly into the Mac. Brightness control is sometimes problematic through USB hubs.)
3. If you are using a Mac laptop and want to control the brightness of the 30" ACD as a secondary display, hold down the 'CONTROL' button while pressing the brightness buttons (F1 & F2).
4. If you haven't bought one yet but are thinking of getting one, look for a later 30" model with HDCP support, as the initial 30" models do not include HDCP. With HDCP support, you can stream DRM'd video in 1080p (eg. Netflix) in Safari. Also, it's easier to find USB-C to dual-Link DVI adapters with HDCP support. The ones which have HDCP support turned off (for compatibility with the initial models) are less common and are often more expensive. (I believe Club 3D sells both versions, but I bought a CableCreation one with HDCP support for cheaper, as my 2007 30" ACD supports HDCP.)

[thephonkking]

I have a 30", 23", and a couple 20" displays all from 2004-2009. These are quite possibly the best monitors ever... great video Luke!

[fixins]

The owner at my old job got a bunch of these at auction for pennies because they came with no power supplies, cords, nothing. We cracked them open, found the LG panel number and bought driver boards and power supplies from the usual suppliers in China. A month later when everything arrived, we plugged in the boards, ran new power cables and bingo. Really nice picture.

[weezintrumpeteer]

Using a 30" daily. Really, really love it. The simple design, white sides, and matte screen really make it for me.

[atldeadhead]

I love these videos of old Apple gear. It shows just how well designed it is that it is still viable after all these years.

[paulthompson]

Seeing the clip of Steve in this put tears in my eyes. Amazing how bold he could push Apple to be, often just putting out products that the rest of the industry wasn't even considering. Making a custom GPU so that Apple users could have 2 30" displays - IN 2004! Used to love the rush I would get from Apple Keynotes. Feeling a little bit of that again these days since the release of Apple Silicon.

[zolwixon]

I have 5 Cinema HD displays, 3 23” and 2 30”! To this day they are amazing and I use them in my daily work as a web designer and they look beautiful compared to the monitors available on the market today.

[erinashlee]

Been using my 20" for around 3 years, got it from a school that was chucking out its old tech and never looked back! it's beautiful!

[ajaysrtech]

2004: Still Includes the stand.
2019: Should pay $999 for the stand.

[spiritzen]

I had these after years drooling over them, they were (and still are) the most beautiful displays ever. Timeless design, flawless screen.

[NumbaoneGuy]

I love these old apple displays! I have a 10 year old thunderbolt, and wow it’s quality from sound, built, MATERIALS is just *chefs kiss* the picture quality does show its age a bit not being 4k, but color accuracy is perfection. Anyone who cares about monitor design, i highly reccomend going for a pre owned apple display

[SleazimusPrime]

Bought a 30" at the same price. Went through multiple dongles and found the same Club3d that you reco'd. Works perfectly on all my Macs & PCs (Thinkpad T-series). The only issue I have is a minor nuisance of unplugging/plugging back in the monitor power cord because the screen isn't a fan of suspend/sleep modes. For those that get one - the only VESA mount usable is from Apple. Any other mount, regardless of the advertisements, confirm on their website support documentation that they cannot hold this monitor - it's a hefty 27 lbs. These VESA mounts are expensive >$100 and rare too. Lastly, after finding the mount, the only monitor arm that can carry the A1083 is the Ergotron HX (which can handle up to 42lbs). So to recap:

1. $200 for well-cared for monitor
2. $50-85 for a new-old-stock power brick
3. $45 for USB-C adapter
4. $150 for VESA mount
5. $329 for a Ergotron HX arm

YMMV, but just over $775-815 for a fabulous screen setup. I'd do it again.

[WhatAboutZoidberg]

Old tech is so interesting. I have a 19in Crt monitor from around the same era that will do 1920x1440 at 85hz and it looks gorgeous. Was a pro art monitor so it's also incredibly color accurate. Really cool stuff.

[LazerLord]

I have a 30 inch, mounted to a monitor arm that I use as my main display. It's nice, but I can start to feel its age. Namely if I have a high-contrast image on the screen for a while, then switch to a flat image, there is a noticeable latent image from the previous screen.

[marsgizmo]

This is impressive! I wasn't aware of this one 😳
Great video!

[flatekvaal]

Just got one of these displays for free, and bought the adapter you recommended. Works like a charm! Great Vid!

[SimonPatrickMcCorry]

my 23" apple display from 2005 is still going strong, use it as my main monitor for music production. Find it easier on the eyes for long periods than the retina display on my 2019 MacBook Pro

[jespurrier]

I'm watching this on a 23" Cinema Display right now. These things are ICONIC!

[Mooooooof]

The 30inch was incredible at the time. 22 and 23inch were considered huge back then.

Would love to see an M1 in a design like this