Why are Mac monitors Sooo expensive???

Go to an Apple store and see for yourself.

They are brushed aluminum not plastic. They usually have the best lcd screens their standards are generally higher. But if price is the main factor then your right they are higher but see for yourself ... the whole monitor stands on an aluminum base and looks great.

The funny thing about monitors seems to be they outlast the actual computer! I seem to update my system every 2 to 3 years and hook the new box to the same monitor so dont skimp to hard....

I don't understand what you are comparing here...

For $1999

Apple 30" Display - resolution 2560 x 1600
LG LCD HDTV - resolution 1366x768

The LG is 720p, the Apple can display 1080p

Whilst the contrast on the LG is a far superior 1600:1 or 1100:1 depending on whose literature I'm reading, I got to argue that over 4x as many pixels is far more important in a computer display.

I was too lazy to find viewing angle, brightness and pixel response to compare fully but I know the viewing angle compares favorably and the panels in Apple Displays are top notch....there's some mention of standardized color proofing (SWOP?) that an Apple display offers which a TV clearly wouldn't.

Now if we actually start comparing actual computer displays then the Dell or whatver tend to be more price competetive so basically you pay a few $100 more for the styled monitor that matches your computer...is this what you mean? I recall there's a Dell 23 or 24" LCD monitor that's pretty popular with mac users 'coz it has a small unobtrusive black bezel and is fairly nicely designed...

They're expensive because you always pay a premium on Mac stuff. You're basically paying for the design of the monitor. I haven't found Mac monitors to be any better than others on the market. Apple of course doesn't make these things. They are simply rebranded panels from other OEMs but with a differently designed casing. If you want cheap and good Dell have great deals every month. If you want something that matches the rest of your system then you buy Apple.

I have a Dell 2407 FPW. Very nice monitor. I couldn't justify the price difference between it and the Apple 23", plus the Dell has many more input options (DVI, VGA, Component, Composite, S-Video), picture-in-picture, a multi-format card reader, some USB ports, and the stand is more adjustable.

Comparing computer monitors to LCD TVs (even if they're Hi Def), isn't fair. You need to look at pixel resolution.

So that 24" Dell is pretty much the monitor to get if you dont want to pay so much for the Apple logo???

Yep. Or if you want more inputs, or picture in picture, or a more versatile stand, or a card reader, or...

That's why I couldn't justify an Apple 23". The Dell just makes so much more sense.

the apple monitors offer a much better viewing angle than other monitors. I compared the dell widescreen when I bought my apple cinema display. While the Dell is a fine monitor, the Apple edged it out (barely). You have to dig around for the numbers but they are out there.

The other thing that sealed it for me is that with Apple, A single bad pixel is grounds for replacement under the warranty. With the dells we have at work, there have to be five bad ones before we can send it back.

lastly, when we get a dell monitor and turn it on we all yawn and say wow, what a big display. Nice picture etc. It is kind of a non-event. With the apple monitor, as soon as the thing is out of the box, people are coming out of the woodwork to see it. The thing isn't even on yet and people are oohing and aaahing over it. Everyone marvels over the single cord plugged into the back and how it's a great idea that other makers should to. Then we turn it on. Game over. The quality of the picture on these is freakin amazing. People stare in wonder and amazement. Then they see the cool touch countrols on the side. Another awesome feature. Just touch the side and it turns on.

If you want to save a few bucks, the other monitors will work just fine and you won't be dissappointed with your Mac. If you truly want your mac to shine, pay the extra money for the Apple display. You will NOT regret the decision.

Mostly because it's what I would consider professional grade equipment (even if a home user lands up with one).

Apple's views on hardware is very focused. When you buy an Apple monitor, you get an Apple monitor.

You don't get a swiss-army monitor with speakers, Picture in Picture, SVID inputs, or a Card Reader. That's stuff a professional doesn't want to see on a well-built peice of equipment. Well built equipment keeps the features powerful and to a minimal, not the other way around.

Most likely, you won't find an Aluminum enclosed monitor with those sorts of features, because that market isn't aimed at a pro user. Apple, however, is.

If you want a cheaper monitor, with loads of extra features that really, really don't need to be in the monitor itself, buy a Dell or a Viewsonic.

You pay Apple for a really good monitor. That's all. You pay someone else for a toy that's made out of plastic and includes everything but the kitchen sink...

This is, of course, not even considering the awe-inspiring detail and colors that the Apple units put off.

-S'Captain

Unless you are a photographer (in which case even the apple may not be the best choice) - I'd go with the Dell monitor. I've been very happy with my choice because those extra connections come in handy and it looks fantastic. My wallet feels happier too...

If you are a photographer or other visual professional - goto a site like tomshardware and look at a professional review of the pros and cons.

My 24" Dell is the only product of theirs I feel is worth considering.

Hello...
I am new here and Do Not own an Apple computer. I am
in the process of looking at what Apple computers
have to offer.
My question is about monitors...
Why are the Apple monitors (the 23" and 30" cinema)
so expensive? It seems that most "other" monitors
out there are 40%-50% cheaper for a compareable size
and most other monitors have much better contrast and
response times. I have not seen a reason for this.
You can get a 42" HDTV LCD LG for $2000.00.
ould someone give me the lowdown on why they are Sooo
expensive?

Hmmm.....Lets see the 23" is $999....The Samsung 24" is $899, the 23" Sony is $999 and the Dell is $799....Thats not 40-50%, and you get a different build quality. The 30" is $1999 vs the Dell which is $1799....now the good deal with the Dells are the sales, you can get them cheaper and sometimes e-coupons can bring the price down even more....looks like the current pricing is $719 for the 24" and $1444 for the 30"...But the bottom line is Apple monitors LOOK GREAT....have great build quality and are very durable...the great thing is the Mac can use just about any monitor....so if you wanna save some bucks buy a Dell.

Putting it simply… you get what you pay for.

While it appears as though you pay for a logo you need to consider that the Apple display is a 23" display with a smaller dot pitch rather than a 24" display of the Dell which is more expensive to start with. Then there's the brush Aluminium construction which is of a higher cost than moulded plastic. Add to that the FireWire hub, single cable and the fact that they simply look better than everything else all add up to a higher cost product.

No-one's forcing you to buy one of which there are plenty of cheaper options out there.

Jeff, I had a Dell Ultrasharp before when I had it I never adjust it or turn it upside down and card reader inputs well I just plug my camera into one of my usb ports to do that it's just bunch useless features to me and plus it plastic, well the Dell monitor are good but there not the best and if you want the best and if you have to spend little more to get it , Do so, On Cnet thay campared Dell and Apple 30inch and the Apple came on top.

Marty my suggestion is read what the editers say because thay are the pro in what thay do and thay test out each display out in different stages, just go to cnet.com and then make your discision

Darrell,

I also read all the reviews. The Apple monitors have had color issues as well.

Marty, I agree with what Darrell says here: read the reviews and make your own choice. If color accuracy is your priority, a CRT is still the only way to go (and the reviews will point you that way). The Apple is a nice monitor, I never said anything otherwise. The Dell just made more sense to me. I use the other inputs, and I like the extra $$ I have in my pocket.

Have you guys checked out the BenQ FP241W? The resolution is also 1920 x 1200, but the sweet thing is that it has an HDMI port! Heres a link to it on newegg, it goes for about $800....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014124&ATT=24-014-124&CM P=OTC-Froogle

You're right, Apple monitor are far from the best.
There is way better and cheaper monitor out there.
Just do a search to compare Apple's and other brand.
Aluminium ? Yes, beautiful; does it help you having a better view ? absolutely not !