Hands On – Apple 24″ LED Display

I had the chance to test out one of the new Apple 24″ LED Displays a few days ago. The display features new LED backlighting, similar to what Apple used to backlight the previous generation 15″ MacBook Pros. It also features the new Mini Display Port that has been integrated into the new MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs and MacBooks, as well as an iSight Camera, integrated speakers and a microphone.

Beside the new MacBook Pro, the 24″ Display looked perfect. The new designs of both products look superb together. It features the same black bezel surrounding the display, and aluminum stand, making it look very similar to the iMacs.

The glossy Display seems to reflect a lot of light. Sitting in front of both it and the new MacBook Pro, I could distinctly see my reflection on the screen, and some hotspots where the overhead lights reflected. While Apple has said that they are treating both the new Laptops and the Displays with an antiglare, I found the reflection on both the new MacBook Pro and the Display to be slightly annoying.

I also found it hard to calibrate the display due to poor lighting conditions and the gloss.

On the positive side though, the display integrated superbly with the new MacBook Pro, using the single cable which contains the Display Port, USB and MagSafe. The built-in iSight camera, speakers and mic worked flawlessly as well. I was able to very easily use the MacBook Pro in clamshell mode, with the lid closed. While the display lacks the firewire that the previous cinemas featured on the rear, the addition of a third USB port is great.

Overall I’m quite excited about the new 24″ Display; it provides a some nice new features at the perfect 1920×1200 resolution. I can’t wait for mine to arrive.