A Great Computer Monitor Made by Apple?

In the world of computer monitors, there are many different manufacturers and hardware makers for consumers to choose from. The interesting thing is that a name most would not think of makes one of the world's best monitors...Apple.

While this may seem like the wrong place to be discussing and talking about an Apple product, the fact is that the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display is a computer monitor and is fantastic. With a resolution of 2560 x 1440 on a beautiful 27-inch LED display, the thunderbolt display is a "top-of-the-line" monitor.

The 27-inch Thunderbolt display is not only a great product because of its large, bright display but also because it has a built in webcam, speakers, and various I/O inputs such as USB and Firewire. The connection used to connect this display to a computer is the "new" connection developed by Intel, Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is a new connection that is available on all new Apple computers and an increasing amount of PC's.

While this is certainly a great monitor that would make nearly any consumer happy, it does have certain drawbacks. The first of these would be price. The 27-inch Thunderbolt display costs an astounding $999. That price is sure to drive away many consumers as there are many great monitors and even "all-in-one" computers available for less. The other major drawback is that the connection type, Thunderbolt, is still a relatively rare connection, save for Apple products.

In the end, the 27-inch Thunderbolt display from Apple is a fantastic display that will really only be used by two different groups. The two consumer classes that will purchase this monitor are those that are diehard Apple fans that want a big display or those with money to burn that want an amazing monitor. It is hard to say that this is not a good monitor, since the specs are as good as you can get, but until the staggering price drops, it is hard to recommend it.

Source: Apple Thunderbolt Display

Sharp to Release World's Thinnest 4K Monitor

Sharp is planning on selling what it believes is the computer monitor industry's thinnest 4K computer monitor ever. The device itself is a 32", LCD computer monitor that measures only 3.5mm thick and is expected to come out in February, 2013. In addition to that, Sharp said that the new monitor would cost nearly ¥450,000, or roughly $5,500, when it is released in Japan.

The monitor uses Sharp's new IGZO technology and is capable of displaying up to 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which is equivalent to four full 1080p HD screens. According to spokeswoman for Sharp Miyuki Nakayama, "We are hoping to launch around the same time globally. This is aimed at computer designers, architects, medical users - those types of people."

The monitor will come with dual HDMI hookups, allowing you to connect both your PC and a Blu-ray player or gaming console and even has hookups for external speakers. Sharp is promoting IGZO display technology, which gains its name from the indium gallium zinc oxide semiconductor on which it is based. Sharp will also launch its first smartphone and tablet devices with the same technology in Japan. Two of the main features of this technology are the low energy consumption and prolonged battery life for mobile devices.

Sharp also said that using this technology in the new monitor allows for an extra-thin design die to the fact that the technology requires less backlighting than other methods and can be "edge lit" to avoid bulkiness. Sharp initiated mass production of IGZO screens earlier in 2012.

Television makers across the world are slowly distributing 4K televisions, though there is little in the way of appliances. Sony has already announced that it is planning on revealing the world's first 4K Ultra HD delivery solution while offering exclusive Hollywood content to buyers.

Source: PC World - Sharp to launch world's thinnest 4K monitor for about $5,500