In the late 90s, as technology was rapidly advancing, Apple took a bold step by introducing the Apple Cinema 22-inch Display. This sleek and stylish monitor was designed to redefine the desktop experience, and it did just that. With its impressive features, unparalleled display quality, and unique design, the 22-inch Apple Cinema Display quickly became a favorite among users.
At its core, the Apple Cinema 22-inch Display was a groundbreaking piece of technology. Boasting the title of the largest LCD screen on the market during its release in August 1999, it aimed to set a new standard for elegance and functionality. One notable feature was its letterbox format, offering a resolution of 1600×1024 pixels on a vibrant active-matrix LCD display.
Apple proudly claimed that the 22-inch Cinema Display was “twice as bright, twice as sharp, and had three times the contrast of CRT displays.” This was not mere marketing hyperbole; the fully digital interface ensured a spectacular, sharp image that was distortion-free. With support for 16.7 million saturated colors and a vast viewing angle, the display presented a visual feast for users, especially those in graphics-intensive professions.
The Apple Cinema Display was more than just a pretty face. It was tailored for professionals in graphics, layout, and video editing. Its unique widescreen format allowed users to simultaneously view two full pages of edited text and images. This was a game-changer for those working with layout programs or desktop video programs such as Final Cut Pro. The display also facilitated seamless editing of DVD movies in their original HDTV format, offering a significant advantage for video editing enthusiasts.
Setting up the Apple Cinema Display was a breeze, thanks to the innovative Apple Display Connector. This connector not only minimized the number of cables but also ensured a swift connection between the computer, display, and peripheral equipment. The inclusion of two built-in USB ports with their power supply made connecting additional peripherals quick and convenient.
Despite providing an enormous work area, the Apple Cinema Display took up minimal desk space. The unique hinge system allows users to rotate the screen to their desired viewing angle effortlessly. The on/off switch provided control over both the display and the connected Power Mac G4 or Power Mac G4 Cube, offering the ability to put the system to sleep simultaneously.
The 22-inch Apple Cinema Display, part of the larger Apple Cinema Display series, became an iconic representation of the era when technology started seamlessly integrating into our daily lives. Its discontinuation in 2003 marked the end of an era, but its legacy lives on. Today, over 24 years later, the monitor is remembered as a symbol of Apple’s commitment to quality and design.
The Apple Cinema 22-inch Display stands as a testament to the rapid evolution of technology. As we marvel at the cutting-edge displays of today, it’s essential to acknowledge the trailblazers who paved the way. The 22-inch Apple Cinema Display remains etched in history as a device that not only elevated the desktop experience but also serves as a reminder of the innovation and elegance that has defined Apple throughout its journey. The standard for displays may have evolved, but the impact of the Apple Cinema 22-inch Display will forever remain imprinted in the annals of technological history.
Apple Cinema 22-inch Display Details
| Introduced | August 31, 1999 (DVI) July 19, 2000 (ADC) |
| Discontinued | July 19, 2000 (DVI) January 28, 2003 (ADC) |
| Model Number | M5662 (DVI) M8149 (ADC) |
| Order Number | M8058ZM/A |
| Original Price | $3,999 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 25 Ibs. 11.339 KG |
| Dimensions | 18.9” H x 23.1” W x 12.2” D 48 cm H x 58.67 cm W x 30.98 cm D |
System Requirements
- Mac OS 8.6 or later
- Power Mac with DVI or ADC port
Display Specs
| Type | LCD |
| Size | 22” |
| Viewable Area | 22” |
| Colors | 16.7 million |
| Brightness | 180 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 800 x 500 800 x 512 1024 x 640 1280 x 800 1600 x 1024 |
| Viewing Angle | 160° horizontal 160° vertical |
| Contrast Ratio | 300:1 |
| Response Time | N/A |
| Pixel Pitch | Unknown |
| Pixel Density | 86.35 ppi |
Connections
| Connection | 1 – DVI or ADC |
| Audio | None |
| Camera | None |
| Ports | 2 – USB |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 62 – 77 W (Operating) 35 W or less (Energy-saver) |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Cinema Display: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Cinema Display ADC: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- 22-inch Apple Cinema Display (PDF) – Apple Store
- Apple Cinema Display – Wikipedia
- A Tour of Apple’s External (LCD) Displays – 512 Pixels
- Apple Cinema Display User’s Guide (PDF) – CVP
- Apple Cinema Display Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: January 15, 2024
