Apple Studio 17-inch ADC Display Apple Studio 17-inch ADC Display

Apple Studio 17-inch CRT/ADC Display Explained

Apple, a pioneer in innovative designs and cutting-edge technology, has a rich history of producing iconic products. Among these treasures is the Apple Studio 17-inch ADC Display, a CRT masterpiece that left a lasting mark in the tech world.

Launched on July 19, 2000, the Apple Studio 17-inch ADC Display was a key player in the Apple Studio Display series. Crafted with precision by the tech giant, it aimed to provide users with a high-quality visual experience, seamlessly blending performance with an elegant design.

Priced at $499, this display boasted a 17-inch CRT screen with a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels. Supporting up to 16.7 million colors, it offered a pixel density of up to 85 dpi. The inclusion of two USB ports and an ADC connection port added versatility, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

Released during a time when flat liquid crystal panels were gaining ground, the Studio Display (17-inch ADC) stood out as the last standalone Apple display featuring a CRT. Its dimensions, at 17.4 inches in depth, set it apart from the trend of wider displays. Weighing 45.8 pounds, it surpassed the iMac G3 in weight, and its power consumption of 113 watts exceeded that of any PowerBook.

While lacking the sleekness of contemporary displays, the Apple Studio 17-inch CRT/ADC Display compensated with its unique style. Introduced in July 2000, it replaced the Blueberry and Graphite 17-inch Studio Displays, becoming the go-to choice for Power Mac G4 and Power Mac G4 Cube users.

One notable feature was the proprietary Apple Display Connector, a single cable solution supplying video, USB, and power. This connector, however, limited its use to specific Mac models, requiring a $99 adapter for compatibility with other systems.

Apple’s commitment to transparency and minimalism was evident in the design of the Studio Display (17-inch ADC). Unlike other CRT displays concealing internal components, this model featured a crystal-clear case, showcasing the Naturally Flat Diamondtron CRT suspended inside. The transparency was not just a design choice but a statement – the Studio Display 17-inch ADC had nothing to hide.

Despite being an unconventional CRT display, the Studio Display (17-inch ADC) left an indelible mark with features that set it apart from its successors.

One distinctive feature was its stand, supporting both pitch and rotation adjustments – a rarity in later Apple displays. The ColorSync internal color calibration, guaranteed for the life of the monitor, ensured accurate and vibrant colors. The Theater Mode, enhancing screen brightness for full-screen iMovie, DVD, or QuickTime content in Mac OS 9, added to its multimedia capabilities.

The Studio 17-inch ADC Display outshone many contemporary flat panels in terms of brightness, viewing angle, and contrast. Its support for a variety of resolutions without pixel interpolation, inherent in digital monitors, further contributed to its unmatched display performance.

Even today, CRT displays have merits, with unparalleled black levels and lightning-quick response times. The Studio Display (17-inch ADC) was a testament to the enduring benefits of CRT technology.

Regrettably, the Studio Display 17-inch journey was cut short. Discontinued on May 21, 2001, less than eleven months after its release, it faced stiff competition from more visually appealing flat panel offerings by Apple.

While some might label it a failure, the Apple Studio ADC Display stands as a unique compromise between the technology of the past and the technology of the future. In the broader context of Apple’s product catalog, its design remains unparalleled.

Today, the Apple Studio 17-inch ADC Display is a vintage relic, 23 years old, and no longer available for purchase. Despite its short-lived existence, it occupies a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts, remembered as one of the company’s classic displays.

The Apple Studio 17-inch ADC Display may have been a transitional product, but its impact on design and technology is undeniable. In the ever-evolving landscape of tech, it serves as a reminder of Apple’s willingness to explore unconventional paths. As we navigate the present and anticipate the future, the Studio Display (17-inch ADC) remains a testament to the intersection of innovation, design, and the enduring legacy of Apple’s iconic products.

Apple Studio Display ADC and Power Mac G4 Cube
Source: applemuzeumpolska.pl – Apple Studio Display ADC and Power Mac G4 Cube

Apple Studio 17-inch CRT ADC Display Details

IntroducedJuly 19, 2000
DiscontinuedMay 21, 2001
Model NumberM7768
Order NumberM7770ZM/A
Original Price$499
ColorsGraphite
Weight45.8 Ibs.
20.774 KG
Dimensions18.7” H x 17” W x 17.4” D
47.49 cm H x 43.18 cm W x 44.19 cm D

System Requirements

  • Mac OS 9.0.4 or later
  • Power Mac G4 or Power Mac G4 Cube with ADC or a PowerBook G4 with a DVI port and an Apple DVI to ADC Adapter.

Display Specs

TypeDiamondtron CRT
Size17”
Viewable Area16”
Colors16.7 million
BrightnessN/A
Resolutions640 x 480
800 x 600
832 x 624
1024 x 768
1152 x 870
1280 x 1024
1600 x 1200
Viewing AngleN/A
Contrast RatioN/A
Response TimeN/A
Pixel Pitch0.25 mm
Pixel Density85 dpi

Connections

Connection1 – ADC
AudioNone
CameraNone
Ports2 – USB

Power

Maximum Continuous Power113 W (Operating)
35 W or less (Energy-saver)

Further Reading and References

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 20, 2024