In the early 2000s, technological strides were transforming the landscape, and Apple stood at the forefront of innovation with its groundbreaking displays. One of the most significant contributions to the realm of computer displays during this era was the Apple Studio 17-inch Display.
In a groundbreaking move, Apple announced its transition to an all-LCD flat panel display pro lineup, positioning itself as the industry trailblazer. The centerpiece of this display revolution was the introduction of the 17-inch Apple Studio Display, a digital LCD display boasting a resolution of 1280 by 1024 at an aggressive price point of $999. Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO at the time, proudly declared, “Apple’s complete line of affordable digital LCD displays are far brighter and sharper than the CRTs of old.”
The 17-inch Studio Display was a game-changer, offering a digital interface that delivered crisper images compared to analog-driven flat panel displays of previous generations. The all-digital setup ensured sharp, flicker-free images without the need for user adjustments, a stark contrast to the CRTs of the past. Active matrix technology was employed to provide extraordinary brightness and contrast without any compromise on image quality.
This display was tailor-made for creative professionals seeking a high-quality, space-saving alternative to traditional CRT monitors. Boasting an impressive screen resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels and a full 16.7 million colors, the 17-inch Studio Display offered a wide viewing angle of up to 160 degrees, ensuring color fidelity even when viewed off-axis.
Continuing the award-winning industrial design of its 15- and 22-inch counterparts, the 17-inch Studio Display combined aesthetics with functionality. Its slim desktop footprint and low power consumption were complemented by the Apple Display Connector—an innovative single-connection quick-latch mechanism that seamlessly integrated USB, power, and video into one cable. This not only facilitated easy hookup but also minimized desktop clutter.
For enhanced convenience, the 17-inch flat panel included a 2-port powered USB hub, providing plug-and-play connectivity to peripherals. These features collectively positioned Apple’s complete line of flat panel displays as the perfect companions to the brand’s latest desktop computers.
Unveiled on May 21, 2001, the Studio 17-inch Display was a flagship product in Apple’s Studio Display series. Exclusively designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple, it targeted professional users with a starting price of $999. The TFT LCD screen, a key highlight of the display, boasted a resolution of 1280 x 1024, 16.7 million colors, a 350:1 contrast ratio, and a 170° viewing angle, catering to the diverse needs of users across different disciplines.
Despite its promising start, the Studio 17-inch Display faced an unfortunate fate and was discontinued on June 28, 2004, after just over three years on the market. Nevertheless, its impact on the tech industry was enduring, setting the stage for future display innovations and solidifying Apple’s reputation as a leader in display technology.
Today, the Studio 17-inch Display stands as a nostalgic artifact from the early days of Apple’s display offerings. A symbol of durability and a testament to Apple’s legacy of excellence, this display continues to remind us of the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products. As the display reaches the impressive age of 22, it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Apple’s early foray into LCD technology and its enduring legacy in the world of display innovation.
Apple Studio 17-inch Display Details
Introduced | May 21, 2001 |
Discontinued | June 28, 2004 |
Model Number | M7649 |
Order Number | M7649ZM/A M7649ZM/B |
Original Price | $999 $699 (From January 28, 2003) |
Colors | White |
Weight | 14.6 Ibs. 6.622 KG |
Dimensions | 17.3” H x 17.6” W x 6.9” D 43.94 cm H x 44.7 cm W x 17.52 cm D |
System Requirements
- Mac OS 9.2.2 or later
- Power Mac G4 or Power Mac G4 Cube or PowerBook G4 with DVI or ADC port / Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
Display Specs
Type | LCD |
Size | 17” |
Viewable Area | 17” |
Colors | 16.7 million |
Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 800 x 640 1024 x 768 1024 x 820 1280 x 1024 |
Viewing Angle | 170° horizontal 170° vertical |
Contrast Ratio | 350:1 |
Response Time | N/A |
Pixel Pitch | 0264 mm |
Pixel Density | 96 ppi |
Connections
Connection | 1 – ADC |
Audio | None |
Camera | None |
Ports | 2 – USB |
Power
Maximum Continuous Power | 40 W |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Studio Display (17-inch LCD): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple First to Offer All LCD Flat Panel Display Lineup – Apple Newsroom
- Apple Studio Display (1998–2004) – Wikipedia
- A Tour of Apple’s External (LCD) Displays – 512 Pixels
- Apple Studio review: Apple Studio – CNET
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 27, 2024