Apple LED Cinema Display

The basics

Apple's LED external monitor features all the gloss and style of the new MacBook range combined with a bigger frame and better than HD 1920x1200 resolution, squeezed into a lovely 24-inch widescreen frame.

The good

The Cinema Display is a class act through and through. The slicker-than-1080p resolution sparkles, and it's almost a chore to tear your eyes away from the glossy glass and aluminium frame. The three USB ports and booming speakers built in are a welcome bonus for any MacBook buyers, and it's a cinch to set up - just plug in one cord and away you go. Like we said: a cinch!

The bad

Unfortunately, Apple's keeping things exclusive as usual. The video socket's a Mini DisplayPort, so it'll only work with the new MacBook and MacBook Pro at the moment. There's no HDMI to make it the hub of a living room media centre either, which is a missed-trick. Then there's the price: it's tough to justify paying £650 for a standalone screen, especially at times like these.

The bottom line

The Cinema Display is a fantastic addition for those who use a MacBook at home, but if you own a Blu-ray player or any Hi-Def box as well, you'll pine for some way to connect the two. As good as it is, it's probably only for Mac manics and people with money to burn.