Thinking outside the box?
Apologies if this has been discussed before?
What kind of features would you like to see in the new Cinema Displays?
I think in the future, displays will no longer just display the computers GUI. I'd like to see the display become the centre of the computer system, with the CPU becoming a box that is tucked away somewhere.
Apple might be able to differentiate their product by doing this. Imagine a new line of Apple displays that support USB 2.0 & FireWire. It might be possible to build an iSight into the display, or at least provide a specialised part that simply clips into a waiting slot. Likewise, the display would be the ideal place to stick an Airport base station or a Bluetooth module.
The display would become the hub of the system, it would be where you plugged your external hard drives and your digital cameras. The display could be linked to the processor via ADC 2.0 or whatever. This would allow Apple to build cheaper CPUs. In fact, a lot of people might not even bother with a Power Mac and go straight for a laptop. At the moment, a lot of people I know upgrade their CPUs several times before they think about upgrading their display?
I don't know if any of this is possible, but I guess it makes sense (at least to me) that this is the more ergonomic model. Who wants to crawl around on the floor when the display is right in front of you?
What kind of features would you like to see in the new Cinema Displays?
I think in the future, displays will no longer just display the computers GUI. I'd like to see the display become the centre of the computer system, with the CPU becoming a box that is tucked away somewhere.
Apple might be able to differentiate their product by doing this. Imagine a new line of Apple displays that support USB 2.0 & FireWire. It might be possible to build an iSight into the display, or at least provide a specialised part that simply clips into a waiting slot. Likewise, the display would be the ideal place to stick an Airport base station or a Bluetooth module.
The display would become the hub of the system, it would be where you plugged your external hard drives and your digital cameras. The display could be linked to the processor via ADC 2.0 or whatever. This would allow Apple to build cheaper CPUs. In fact, a lot of people might not even bother with a Power Mac and go straight for a laptop. At the moment, a lot of people I know upgrade their CPUs several times before they think about upgrading their display?
I don't know if any of this is possible, but I guess it makes sense (at least to me) that this is the more ergonomic model. Who wants to crawl around on the floor when the display is right in front of you?
Comments
Originally posted by Messiah
I think in the future, displays will no longer just display the computers GUI. I'd like to see the display become the centre of the computer system, with the CPU becoming a box that is tucked away somewhere.
Well, you know ... this concept is known as a "laptop computer"
As I have moved from towers to laptops, I have all the ports and stuff right at my fingertips. However, I am not sure if adding stuff to displays is the best idea, because except for the very high-end, displays are very much sold on price. Adding too much to the base functionality will not really increase the usability as much as the price.
I know a guy who works in front of three displays connected to the same computer. Would he be lucky with three iViews? Three Firewire repeaters and something like 6x USB2?
I doubt it...
"Let each part be true to itself" or something, wasn't that Ive and Steve's mantra when they presented the iMac?
It kind of defeats the purpose of having the box if everything is built into the display doesn't it?
Or maybe I just interpreted your post wrong! :P
Jimzip
Originally posted by Jimzip
I think they're doing with displays the best they can do.. With the things you're mentioning, it sounds as if you would like an all-in-one?
It kind of defeats the purpose of having the box if everything is built into the display doesn't it?
Or maybe I just interpreted your post wrong! :P
Jimzip
With AIO, you can't replace the processor separately from the display. Therein lies the rub.
Surely adding a mount for an iSight, and a couple of FireWire connectors wouldn't cost to much would it? If I replace my processor box three times as often as my display, then that means I am buying all the AirPort, Modem and FireWire gubbings three times more often than I need to.
Apple has a habit of producing ground breaking concepts that make us all say "That makes so much sense, why didn't I think of that?" Apple has investigated several alternative concepts that I know of, where the system doesn't consist of the simple CPU/display components that we can't see past today?
I bought an external 5.25" enclosure recently which had two FireWire ports, a USB 2.0 port and a power supply for £34. That £34 included VAT, the resellers mark-up, and the licence fee that Apple gets for the two FireWire ports.
Apple mass produces these things so I don't think that these features would necessarily add a massive premium to the display. Apple's going to have to update the USB ports on the Cinema Display sooner or later? USB's starting to show its age.
How much extra would it cost to mould an iSight mount into the new displays whilst you're at it? The secret is that Apple would make it easier and easier to upgrade to the other optional extras like the iSight.
I might just upgrade to an iSight cause hell, half of it's there already. The camera just snaps on - no cabling or anything. Or I might just upgrade to a wireless keyboard and mouse because the modules already built in.
Originally posted by Messiah:What kind of features would you like to see in the new Cinema Displays?
What would I like to see?
Tri-panel monitors! Each of the side panels would be adjustable and it would be great for work. The side panels could used to display palettes and folders while the centre panel is your work area. Surround gaming?
Thoughts?
C.
I like the direction you're suggesting for the monitors and agree.
I would add the SuperDrive as an option to the chassis as well. I can see a 30" with a large base where a Superdrive could be a low-profile option. I agree on the USB2 and Firewire2, and love your idea of Bluetooth built-in to monitor as well. That makes a lot of sense (a la USB2, Firewire2).
I'd also like (idealistically) to see Apple design arm-mount systems for the monitors as well. That would help solve the multi-monitor issue, mounting monitors above/beside one another as desired, and even being able to move them around as necessary/desirable for one's workspace. That would just rock --- especially if they come out with the mythical 30" monitors.
(Now, if they could just come out with a pro BTooth keyboard, and three-button/wheel pro BTooth mouse, Apple could claim state-of-the-art human interface for the eyes and fingers!)
Of course, I also want higher resolution, better saturation and color, and next generation pixel reaction times (think: high speed graphics).
(1) No proprietary connectors. Forget the stupid ADC. I want a monitor I can use with ANY computer. It should have both DVI and VGA inputs.
(2) Tilt and swivel base like the LCD iMac.
(3) USB hub in the base to plug in the keyboard and mouse. I don't care about firewire or bluetooth. USB is plenty fast enough for keyboard and mouse.
(4) Nice to have: a two-port KVM switch built in, so that the monitor has TWO DVI inputs and TWO VGA inputs, and two USB cables. But that should be an option.
(5) Analog inputs for use with digital cameras, video games, etc.
Originally posted by Jubelum
Hmmm... VGA? That would be pornographic- putting an analog input on a beautiful digital display.
Actually you can't because the digital display is out being repaired.
The display would become the hub of the system, it would be where you plugged your external hard drives and your digital cameras. The display could be linked to the processor via ADC 2.0 or whatever. This would allow Apple to build cheaper CPUs. In fact, a lot of people might not even bother with a Power Mac and go straight for a laptop. At the moment, a lot of people I know upgrade their CPUs several times before they think about upgrading their display?"
I think you have missed an important point... What happens when a new standard emerges... an example is when firewire 800 appeared... so then you would have to upgrade your display for that port. So if we want to do that we need to have a displya which can except cards making the display closer to AIO and a larger form factor....Thats gonna suck. Either way your going to be upgradinging and I dont see Apple anytime making their products be more modular for upgrading. Apple WANTS and NEEDS to sell you the whole package... They are a hardware company that's moving to being a solution company with a software focus... All I want is a thin bezel, a real knob for volume control and of course thiner and lighter.
Originally posted by Jubelum
Hmmm... VGA? That would be pornographic- putting an analog input on a beautiful digital display.
Well, there are people among us who do use Computers that are older than 2 years - if not as their main machines then as servers etc. Those guys tend not to buy DVI-digital only displays.
Originally posted by Smircle
Well, there are people among us who do use Computers that are older than 2 years - if not as their main machines then as servers etc. Those guys tend not to buy DVI-digital only displays.
Non-DVI flat panel displays equals outdated technology. Does your server really need a Cinema display?
Two DVI inputs would be nice though for input from a HDTV tuner.
I also vote for the extra sharpness of monitors like the Sony Xbrite, Sharp Aquos and select NEC-Mitsubishi monitors. Great combo with the highdef 23"
So far, most speakers built into displays have been after thoughts and unsuitable for almost anything but alert sounds.
Built in speakers provide proper stereo imaging by placing the left and right tweeters perfectly on each side of the screen.
Does anyone else find it comical that apple went as far as to develop ADC but ruins the effect by stringing speaker source and power wires across the desk anyway... ?
I would like to see at least sockets and mounting brackets built in so that sound can accompany image without cluttering our desks with additional wires. This was always my favorite thing about the emac, sound without wires.
Originally posted by dfiler
My vote goes for: integrated speakers
So far, most speakers built into displays have been after thoughts and unsuitable for almost anything but alert sounds.
That's a problem. I think it takes a bigger speaker than you can fit in a display to sound very good. I prefer a bit more separation between speakers myself so would prefer they not be in the display.
Does anyone else find it comical that apple went as far as to develop ADC but ruins the effect by stringing speaker source and power wires across the desk anyway... ?
Yep, just another reason why ADC isn't such a great idea.