Reviews for Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch)

I have had my MB Air since Thunderbolt was introduced but did not need to purchase a Thunderbolt monitor. I have an old first generation HD Display monitor that I use with my 1st generation Mini and have been toying with the idea of replacing my Mini with a new model but found out that my HD Display won't work with the new Thunderbolt optioned Mini. Needless to say I was bummed but then I considered purchasing a new 27" Thunderbolt monitor instead of a new Mini. I'm glad I did. The connectivity is great. I did not purchase a BT keyboard instead bought a USB full size keyboard and a Magic Mouse which is also great. That left me two more ports on the back of the monitor for my two printers, one a Brother MFC color laser the other a Dymo twin label printer to print labels and stamps. There are two more USB's on each end of the USB keyboard that I used for USB drives and/or a card reader. I'm glad to see there is still Firewire connectivity for my old Canon video camera and my older Vuescan Flatbed scanner. The monitor turns on when I plug my MB into the Thunderbolt and comes alive when I close the lid. Right now I cannot say anything bad about this great monitor.

16 of 20 people found this useful

I have had the 27" Thunderbolt display for over 6 months now at home and use it daily with a MacBook Pro Retina 15", Mac Mini Server, and also previously used it with a MacBook Pro 15" (Late 2011). The quality, sharpness and color rendition of the display are beyond words and as a display it's hands down the best I've used, including over 5 different displays in the 24" range from other manufacturers. I do software engineering and Photoshop work all day for a living. We are buying two more for our business this week if that tells you anything.

It's true that the thunderbolt adapter has problems with docked USB devices from time to time, and sometimes the graphics don't switch over smoothly, but that's happened with every monitor/docking station combination I've ever used. If you like matte monitors then this one might not be for you, but personally I like the contrast and color rendition of a glossy screen monitor a lot more. If you're judging the monitor by the quality of the speaker interface or docking features, you're doing it a disservice because as a monitor, which is it's prime reason for being, it is outstanding. Highly recommended.

13 of 14 people found this useful

I had to admit, like most of you probably are, I was a little hesitant about even thinking about spending $1,000 on a monitor. Seeing it finally in stores though, I decided to make the leap, and while I felt guilty at first, I'm so glad I did. This thing is amazing! Not only is the display the best I have ever seen, having one cord access to additional ports, a decent sound system, and a better webcam, is extremely efficient for anyone trying to pull off the laptop/desktop workspace. I currently own an 11" 2011 MBA, performance is still fantastic even with the display plugged in. Previous clam shell mode issues must have been fixed, I use it daily with no problems. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a display to accompany there Apple laptop. You will not regret dropping the cash on this gorgeous piece of techonology.

19 of 26 people found this useful

Recently purchased the Thunderbolt display with a new Macbook Air. What a fabulous combination!! Everything worked perfectly right out of the box. A great example of Apple product development. I do a lot of photo work and the large screen/resolution is wonderful!!

32 of 52 people found this useful

I'm a scientific programmer working in the field of astronomy. I program all day long and the Thunderbolt display is absolutely wonderful. It is wide, crisp, and has exceptional contrast. It syncs perfectly whenever I remove and reattach to my MacBook Pro, never any hassles. I also have an older Cinema display for my home system. It is good also, but it has lower contrast and runs quite a lot warmer than the Thunderbolt. Three cheers for Apple on this one.

12 of 13 people found this useful

This display reduces clutter by having Ethernet, usb and Firewire coalescing in the back of the display and delivered through one cable to the computer. No need for a power plug.

15 of 19 people found this useful

I love this display and have had no issues! I do wish they would come out with a model with less glare though! I have it hooked up to my new Mac Mini and love the extra USB ports. firewire, ethernet and Magsafe connection for my MacBook Pro!

25 of 39 people found this useful

MacBook Pro 10,1 15" Retina, 4-core i7/ 2.7GHz, 16GB
Mac OS X 10.8.2, Win 8 Pro VM and Win 7 Ult native with Bootcamp.
(Because of work I have to dance with the devil.)

TBD exhibited completely flawless Mac OS operation. Absolutely beautiful display. Interface connection a breeze - excellent design - good riddance DVI !

Only display issue was with Bootcamp. No joy on the TBD at first. Bootcamp-Win7 process for loading drivers failed to copy over / load thunderbolt driver to Win 7 OS. Win 7 (audibly) acknowledged connection and disconnection of Thunderbolt cable and recognized the display's USB ports in the Windows Devices and Printers Control Panel but display was blank and not recognized in Window's Display Control Panel. Had to load NIVIDIA drivers manually in Win7. Much thanks to Mac tech support. It took, after several tries with tech support, a Mac certified technician to help me figure this out. All's well that ends well and I don't necessarily expect Apple to be solely responsible for all things Windows related and vice versa. (I hope this helps anyone who may have had the same issue in Bootcamp.)

Now everything is perfect. Still giving it 4.5 stars because nothing can touch it that I've seen and it is so very worth any trouble I had with respect to Windows. I recommend no active light sources in a reflective path behind the viewer in order to fully appreciate this excellent display without reflections.

Like to see USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI input option on back.

BTW, the MacBook Pro is a very fine machine as well...running any OS. It has a nice display also, so I'm told.

13 of 16 people found this useful

My Thunderbolt display has worked flawlessly. I decided to purchase a refurb and save $170. I have had no issues with the display. Maybe buying a refurb is the answer. Not only will you save some cash but if the display had issues and was returned, it's been fixed and tested possibly more then a new one off the line. I have it hooked up to my late 2011 MBP and I couldn't be happier with it.

11 of 12 people found this useful