Thunderbolt Display smaller than 27?

My wife needs to get an external display for causal use with a MBA but 27 inches is too much. Is there a TBD smaller than 27 available? Rumors one will become available any time soon?

rpg51 said:

My wife needs to get an external display for causal use with a MBA but 27 inches is too much. Is there a TBD smaller than 27 available?

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Nope...27" is all there is.

rpg51 said:

Rumors one will become available any time soon?

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None that I am aware of.

One question for you. Does she NEED an Apple display? There are certainly MUCH less expensive options out there...various sizes as well.

- Nick

That is a good question. I am attracted to the docking station aspect of the TBD. She won't enjoy unplugging and plugging in a lot of different connectors every time she leaves or comes back to her desk.

rpg51 said:

That is a good question. I am attracted to the docking station aspect of the TBD. She won't enjoy unplugging and plugging in a lot of different connectors every time she leaves or comes back to her desk.

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That is the best feature of the TBD, but I highly doubt Apple will go down in size on the displays. A 24" TBD would be perfect, but these days bigger seems to win out. I see a larger one coming before a smaller one.

rpg51 said:

That is a good question. I am attracted to the docking station aspect of the TBD. She won't enjoy unplugging and plugging in a lot of different connectors every time she leaves or comes back to her desk.

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That is an attractive feature...but on the other hand...the 27" Apple display is $999 + tax (and the 27" is the only size Apple sells).

Compare this to many 24" displays that can be purchased for under $200. And really...the only cable that needs to be plugged in/unplugged when the laptop is used is the video cable.

What you could do...is buy a 24" external display for under $200...then buy a MacBook Pro "dock" (something like this for example for $69):

Henge Docks

This would probably meet all of you and your wife's needs:

- lower cost
- smaller size
- less cables to attach

The only problem with many docking stations is...they prevent use of the MacBook Pro's display (dual display mode). But if this is not a problem...then the dock listed above (or a similar one) + a less expensive smaller monitor...I think would be perfect for you.

- Nick

She has a MBA

not MBP. That doc for the MBA does not look to be nearly as functional.

rpg51 said:

not MBP. That doc for the MBA does not look to be nearly as functional.

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Ok...small mistake. I don't think that the main issue here is whether it's a MBA or a MBP!

I think that you may be missing my point. If cost of the Apple display ($999) and it's size (27") are issues...then a 24" display for under $200 + a dock of some sort could be a solution.

Heck...you really don't even need the dock...since when connecting & disconnecting the computer really only involves a single cable (the video cable).

Also...there are more docks out there than the one I linked...that was just an example.

Just trying to help. Good Luck.

- Nick

No, I do get your point and it is a good one. It isn't so much the cost of the TBD, its the size. But I am beginning to think that my idea of eliminating her desktop computer is not such a good idea. Our habit is to use the desk top to run our household music system and other things that would be a pain if we tried to do it all from a laptop that is not always docked to the peripherals at her desk.

Thanks for the input. With out realizing it you helped me avoid an expensive mistake.

Good deal man!

- Nick