Collins claims non-Apple Mini DisplayPort LCDs
updated 01:50 pm EDT, Tue April 14, 2009
CinemaView Displays
Taking advantage of Apple's royalty-free Mini DisplayPort spec, Collins America has launched a set of LCDs under the CinemaView label that it says are the first to use the format outside of Apple. The designs all shadow the aluminum, black and glass look of Apple's LED Cinema Display but use less costly panels while keeping most of the functionality through an all-in-one cable. Collins keeps the display and USB links but replaces the MagSafe connector with a direct audio minijack connection for the display's speakers.
Two 16:10 ratio displays start the line, with a 19-inch, 1440x900 model sitting at $299 while a 20-inch, 1680x1050 screen costs $399. A 24-inch CinemaView switches to a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1080p (1920x1080) resolution for its $499 price. In addition to audio, all three screens have 3 USB ports.
Collins plans to ship the displays by the end of August and is taking reservations today with free shipping for EU and North American customers. Sales will largely take place online, as Collins doesn't yet have a retail network for its displays.
