In the vast landscape of Apple’s product history, there are hidden gems that shine brightly, even if their lifespan was short-lived. One such treasure was the Original Apple Studio 15-inch Display, a testament to Apple’s commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology. Launched on March 17, 1998, as part of the Apple Studio Display series, this LCD display left an indelible mark on the tech world, despite being discontinued on July 19, 2000.
The journey began with the Apple Studio 15-inch Display Revision A, a pioneer in the transition from CRT-based to LCD-based displays. Introduced alongside the non-color-matched Power Macintosh G3, this 15.1″ viewable area active-matrix LCD display featured a dark blue adjustable stand with integrated ADB and S-Video in ports. Despite modest sales, it set the stage for the technological evolution that was to follow. Priced at $1,999, it was eventually succeeded by Revision B on January 5th, 1999.
The second act in the Studio Display saga was the Apple Studio 15-inch Display Revision B, affectionately known as Blueberry. Crafted to complement the “Blue and White” Power Macintosh G3, this iteration showcased a “Blueberry” trimmed 15.1″ viewable area active-matrix LCD display, perched upon an “ice white” stand with integrated ADB and S-Video in ports. While retaining the essence of its predecessor, this model introduced cosmetic changes, a brighter display, and a more accessible price point of $1,099. On August 31st, 1999, it made way for the third and final revision.
Enter the Apple Studio 15-inch Display Revision C, also known as Graphite, designed to complement the Power Macintosh G4. Featuring a “Graphite” trimmed 15.1″ viewable area active-matrix LCD display on an “ice white” stand, this model mirrored its predecessor in functionality but introduced a DVI connector and two USB ports instead of ADB ports. Priced similarly to Revision B, it adorned desks until its discontinuation on July 19, 2000.
As we celebrate the 26-year anniversary of the Apple Studio 15-inch Display, it’s a poignant moment to look back on this discontinued masterpiece. Despite its short existence, the Studio Display series left an enduring legacy in the tech world. The transition from Revision A to Revision C marked not only cosmetic changes but also technological advancements that paved the way for future displays.
While the Apple Studio 15-inch Display may no longer grace our desks, its memory lives on in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts worldwide. The $1,999 original price tag reflected not just a monetary value but a commitment to delivering top-notch quality. The Studio Display series showcased Apple’s dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation.
The Apple Studio 15-inch Display may have been a fleeting presence in the company’s lineup, but its impact reverberates through time. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey of this iconic display. Its legacy serves as a reminder of Apple’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and its ability to set trends that resonate far beyond their initial release. The Studio Display may have bid farewell, but its story is etched in the annals of Apple’s rich history.
Original Apple Studio Display Details
| Introduced | March 17, 1998 |
| Released | May 6, 1998 (Rev A) January 5, 1999 (Rev B) December 2, 1999 (Rev C) |
| Discontinued | January 5, 1999 (Rev A) August 31, 1999 (Rev B) July 19, 2000 (Rev C) |
| Model Number | M4551(A) (Revision A) M4551(B) (Revision B) M7612 (Revision C) |
| Order Number | M6356LL/A M6356LL/B |
| Original Price | $1,999 (Rev A) $1,099 (Rev B & C) |
| Colors | Dark Blue (Rev A) Blueberry (Rev B) Graphite (Rev C) |
| Weight | 12.1 Ibs. 5.488 KG |
| Dimensions | 15” H x 15.7” W x 9.8” D 38.1 cm H x 39.87 cm W x 24.9 cm D |
System Requirements
- System Software 7.5 or later (Revision A)
- Mac OS 8 or later (Revision B)
- Mac OS 8.6 or later (Revision C)
Display Specs
| Type | LCD |
| Size | 15” |
| Viewable Area | 15” |
| Colors | 16.7 million |
| Brightness | 180 cd/m² (Revision A) 200 cd/m² (Revision B & C) |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 832 x 624 1024 x 768 |
| Viewing Angle | N/A |
| Contrast Ratio | 200:1 |
| Response Time | N/A |
| Pixel Pitch | Unknown |
| Pixel Density | 85 dpi |
Connections
| Connection | 1 – DA-15 (Revision A) 1 – VGA (Revision B) 1 – DVI (Revision C) |
| Audio | None |
| Camera | None |
| Ports | 2 – ADB 1 – S-Video 3 – RCA (Revision B) 2 – USB (Revision C) |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 35 W |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Studio Display: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Studio Display LCD (15″): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Studio Display 15-inch LCD (rev.B): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Studio Display LCD DVI (15″): Technical Specifications -Apple Support
- Apple Studio Display (1998–2004) – Wikipedia
- 15″ Studio Display: Apple’s First Desktop LCD! – YouTube
- Studio Display (15″ flat panel) (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- A Tour of Apple’s External (LCD) Displays – 512Pixels
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: January 6, 2024
