ViewSonic, Apple readying 17-inch widescreen monitors?

It looks like there's a good chance that you'll soon be able to put some new monitors on your holiday wish list. DigiTimes is reporting that ViewSonic and Apple will be releasing 17-inch widescreens later this year or possibly in early 2007, leading to expectations that they'll replace the existing entry-level and mid-level displays currently on the market. As far as ViewSonic is concerned, this intel from "industry sources" seems pretty reasonable given that the company's just updated the rest of the line recently. What about on Apple's side? Yep, it's been awhile since the company has even had a 17-inch display -- so let's just say that we can't wait for CES and Macworld Expo 2007.

[Via TG Daily]

[Mrfreezie @ Nov 28th 2006 12:18PM]

I seriously doubt that Apple will release a 17" monitor. That just doesn't seem like Apple, they have been about the biggest and best, not mid range.. Plus, the profit margins for 17 inchers are very slim, something I'm sure Apple would be aware of.

[Gordy @ Nov 28th 2006 12:42PM]

Apple has been heading the other direction with display sizes. I doubt they'll backtrack to 17.

[Malfoy Roark @ Nov 28th 2006 1:29PM]

I laugh at the mere mention of a 17, mu hahahaha.

[wes @ Nov 28th 2006 2:58PM]

there's still a market for such smallish screens?
i always thought that people want bigger and bigger screen. what is the actual height of a 17' widescreen display? something around a 15 or 16' screen?

[Paul @ Nov 28th 2006 3:03PM]

Theres a big demand for smaller displays from non-technical older folk (40+) who do not use their computer for games, movies, or typing out long lines of code, but simply for email, browsing the internet, and typing up an occasional document.

They think "Why do I need a 20 inch monitor when a 17 inch is fine and cheaper"
Apple might even be losing sales due to not having a small monitor available with their desktop computers. Someone might think "Well that Apple computer would be nice but it is pretty expensive and I don't need a monitor that big" Then go for a cheaper Dell with a 15" or 17" monitor.

My father (in his 50's) recently bought an HP desktop because it was cheap. It came with a 15" LCD. I asked my dad about it, wondering why he settled for such a small monitor (comparing it to my 20" LCD at the time) and his response was something along the lines of "It work's fine for me".

When I upgraded to a 24" widescreen lcd he said "I just don't see why someone would want a monitor that big"

[SHOTT3R @ Nov 28th 2006 3:26PM]

Don't forget tiny ass dorm rooms. It's hard to fit a 20" monitor in a lot of the desks they have. 17 is a good decent size for work and multimedia viewing. 1440x900 res at the very least though. Personally I'd prefer 1920x1200, but I know some people don't have good eyes.

[Galley @ Nov 28th 2006 4:08PM]

Apple hates it when you hook up a Dell monitor to your new Mac Mini. If the price is right, it should be a big seller.

[Addex @ Nov 28th 2006 4:32PM]

I hope they upgrade their entire line of LCD with HDCP.

[Matt @ Nov 28th 2006 4:38PM]

Yawn! Another Apple rumor...

[chewbaca @ Nov 28th 2006 5:38PM]

20" is the new 17", Apple.

[Gordy @ Nov 29th 2006 8:26AM]

I guess some of you missed the whole 'wide screen' angle here. A wide screen 17" screen is usually the same vertical resolution of a 15", only wider, a feature only higher end users would appreciate.

Also, the "non-technical older folk" in my office love their huge 20" screens. They blow everything up to irritatingly high levels. 800 x 600 even.

Finally, the budget conscious typically fall off the low end of Apple's radar.