Apple Revisits Classic Studio Display 17 CRT Specs

Do you remember the era when Apple computers paired with professional-grade displays set the standard for design and color accuracy? Today, we revisit the technical specifications of the iconic Apple Studio Display (17" CRT, 16" VIS), a masterpiece that embodied Apple's design philosophy and served as a reliable tool for creative professionals.

Introduced on January 5, 1999, the Apple Studio Display (17" CRT) may be discontinued, but its timeless design and exceptional performance remain unforgettable. This display featured a 17-inch CRT tube with a 16-inch viewable area. While CRT technology appears bulky compared to modern LCDs, its color reproduction and contrast ratio were unmatched at the time.

• Physical Characteristics:
  • Dimensions: 18.9" (H) × 16.5" (W) × 16.9" (D)
  • Weight: 48 lbs (≈21.8 kg) – standard for its era but challenging for frequent relocation
• Electrical Specifications:
  • Max Power Consumption: 120W – significantly higher than contemporary LCDs
  • Heat Output: 410.4 BTU/hour – requiring proper ventilation
  • Voltage: Dual-range support (100-120V/220-240V) for global compatibility
  • Frequency Range: 50-60Hz – compliant with international power standards

The Studio Display offered versatile display modes suitable for graphic design, video editing, and office work, delivering crisp and stable imagery across applications.

• Mac Native Modes:
  • 640×480 @ 66.7Hz (35.00kHz) – Baseline configuration for early Macs
  • 832×624 @ 75Hz (49.72kHz) – Enhanced clarity for graphics work
  • 1152×870 @ 75Hz (68.68kHz) – High-resolution detail rendering
• VESA Standard Modes:
  • 1024×768 @ 60Hz (48.36kHz) – Universal compatibility
  • 800×600 @ 60Hz/85Hz – Adjustable refresh rates
  • 1280×1024 @ 75Hz (79.98kHz) – Professional-grade resolution
  • 1600×1200 @ 60Hz (75.00kHz) – Maximum resolution (GPU-intensive)
• Legacy VGA Mode:
  • 640×480 @ 60Hz (31.47kHz) – Universal fallback option

Though long discontinued, the Apple Studio Display (17" CRT) remains a cherished artifact representing Apple's industrial design excellence and CRT technology's golden age. For collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts, well-preserved units continue to function flawlessly, serving as both practical tools and historical artifacts.

This display wasn't merely hardware – it was a design manifesto that influenced generations of Apple products. While modern LCDs have surpassed CRTs in efficiency and convenience, the Studio Display's uncompromising approach to color accuracy and ergonomic design established benchmarks that still resonate in professional display technology today.