iFixIt has performed a teardown of the new Apple Thunderbolt Display.
Highlights: ● Interestingly enough, the Thunderbolt cable that routes into the display also plugs into a standard Thunderbolt socket on the logic board. Apple could have just soldered the cable wires to the board, but instead chose to implement a cover that prevents the cable from being detached from the logic board's Thunderbolt socket. ● How about 250 watts of maximum continuous power -- is that enough for you? ● The Thunderbolt Display comes with a 49 watt 2.1-speaker sound system, including a miniature subwoofer.
Thunderbolt Display Repairability Score: 8 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair) ● Only T6 and T10 torx screws hold it together, meaning minimal tooling is required to service. ● Minimal use of adhesives means reassembly will be easier and cleaner. ● Front glass panel and LCD are easy to remove and major components are exposed upon removal. ● You have to use suction cups to remove the front glass, which could end poorly if not done properly. ● While disassembly was very straightforward, there are a lot of parts, cables and connectors, making full reassembly not for the faint of heart.
Apple should lower the prices of the Cinema displays. $999 gets you a monitor... 300 more gets you a full iMac. Makes no sense to me. These screens should cost maybe 599 each, not 999.