The Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-Inch) is intended to be the "ultimate docking station" for a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac notebook (it is not compatible with earlier Macs). Thunderbolt makes it possible to connect one cable and use this display's built-in FaceTime HD camera, mic, 2.1 speakers (49 watts), three USB 2.0 ports, single Firewire "800" port, single Gigabit Ethernet port, and Thunderbolt port. In addition to the built-in Thunderbolt cable, the display also has a built-in MagSafe connector that charges a Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.
With the exception of connectivity, this display is similar to the LED Cinema Display (27-Inch) that preceded it, and likewise uses the same sleek aluminum case and features a 27-inch glossy LED-backlit TFT active-matrix LCD display with IPS technology and an optimum resolution of 2560x1440. It has a 178 degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle, a "typical" brightness of 375 cd/m2, contrast ratio of 1000:1, and a 12 ms response time.