Apple’s new Thunderbolt Display has me wishing for Christmas in July

I’ve said “I want that” to every single new product Apple announced today. I am an iSheep, and I need them. Besides a new MacBook Air, a new MacMini, a new white iPhone 4 and an iPad 2 (also in white, if you’re shopping for me), I really, really want an Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Named after the imaginary pony I had in Pre-K, the Thunderbolt Display is probably a result of Apple selling more laptops than desktops these days. The Thunderbolt high-speed I/O technology supports high-resolution displays and high-performance data devices through one port. Apple teases me by showing two Thunderbolt Displays connected on their website.

The Thunderbolt Display is also an ultimate docking station, with a single 27-inch model boasting a 2560 x 1440 resolution with 16:9 IPS display. It also has a Firewire 800 slot, three USB 2.0 ports and MagSafe charging for laptops. You can use it with the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, all at once if you are lucky enough to have them all.

The main reason I want a Thunderbolt Display is that I hate clutter. This device will seriously clean up my desk. I appreciate the display’s integrated 2.1 speaker system (don’t be a hater, integrated speakers have come a long way from the 1990’s) and the built-in FaceTime HD camera and Mic look like a pleasure.

The coolest feature is that single, fast DisplayPort hookup. It can connect six high speed devices with only a few cables. I will need to write some more stories to afford the Thunderbolt. It costs $999, and ships in eight to ten weeks (!).

It wasn’t designed with average PC users in mind. There are cheaper options available, and some of them have glare guard, unlike the Thunderbolt Display.