Charlie Sorrel, of Wired, points out that the newly announced 27-inch iMac is only $100 less than Apple’s 30-inch Cinema Display. At prices like that, a few questions come to mind:

• How can Apple continue to justify charging $1,799 for the 30-inch Cinema Display?
• When is Apple going to add some new life to the Cinema Display line?
• Knowing all of this (and knowing that you can use the 27-inch iMac as an external display) why would anyone purchase the 30-inch display?

We’ve all known that Apple charges too much for their displays but the comparison of pricing between the 27-inch iMac and the 30-inch Cinema Display really showcases that. The 27-inch is $100 cheaper, includes a whole computer, and uses a better display technology. The 30-inch is over priced and aging.

So when is Apple going to add some life to their line of displays? The 24-inch is modern but it’s the smallest display Apple offers and costs a whopping $899. The only other display Apple offers is twice the price — there are two displays — it’s hard to even call it a “line” anymore. Apple should give up on the 30-inch and just offer two models, a 21.5 and a 27-inch. This would simplify their offerings and lower the number of LCD panels they have to purchase.

The 27-inch iMac can even be used as an external display. DisplayPort is a two-way connector and with an adapter (sold separately) you can connect another computer, or nearly anything with video output to it. The 27-inch iMac is a much better buy than the 30-inch Cinema Display.

So, knowing all this, why would anyone purchase the 30-inch display? That’s a question I ask myself every time I see someone using one.