The F180 sports a native display of 1280×1024 pixels and features dual input capability with support for both conventional analog VGA and newer digital DVI-I connectors. DVI connectors were available on some factory-installed video cards provided on some older Mac models, and are supported on some third-party Mac video cards as well.
Silicon Graphics noted that the F180 is Energy Star compliant and consumes no more than 75W in operating mode, less than half the power of a conventional 21-inch CRT. Digital flat panel displays also produce less heat than CRTs — with sky-high energy prices in some places these days that can translate into hundreds of dollars in annual savings, according to SGI.
Priced at US$1,495, the F180 is expected to be available by the end of July through authorized SGI resellers. The F180 will also be on display at Booth 1401 at next month’s SIGGRAPH 2001 show in Los Angeles, Calif., which runs August 14-16.
The F180 is compatible with all current SGI workstations, and also works on Macs. Power Mac G4s built within the last year have VGA and ADC connectors — users who want a direct digital hookup can purchase an inexpensive ADC to DVI connector cable (available through the Apple Store and various third-party resellers).