The performa was what, ten years ago? I was using larger displays as early as 1991. Large CRTs (up to 21") have been around awhile.
I'm not all that impressed with apple's cinema displays, quite frankly, with 400:1 contrast ratio. I can get a 20" monitor (slightly smaller) from Formac with a 600:1 contrast ratio, pay a lot less money...and be able to calibrate it to pantone standards.
-Erik Nanstiel
Where Do Displays Go From Here?