Apple has started taking orders for its new 24-inch Cinema Display, aimed at use with MacBooks, as well as the company's desktop solutions, the Mac Pro and the Mac mini. The 24-inch LED-backlit Cinema Display is available through Apple's online store, with shipments slated to begin sometime later this month.

Apple touts its new Cinema Display as “the first display made precisely for a notebook.” The LED Cinema Display includes an integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports and the new Mini DisplayPort, making it easy for MacBook users to quickly connect and power their notebooks, and leaving room for peripherals as well. The aluminum stand has an adjustable hinge that makes it easy to tilt the display in any direction.

The display boasts a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, and uses LED-backlit technology to provide instant full-screen brightness. It is also power-efficient. However, the best new features must be the built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers. Three self-powered USB 2.0 ports have also been added. Moreover, the display has its own (built-in) universal MagSafe charger.

The display uses the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard - the new Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector. To use it with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays, adapters can be purchased separately.

Also worth noting is that Apple's newest display is made with mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass, and highly recyclable materials, making it “the greenest Apple display ever.” Furthermore, the new display contains no brominated flame retardants, all internal cables and components are PVC-free, while the packaging has been reduced by 44 percent, according to the company.

The 24-inch LED Cinema Display costs US$899, and can be ordered from Apple's online store here. Shipping is free (US only).