The bottom of the Apple display stand was specifically designed to slide. This allowed you to swivel the display if needed. It also was designed so that if you bump the display when walking passed the desk, it would slide a bit versus tipping over backward.
I’m with you. The studio display is the display I have been waiting for to pair with my MacBook Pro. I’ve had it for just over two weeks and it’s incredible. I have both a 14” MacBook Pro and iPad Pro with the miniLED pro-motion displays and honestly don’t care that the studio display is 60hz and does not have local dimming. It’s so nice to have a large display that looks amazing, gets nice and bright, and has build quality on par with my MacBook.
I bought the Studio Display. Here they also just had one available via order. The height and tilt adjustable version. First. It is damn heavy. When i took this out with difficulty. I was amazed of the build quality. I shopped and shopped for an alternative. Watched TH-cam videos, read reviews. looked at prices and bang for my buck. Ultimately I spent the extra money. I do not regret this purchase. It is an amazing piece of hardware.
Agreed. Even most 1080p crap 74% SRGB monitors come with a basic adjustable stand and an option to mount it. And those are like $100. This should have what a $100 monitor has.
On the other hand it just means that to him those cons are not a dealbreaker to him. You don’t have to like it. If there was something I liked but had some big problems that I have gotten used to or am comfortable with a work around I would be okay with it. It’s okay that he defends it so long as he acknowledges that it’s a problem to some people. In the same way a $1600 display in todays markets have higher refresh rate, thinner bezels etc. If I’m not used to it or can’t appreciate the difference it doesn’t matter to me.
In fact, once you have an optimal view distance, you can also get the same retina experience. around min. 64cm in your case to enjoy retina experience.
I'm seriously considering the LG 32" 4k UltraFine Ergo because I cannot justify the $1,600.00 price of the Apple Studio Display. I agree with you that the LG 32" 4k UltraFine Ergo is a great alternative.
Fantastic choice. 32 inches is the sweetspot. I made the stupid decision of getting a 43 inch Samsung Smart monitor. It's really amazing in terms of display and audio quality. But 43 inches is just way too much for my usage. 🙁 I had a 32 inch 1440p viewsonic earlier, in my opinion 32 inches is the best size to replace 2x 21 inch monitors. It was very comfortable.
“Everyone talks about what it doesn’t have instead of what it does have.” Spends 20 minutes talking about what it doesn’t have. I genuinely don’t want to buy one after watching this. Thank you.
I have an Apple Thunderbolt Display bought in 2012 which I'm still using and is in perfect condition. In considering the price, you need to add to the mix that Apple stuff lasts for years.
Completely agree. My iMac recently died. And cost me £2000 at time of purchase. But it’s lasted 12 years. My mate has had 3 or 4 windows pcs in that time… that cost at least 600-700 each. And my iMac until it died was still faster and better than his pc.
Thank you, for your excellent comments. While, during the 1990's, I would buy new from Apple but for the past 20 years, I buy mostly only used desktops, monitors, and laptops. For example, when Apple was selling new the 2014, "mac mini", I elected to buy a used 2010, the last model with a built-in DVD super-drive and paired it with a used 27-inch Apple Cinema (none thunderbolt) display for a total system cost of $900 (US).. It is not until, you have a complete Apple desktop system that, you can truly understand that "the whole is many times greater than its separate parts" (smile...smile).
I would always recommend to get an Apple Studio Display with the VESA mount and a ergotron monitor arm. Works perfect, you have more flexibility, more space on your desk and you can reuse the monitor arm if you switch to a different monitor
I found it didn’t bother me that much coming from 32” to the studio display, cubase fits on the screen fine and WOW that stunning image quality is as close to perfect as you can probably get
The 27" size is not a coincidence. If you want Retina, i.e. 218ppi, with 5k then 27" it is. Going to 32" would require a higher resolution, hence the 6k of the XDR.
Good man ! at 32 inch, you need 6K in order to achieve min. ~ 41cm for retina experience. At 5K 27inch, you also need the same ~41cm for retina experience. If you understand this concept, you know Apple has no other better choice, I am totally understand why Apple come up the same 27inch 5K Studio Display, because it is the best that they can put into it.
Sure, you can have many cheaper choice in the market, for example 4K 32inch, but you need to min~ 64cm to have retina experience, that means you can't get much closer to the monitor and still enjoy the crisp, retina experience.
Really good points about age being a consideration. At 63, I can still work, but I have to take care of myself better, so eye strain matters. I’m also thinking of adding the Nano texture to avoid glare.
Higher refresh rates on larger screens and better contrast ratios ALWAYS improve user experience and image quality. This is not a question nor is it the domain of "gaming."
The only thing they did wrong with this display is the A13 processor they put in. They should put an M1 or M1 Pro inside and call it the new iMac 27"! From the whole concept this "display" is more a computer than a display. Even the thickness makes more sense if you put an M1 inside. The fans are also already there....I would be very sad if they really bring no successor to my 27" iMac. I don't like the cluttered desktop with the separate Mac Studio....(and I don't like the cost of all combined. It should be not so much more expansive to put a M1 instead of an A13 in ..)
I’m one of the folks that was specifically looking for good built in speakers with a web cam. I really don’t want to add speakers to my desktop and have a separate web cam that siits on the desk or looks half ass sitting on top of my monitor. so, I’m glad they put them in. Half want the price less and to leave that stuff out while others, like me, want that stuff in there. Can’t please everyone. I personally don’t mind the price. Mine is on order
I needed this video. After all the others harping on about the same 3 complaints, you nailed it. This monitor is for a specific market, not gamers, not movie editors, (and apparently not many TH-camrs either). "Professionals" includes writers, as you said, designers, developers, music producers, scientists and so many more who don't need 120Hz or Mini LED or HDR. This monitor has Extended Dynamic Range and a P3 colour gamut, but most importantly it has the sharpness and great factory colour calibration that apply to the whole OS, not just media. That perfect scaling of the UI is something Mac users (like you, and greybeards like me), understand. For those concerned about the $300 price difference between this and the LG 5K monitor, I would say that the Studio Display makes the *LG* look like a bad deal value wise, not the other way around. Just take a look at its insides in one of those tear-down videos. They engineered a power supply only half an inch thick in order to avoid having a power brick hanging off the back of it. The reason the cord is fixed and not a standard plug is because the whole chassis is thinner than a plug. The audio is the best ever in any monitor. The speakers are force cancelling - to prevent vibration. The cooling for the power supply makes the whole thing look like the inside of an iMac. It's got the guts of an iPad running the camera and I/O, so it's upgradable via software update. The only display that's better, at a better price, is also made by Apple - its in the 16" MacBook Pro, and its the best display I've ever used. The blacks as as good as my 2019 LG 4K OLED TV. The brightness is even better. If this is an indication of where Apple displays are heading, look out for the successor to the Pro Display XDR. The Studio Display is just not that monitor and wasn't ever going to be.
It has a non-removable power cord, which is reason enough for me to avoid it like the plague. That is just an idiotic, money grubbing move by Apple, which is par for the course.
Why do monitor manufacturers put vent holes on top of a screen and not the sides or better, underneath? Dust will most definitely accumulate. I always appreciated my mid-2011 iMac screen that had a smooth top. I wiped off dust from there all the time and I was so glad it wasn't in my machine. Do you know if it safe to vacuum the top of your monitor when it is off?
Hot air rises. And that means they can put the fans on a lower setting so they remain silent no matter how long you have the display on. It’s taking advantage of physics of heat to passively cool the device. Plus as long as the fans are blowing the dust won’t get in. It pulls from the bottom. If you live in a dusty environment you can always cover the fans when you are done using it each night.
I think you’ve pretty much nailed it on what this is. Its not perfect, but definitely not for those publishing the hot takes vids on it. Sounds like the webcam will be improved via updates, and have heard rave reviews for the speakers, for those that may utilize them.
I have mine since 2 days and I agree 100% to all mentioned points. It’s also the best 27 inch monitor for MacOS. I had a 2560x1440 Dell monitor before. Working with documents and writing texts on the 5k is a dream . The main reason why I bought it is for Lightroom, as the colors on photography mode are accurate already good calibrated, to this the display is very sharp. It makes more fun to work on it which is also important when I spend up to 8 hours in office per day. I have an electrically adjustable table, so the standard stand is fine.
In Canada its $2,258.87 for the cheapest version. and up to $3,275.87 after taxes if you buy the anti-glare screen and adjustable stand... That's *way* too much. For that money this monitor should be offering higher refresh rates (at least 120Hz) and be a bit bigger (32") the adjustable stand should be the default, with much smaller bezels. If they're going 27" for some specific reason to match the resolution / PPI, then I get it. If you're going to charge those higher prices, the monitor better be THE BEST, and come with all the bells and whistles and options.
Agree. FaceID would have been a big plus. Why not let it run AppleTV (since it can) on its own? A high quality camera that would make it a step up from your phone/iPad. *Something* more. (sigh)
Thanks Jason very much for this review. I couldn’t agree more with your points. I’ve ordered one and I’m waiting for it. In the past I had BenQ and Dell displays and none of them compared to my old Apple Thunder old display. I would only add that after 10 years I sold my Thunderbolt display for £400, I only got £25 for my BenQ after 3 years.
Great review! I love my Studio Monitor. You’re absolutely right. It’s the most beautiful looking display I’ve ever seen and of course I love how well it works with macOS. No regrets here!
I want it at half the price without A13 and video and audio. Give it to me stripped down at half the thickness with VESA. If I have to pay for the equivalent of a 5K iPad, I should at least be able to toggle between my laptop's MacOS vs the monitor's iOS. With that said, I'm going to wait for v2 which should have a detachable cord.
Almost bought it, but after seeing the Pro Display XDR I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I paid 1600 for this. Maybe 1200 max for this but the 2k price point for the one with the stand Is un aceptable. I thought the Sony a74 needed to do more with the upgrade from the a73 but in everyday use it was actually refreshing. However, In this case it was a fail. Putting an old monitor in a premium shell with unnecessary add ons is not worth a premium.
It's not the old monitor. Even the verge did a test and found it's a completely separate monitor from the older 5K LG screen it replaces and it doesn't suffer from the Wifi issue or light bleed issue at all. Edit: It's also perfectly color calibrated at the factory. It was always nearly a nightmare to color calibrate other high-end LG monitors. Also, the instant-on is something I can no longer live without and I agree with Jason that I too have noticed much less eye strain using this monitor as well.
Thanks for this review. I recently purchased one and so far it works perfectly for what I do and it’s a really nice upgrade from my MacBook Pro, which I loved, but the MacBook had too much spinning beachball for what I do, and this new Mac and display are perfect.
I, too, have been waiting for the monitor but it’s quite expensive. I’ve been spoiled by the crisp looks of my iMac and have not liked other monitors I’ve purchased. I’m not concerned about height adjustment because once it’s set, it’s set. As I’m limited on desk space, I do appreciate the speakers/sound. It’s going to be awhile before I get mine, but am so looking forward to it.
Thanks for your review. Totally get the “eye sight” thing!! I started my channel at age 56! I have a 32 inch second monitor I use more than my 24 inch. New to your channel, new sub too. Keep up the good work
i agree with most of what you're saying. i do love the speakers and mic though. 32 inch would be great. but it's a game changer. my eyes are feeling a lot less stressed. i'm a programmer
2 downfalls to my workflow. 1. Part-time PC user for Revit, Bluebeam, and other Architecture software, and 2. It is hard for me to work with anything under 32". Great video and thanks for sharing!
I appreciate your take on this. I purchased this monitor a few days ago, and I love it. Every challenge I've thrown at it, it has passed. I even used my work laptop (which is a windows computer) and it still knocked it out of the park. I went back and forth on the price, and the size because I had a 34 in ultra wide. I went for the height adjustability version (dream!!!).
Thanks for this review, Jason! I'm jealous that you found one in-stock locally because I ordered from Apple on March 19. Still waiting. It's supposed to ship today.
I’m very happy for your find Jason, I just purchased the Thunderbolt 27 inch as my second display because the Studio is priced too high for me right now. It will look perfect next to my 2017 27inch iMac and 2019 MacBook pro 😊.
Nice to meet you also @@chronictown4330 , I love my 2017 iMac and so easy to connect to my new/previously owned Thunderbolt Display with the appropriate dongle and Thunderbolt 2 cable. It works beautifully with my 2019 MacBook Pro too , just not at the same time . Saved $1,200 🎉🥳‼️
Thanks for the reality check about this monitor. You cut pass the talking techies and explained clearly what this monitor brings to a studio like I have. I immediately traded in my Mac Mini for the base studio Max and it was a simple plug and play. Looking at my existing monitors I now know what I am looking at and what I really need. You definitely enlightened me about it. Now working the budget for it and it really helps that It is a business expense and a tax write off. Thanks 😊
Thanks for down to earth evaluation on this new monitor. One thing, I’m getting into is photography. So far I haven’t heard much about how well it performs when using photoshop and Lightroom. I’d appreciate some opinions on that from someone who’s had experience with this monitor. Please reply on this forum. Thanks!
Thin bezels look better. But if they want to fit a camera, then it's good they are even all the way around (unlike the LG 5k)! If you want to put 2 monitors next to each other, thin is better.
The Studio display isn't for me. I like to stream videos in 4K 60Hz HDR. (There are several to choose from on TH-cam) I would like to stream videos in at least 4K 120Hz HDR. 5K would be even better at 50% more pixels. I wonder why Apple didn't put the 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 port on the Studio Dislay or any of the Pro series of Macs/MacBooks and Studio Max/Ultra? It's been out since Nov. 28, 2017.
@Male Sensitivity Well, that sucks! I was hoping to see Apple upgrade the Intel powered Mac Mini that they still sell to M1 Pro/Max, so I can trade in my base M1 Mac Mini for it. But if it doesn't have HDMI 2.1, I guess I will have to wait.
The speakers, webcam, and microphone would be important to me, as I spend a good chunk of my day on video calls. The webcam, while disappointing, looks to be sufficient. The bigger issues for me are the price, and some of the stupid design issues like the stand and the non-removable power cable.
Great video! I appreciate the perspective you offer by focusing on what the monitor does have, all of which helped in my decision making. You nicely summarized in one video what I had to piece together by watching over a dozen others - wish I had seen yours first!
I tell you what the display does have...... Awesome set of internal speakers. I think it's a great device!! It's about making something beautiful that has a lot of everything for minimalists.
obviously the speakers aren't for audio engineers or audiophiles, but they're incredibly good for what they are, and are infinitely better than the built in speakers on any other monitor you'll ever find with this level of image quality.
I can't imagine a single useful A13 software upgrade that could made a display better. What could it be that already isn't there? How long since we ever care what chip is inside a display?
Nice video. The problem with ProMotion here is with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt 4 cannot support both 5k and 120hz refresh rate. I agree there’s a Apple’s slippery bottom problem. I’ve found these new super large desk pads will hold them really well.
In its class, it's the brightest, which is great if you have low vision, as I do. I didn't realize how much I preferred the glossy screen over a matte one until I went from a '15 iMac to an LG5k2k [Terrible, IMO]. The only complaint I have was getting my work PC to the TB4 connector via TB3 to DP1.48k, and I have to plug and unplug, but that is one of those feature updates that could be handled with the A13 for sure. M1 to studio display is just amazing. I am not an audiophile, so the speaker arrangement sounds great, but I'm usually on APs of some kind anyway. Zero 'Fs' about the webcam.
@@thejasontlewis I will probably buy a second one and have the best of both worlds. It would be nice if Apple could use the processor inside the Studio Display to support two monitors in an enhanced way which would take advantage of the speaker, mic and/or video from two systems
Hi, I have a late 2012 mac pro desktop (cylinder shape) and I purchased a studio display because the company stated I can use the monitor with my outdated Mac pro. Well guess what ? I still can't get the monitor to engage with my 2012 Mac pro. Should I send the monitor back? HELP!
I have had my 27" 5k iMac for 7 years before upgrading it to the latest MacBook Pro. While I love the MacBook Pro, I missed the 27" 5K screen. Finally with the Studio Display, I can have both the cake and eat it too!
I would be more concerned with color accuracy and being able to calibrate and store the calibration lut on the monitor. Never had a display yet that didn't change over time.
Who is complaining about the bezels? That's just dumb. My issues: the 5k thing seems like a solution to a problem Apple has created. And for the love of God, why did they engineer the power cable in that way?! And charging that much for height adjustment on a monitor that starts at this price feels like Apple are having a good laugh at our expense. That aside, I don't think you can compare it to other monitors. Even fancy top end gaming monitors are slabs of plastic, and they don't have a freaking SoC like the A13 in them. Ultimately, only individuals can know if this is subjectively worth it for them. I don't think it can be deemed good value, but it may just be a price you're willing to pay for what it is. And that's fine, I guess.
no other Monitor out there has greater value than this one currently. this will kepp a high value even in 10 years from now. Bezels are perfect. why the cable design? it's too thin for the classic chunky power cable. whats the problem? maybe one in a million users will ruin the cable somehow, you can order a replacement and change it within 5 minutes no problems. angle adjustment is enough, height does no matter, the standard is perfect for any desk, if needed there are 2 more options to choose from. fancy gaming monitors, well, every other moinitor is trash garbage plastic with pointless "anti-glare" that improves nothing but ruins every other spec they (non Apple users) oh so much like to talk about. i dont get why they put in an A13, speakers, make it so bulky, and expensive. i would rather have a 5K iMac screen without the iMac at a much, much lower Price. have decent ports, dvi, hdmi, displayport, usb A, usb-C. a on off button (sigh) omn the other side this is the only Apple monitor out there without starting to sell organs.
@@JohnSmith-pn2vl Sure it might retain it's value better in 10 years, but that's entirely speculative. Just comparing specs, it will seem poor value. But that's only part of the story. That doesn't describe the intangibles; how well it fits in with someone's other Apple products, how it looks etc. This was my point in mentioning fancy gaming monitors; none have the build of this monitor, nor will they integrate as seamlessly. I don't think there is anything else you can directly compare it to, so really the value of it becomes largely subjective to the individual. Ie "Am I willing to spend this much to get X Y and Z from this monitor?" I don't even think the ports are 'bad'. They provide flexibility, and any other type would just spoil the clean lines. The cable and stand though are very odd choices. They can make shallow cables. They've proven this with the new iMac. And in any case, this cable IS removable; but with a special tool or brute force. It makes it harder/more expensive to repair, harder to cable manage, and destined for landfill. That last point is particularly "odd" given how they claim it's "Designed with the earth in mind." People have different length torsos. This monitor will absolutely be too high or low for some people, and they're forced to spend extra for a solution. At this price, I think this takes the piss a little.
5k is the optimal resolution for a 27 inch display. 4k needs a 21 inch monitor. The iMac is 24 inch and a 4.5k. This to me is 99% of the buying decision. Power cables? It has one, that is all I care about and I won't lose this one.
@@Joe_Brig have you lost many monitor power cables? A new one on me! This is the same company that claims they don't want to change to USB C on the iPhone because they don't want lightning cables to go in landfill... Inventing a cable that literally plugs into one thing. They claim it's built with the earth in mind whilst engineering a cable in a way that has maximum impact on the environment. I totally get for some people it won't ever be a problem. You just want something that works with your setup. And when they sell it, it becomes someone else's. But I think Apple really should do better here.
What is doesn't include... is a computer. I think a lot of people were waiting for an iMac 27inch and seeing a monitor which costs the same price as the old ones (that they discontinued) made people question why. Why pay more for less
So I work from a 27" 2 monitor setup with one monitor being a 144hz monitor as my main setup and then another with a 40" LG Oled. I think tech reviewers care more about PPI and bezels than the average consumer. When I'm at Best Buy or Micro Center I've overheard anyone asking for things with high refresh rates and small bezels outside of people in the gaming community. I think this monitor is great but that cost though is something I believe a lot of average people would have to justify.
Ape should enable access to Studio display A13 soc. Instead of turning on Studio Max, just turn monitor in and do light surfing on internet using monitor and or light business office work. Mild gaming etc. That would put Apple on top with this monitor.
Good job, Jason! 👍🏻 JFF After seeing this video, Me: Okay okay Jason. I am convinced, I will buy it. Also Me: Wait, do I have a Mac? Do I have a professional workflow? Do I even have the money to purchase it? Meh, what can you do! You gotta purchase the tech when you see such a video. 😅
Thanks, this is very helpful. When it comes to build quality, well I have an iMac 5K 27 inch that feels and looks magnificent, build quality is great, nothing feels like this. However... :) Every iMac display lasts around 2 years, 3 years top until the dust accumulates under the glass and you end up with splotches under the glass and the only solution is to buy a new display, around 700 every 3 years. This is of course unacceptable. Now, this Studio Display should be a similar panel, a bit better, but if it does not last at least 10 years than the build quality of the box means nothing. For me this iMac is enough for what I do, and I am now forced to think about something else because the dust will again accumulate and make my display look like shit. :) Ah yes, Apple replaced the display 9 months ago because I knew about it and purchased the Apple Care +, but now I am left alone in the dark. :) When it comes to Studio Display alternatives, as much as flawed it is, there is really no alternative to this monitor, I completely agree with you.
I only want it for light room and photoshop , as I want the 5k display . I just ordered the studio monitor today, so guaranteed with my luck a new version will come out next month . You can all thank me for the new model being released 😂
Наконец-то первый человек с которым у меня полностью совпало мнение. Сам купил этот монитор по тем же причинам, когда сделал те же самые выводы для себя. Не основываясь на мнении блогеров и обзорщиков которые по пол часа тестируют в нём веб камеру и подбирают 4к мониторы как "альтернативу" ему.
The bottom of the Apple display stand was specifically designed to slide. This allowed you to swivel the display if needed. It also was designed so that if you bump the display when walking passed the desk, it would slide a bit versus tipping over backward.
I’m with you. The studio display is the display I have been waiting for to pair with my MacBook Pro. I’ve had it for just over two weeks and it’s incredible. I have both a 14” MacBook Pro and iPad Pro with the miniLED pro-motion displays and honestly don’t care that the studio display is 60hz and does not have local dimming. It’s so nice to have a large display that looks amazing, gets nice and bright, and has build quality on par with my MacBook.
I bought the Studio Display. Here they also just had one available via order. The height and tilt adjustable version. First. It is damn heavy. When i took this out with difficulty. I was amazed of the build quality. I shopped and shopped for an alternative. Watched TH-cam videos, read reviews. looked at prices and bang for my buck. Ultimately I spent the extra money. I do not regret this purchase. It is an amazing piece of hardware.
You are defending the cons too. Don't do that. A 1600$ monitor should have a height adjust no matter if your perception is otherwise
Agreed. Even most 1080p crap 74% SRGB monitors come with a basic adjustable stand and an option to mount it. And those are like $100. This should have what a $100 monitor has.
On the other hand it just means that to him those cons are not a dealbreaker to him. You don’t have to like it. If there was something I liked but had some big problems that I have gotten used to or am comfortable with a work around I would be okay with it. It’s okay that he defends it so long as he acknowledges that it’s a problem to some people. In the same way a $1600 display in todays markets have higher refresh rate, thinner bezels etc. If I’m not used to it or can’t appreciate the difference it doesn’t matter to me.
Everyone uses a Vesa mount!?!?
He’s a fanboy of course
Hold on, why? I’m not done watching yet but feeling that strong about monitor stand seems really weird. It’s not “regardless your opinion” worthy.
Thanks, Jason, for keeping things (your review) real for us everyday average people. We're not all Marques Brownlee or iJustine.
I’m tied of MB an iJ they are just celeb techs not real users of anything
Huge apple fan but decided to get the LG 32” 4k ultrafine ergo. It’s a great alternative to the apple studio monitor and 1/3 the price
I looked at that monitor very seriously. Look great. I guess I just flipped for the Apple thing.
In fact, once you have an optimal view distance, you can also get the same retina experience. around min. 64cm in your case to enjoy retina experience.
I'm seriously considering the LG 32" 4k UltraFine Ergo because I cannot justify the $1,600.00 price of the Apple Studio Display. I agree with you that the LG 32" 4k UltraFine Ergo is a great alternative.
Fantastic choice.
32 inches is the sweetspot.
I made the stupid decision of getting a 43 inch Samsung Smart monitor.
It's really amazing in terms of display and audio quality.
But 43 inches is just way too much for my usage. 🙁
I had a 32 inch 1440p viewsonic earlier, in my opinion 32 inches is the best size to replace 2x 21 inch monitors. It was very comfortable.
“Everyone talks about what it doesn’t have instead of what it does have.” Spends 20 minutes talking about what it doesn’t have. I genuinely don’t want to buy one after watching this. Thank you.
i simply love your tech reviews. unexcited. clear. down to earth. just great. and yes, great monitor!
Yep. One of the better tech reviewers 🎉
I have an Apple Thunderbolt Display bought in 2012 which I'm still using and is in perfect condition. In considering the price, you need to add to the mix that Apple stuff lasts for years.
Completely agree. My iMac recently died. And cost me £2000 at time of purchase. But it’s lasted 12 years. My mate has had 3 or 4 windows pcs in that time… that cost at least 600-700 each. And my iMac until it died was still faster and better than his pc.
Justifying the lust for tech is the reason for videos like these..I LOVE IT
When you charge that much for a monitor…it better sing and dance.
Thank you, for your excellent comments. While, during the 1990's, I would buy new from Apple but for the past 20 years, I buy mostly only used desktops, monitors, and laptops. For example, when Apple was selling new the 2014, "mac mini", I elected to buy a used 2010, the last model with a built-in DVD super-drive and paired it with a used 27-inch Apple Cinema (none thunderbolt) display for a total system cost of $900 (US).. It is not until, you have a complete Apple desktop system that, you can truly understand that "the whole is many times greater than its separate parts" (smile...smile).
I would always recommend to get an Apple Studio Display with the VESA mount and a ergotron monitor arm. Works perfect, you have more flexibility, more space on your desk and you can reuse the monitor arm if you switch to a different monitor
not sure i agree. once you place the thing most people never move it. the stand takes of very little space. but its a personal choice
I found it didn’t bother me that much coming from 32” to the studio display, cubase fits on the screen fine and WOW that stunning image quality is as close to perfect as you can probably get
The 27" size is not a coincidence. If you want Retina, i.e. 218ppi, with 5k then 27" it is. Going to 32" would require a higher resolution, hence the 6k of the XDR.
Good man ! at 32 inch, you need 6K in order to achieve min. ~ 41cm for retina experience. At 5K 27inch, you also need the same ~41cm for retina experience. If you understand this concept, you know Apple has no other better choice, I am totally understand why Apple come up the same 27inch 5K Studio Display, because it is the best that they can put into it.
Sure, you can have many cheaper choice in the market, for example 4K 32inch, but you need to min~ 64cm to have retina experience, that means you can't get much closer to the monitor and still enjoy the crisp, retina experience.
Really good points about age being a consideration. At 63, I can still work, but I have to take care of myself better, so eye strain matters. I’m also thinking of adding the Nano texture to avoid glare.
MacOS flaw causes eye strain focing you to buy $1600 USD monitor. Can’t wait to hear again what a great value mac mini is.
Higher refresh rates on larger screens and better contrast ratios ALWAYS improve user experience and image quality. This is not a question nor is it the domain of "gaming."
Coming in 2 weeks…”Why I’m Returning the Studio Display”
I have had this exact problem with third party displays. They are not crispy and scaling can be strange.
The only thing they did wrong with this display is the A13 processor they put in. They should put an M1 or M1 Pro inside and call it the new iMac 27"! From the whole concept this "display" is more a computer than a display. Even the thickness makes more sense if you put an M1 inside. The fans are also already there....I would be very sad if they really bring no successor to my 27" iMac. I don't like the cluttered desktop with the separate Mac Studio....(and I don't like the cost of all combined. It should be not so much more expansive to put a M1 instead of an A13 in ..)
I’m one of the folks that was specifically looking for good built in speakers with a web cam. I really don’t want to add speakers to my desktop and have a separate web cam that siits on the desk or looks half ass sitting on top of my monitor.
so, I’m glad they put them in. Half want the price less and to leave that stuff out while others, like me, want that stuff in there. Can’t please everyone. I personally don’t mind the price. Mine is on order
I needed this video. After all the others harping on about the same 3 complaints, you nailed it. This monitor is for a specific market, not gamers, not movie editors, (and apparently not many TH-camrs either). "Professionals" includes writers, as you said, designers, developers, music producers, scientists and so many more who don't need 120Hz or Mini LED or HDR. This monitor has Extended Dynamic Range and a P3 colour gamut, but most importantly it has the sharpness and great factory colour calibration that apply to the whole OS, not just media. That perfect scaling of the UI is something Mac users (like you, and greybeards like me), understand.
For those concerned about the $300 price difference between this and the LG 5K monitor, I would say that the Studio Display makes the *LG* look like a bad deal value wise, not the other way around. Just take a look at its insides in one of those tear-down videos.
They engineered a power supply only half an inch thick in order to avoid having a power brick hanging off the back of it. The reason the cord is fixed and not a standard plug is because the whole chassis is thinner than a plug. The audio is the best ever in any monitor. The speakers are force cancelling - to prevent vibration. The cooling for the power supply makes the whole thing look like the inside of an iMac. It's got the guts of an iPad running the camera and I/O, so it's upgradable via software update.
The only display that's better, at a better price, is also made by Apple - its in the 16" MacBook Pro, and its the best display I've ever used. The blacks as as good as my 2019 LG 4K OLED TV. The brightness is even better. If this is an indication of where Apple displays are heading, look out for the successor to the Pro Display XDR. The Studio Display is just not that monitor and wasn't ever going to be.
It has a non-removable power cord, which is reason enough for me to avoid it like the plague. That is just an idiotic, money grubbing move by Apple, which is par for the course.
I've had a 4k monitor with an attached power cord for 10 years. I've never thought about it twice.
Why do monitor manufacturers put vent holes on top of a screen and not the sides or better, underneath? Dust will most definitely accumulate. I always appreciated my mid-2011 iMac screen that had a smooth top. I wiped off dust from there all the time and I was so glad it wasn't in my machine. Do you know if it safe to vacuum the top of your monitor when it is off?
Hot air rises. And that means they can put the fans on a lower setting so they remain silent no matter how long you have the display on. It’s taking advantage of physics of heat to passively cool the device. Plus as long as the fans are blowing the dust won’t get in. It pulls from the bottom. If you live in a dusty environment you can always cover the fans when you are done using it each night.
I think you’ve pretty much nailed it on what this is. Its not perfect, but definitely not for those publishing the hot takes vids on it. Sounds like the webcam will be improved via updates, and have heard rave reviews for the speakers, for those that may utilize them.
I have mine since 2 days and I agree 100% to all mentioned points. It’s also the best 27 inch monitor for MacOS. I had a 2560x1440 Dell monitor before. Working with documents and writing texts on the 5k is a dream . The main reason why I bought it is for Lightroom, as the colors on photography mode are accurate already good calibrated, to this the display is very sharp.
It makes more fun to work on it which is also important when I spend up to 8 hours in office per day.
I have an electrically adjustable table, so the standard stand is fine.
In Canada its $2,258.87 for the cheapest version. and up to $3,275.87 after taxes if you buy the anti-glare screen and adjustable stand...
That's *way* too much. For that money this monitor should be offering higher refresh rates (at least 120Hz) and be a bit bigger (32") the adjustable stand should be the default, with much smaller bezels. If they're going 27" for some specific reason to match the resolution / PPI, then I get it. If you're going to charge those higher prices, the monitor better be THE BEST, and come with all the bells and whistles and options.
Yeah, but that’s like Canadian money…😊
1999$ before taxes (which varies depending province), so it's the same price as US.
the 80's want their potatoe cam back
I feel Apple should have done more with the A13 chip in there.
Agree. FaceID would have been a big plus.
Why not let it run AppleTV (since it can) on its own?
A high quality camera that would make it a step up from your phone/iPad.
*Something* more. (sigh)
A fine review for me, as passionate as it is informative. And centered perfectly on what is important when buying a monitor in that price range.
Thanks Jason very much for this review. I couldn’t agree more with your points. I’ve ordered one and I’m waiting for it. In the past I had BenQ and Dell displays and none of them compared to my old Apple Thunder old display. I would only add that after 10 years I sold my Thunderbolt display for £400, I only got £25 for my BenQ after 3 years.
This iMac 27" user is late to the party. Purchase of one is on my bucket list. Still don't understand why the power cable isn't detachable.
Great review! I love my Studio Monitor. You’re absolutely right. It’s the most beautiful looking display I’ve ever seen and of course I love how well it works with macOS. No regrets here!
I want it at half the price without A13 and video and audio. Give it to me stripped down at half the thickness with VESA. If I have to pay for the equivalent of a 5K iPad, I should at least be able to toggle between my laptop's MacOS vs the monitor's iOS. With that said, I'm going to wait for v2 which should have a detachable cord.
Thank you for your honesty & straight to the point segment... Respect!
Lol wasn’t expecting a flossy shoutout
Since you play games, seems like the LG OLED would have been a great choice. 120hz, instant response and way more contrast
If you only game an OLED will be great - but if you do normal computer things with static images, just don't, it's gonna have burn-in within 3 years.
Almost bought it, but after seeing the Pro Display XDR I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I paid 1600 for this. Maybe 1200 max for this but the 2k price point for the one with the stand Is un aceptable. I thought the Sony a74 needed to do more with the upgrade from the a73 but in everyday use it was actually refreshing. However, In this case it was a fail. Putting an old monitor in a premium shell with unnecessary add ons is not worth a premium.
It's not the old monitor. Even the verge did a test and found it's a completely separate monitor from the older 5K LG screen it replaces and it doesn't suffer from the Wifi issue or light bleed issue at all.
Edit: It's also perfectly color calibrated at the factory. It was always nearly a nightmare to color calibrate other high-end LG monitors. Also, the instant-on is something I can no longer live without and I agree with Jason that I too have noticed much less eye strain using this monitor as well.
1600 nits with HDR content only, much less with normal stuff…
Thanks for this review. I recently purchased one and so far it works perfectly for what I do and it’s a really nice upgrade from my MacBook Pro, which I loved, but the MacBook had too much spinning beachball for what I do, and this new Mac and display are perfect.
I, too, have been waiting for the monitor but it’s quite expensive. I’ve been spoiled by the crisp looks of my iMac and have not liked other monitors I’ve purchased. I’m not concerned about height adjustment because once it’s set, it’s set. As I’m limited on desk space, I do appreciate the speakers/sound. It’s going to be awhile before I get mine, but am so looking forward to it.
Thanks for your review. Totally get the “eye sight” thing!! I started my channel at age 56! I have a 32 inch second monitor I use more than my 24 inch. New to your channel, new sub too. Keep up the good work
i agree with most of what you're saying. i do love the speakers and mic though. 32 inch would be great. but it's a game changer. my eyes are feeling a lot less stressed. i'm a programmer
2 downfalls to my workflow. 1. Part-time PC user for Revit, Bluebeam, and other Architecture software, and 2. It is hard for me to work with anything under 32". Great video and thanks for sharing!
I appreciate your take on this. I purchased this monitor a few days ago, and I love it. Every challenge I've thrown at it, it has passed. I even used my work laptop (which is a windows computer) and it still knocked it out of the park. I went back and forth on the price, and the size because I had a 34 in ultra wide. I went for the height adjustability version (dream!!!).
Thanks for this review, Jason! I'm jealous that you found one in-stock locally because I ordered from Apple on March 19. Still waiting. It's supposed to ship today.
Great review Jason. Thanks for the different take on this monitor. Waiting for mine to ship but excited.
Excellent video. It's down to Earth. There is no reason for anyone to complain about imperfect features they don't need.
Thanks from another old guy for talking about the things that matter to me
I’m very happy for your find Jason, I just purchased the Thunderbolt 27 inch as my second display because the Studio is priced too high for me right now. It will look perfect next to my 2017 27inch iMac and 2019 MacBook pro 😊.
Nice to meet you also @@chronictown4330 , I love my 2017 iMac and so easy to connect to my new/previously owned Thunderbolt Display with the appropriate dongle and Thunderbolt 2 cable. It works beautifully with my 2019 MacBook Pro too , just not at the same time . Saved $1,200 🎉🥳‼️
Thanks for the reality check about this monitor. You cut pass the talking techies and explained clearly what this monitor brings to a studio like I have. I immediately traded in my Mac Mini for the base studio Max and it was a simple plug and play. Looking at my existing monitors I now know what I am looking at and what I really need. You definitely enlightened me about it. Now working the budget for it and it really helps that It is a business expense and a tax write off. Thanks 😊
Thanks for down to earth evaluation on this new monitor. One thing, I’m getting into is photography. So far I haven’t heard much about how well it performs when using photoshop and Lightroom. I’d appreciate some opinions on that from someone who’s had experience with this monitor. Please reply on this forum. Thanks!
It's a good monitor but the blacks look dark gray because of IPS panel. Just saying.
I’m still rocking my Thunderbolt Display from 2011.
Thin bezels look better. But if they want to fit a camera, then it's good they are even all the way around (unlike the LG 5k)! If you want to put 2 monitors next to each other, thin is better.
The Studio display isn't for me. I like to stream videos in 4K 60Hz HDR. (There are several to choose from on TH-cam) I would like to stream videos in at least 4K 120Hz HDR. 5K would be even better at 50% more pixels. I wonder why Apple didn't put the 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 port on the Studio Dislay or any of the Pro series of Macs/MacBooks and Studio Max/Ultra? It's been out since Nov. 28, 2017.
@Male Sensitivity Well, that sucks! I was hoping to see Apple upgrade the Intel powered Mac Mini that they still sell to M1 Pro/Max, so I can trade in my base M1 Mac Mini for it. But if it doesn't have HDMI 2.1, I guess I will have to wait.
They simply don't want you to buy any other gaming monitor....144 4k or else
@@lam2197 Guess I'll stick to using my LG C1 then. 🤷🏻♂️
5K is 78% more pixels than 4K, not 50%. 4K is 8.3 Mp, and 5K is 14.7 Mp.
My TV is capable of 4K HDR 120Hz, and has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. It's a 55" LG C1. I would like to have a Mac Mini capable of this.
Just got mine last week. Impressive.
The speakers, webcam, and microphone would be important to me, as I spend a good chunk of my day on video calls. The webcam, while disappointing, looks to be sufficient. The bigger issues for me are the price, and some of the stupid design issues like the stand and the non-removable power cable.
1:30 FF through the babble
Never mind. The whole video is babble
For most professionals this monitor costs too much for what it doesn't do. This would be a buy at 8 or 900 USD not 1600USD.
Thanks Jason - can we have an honest look at how the Mac Studio works for musical applications. Thank you.
This was an excellent video.
Thanks!
A small silicone pad under the monitor or Mac Studio will fix that moving problem. You can get the in the kitchen department at Walmart.
Great video! I appreciate the perspective you offer by focusing on what the monitor does have, all of which helped in my decision making. You nicely summarized in one video what I had to piece together by watching over a dozen others - wish I had seen yours first!
Glad it was helpful!
I tell you what the display does have...... Awesome set of internal speakers. I think it's a great device!! It's about making something beautiful that has a lot of everything for minimalists.
obviously the speakers aren't for audio engineers or audiophiles, but they're incredibly good for what they are, and are infinitely better than the built in speakers on any other monitor you'll ever find with this level of image quality.
I can't imagine a single useful A13 software upgrade that could made a display better. What could it be that already isn't there? How long since we ever care what chip is inside a display?
All the webcam, mics, speakers are good for is lifestyle use: zoom, casual streaming, dorm rooms.
Nice video. The problem with ProMotion here is with Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt 4 cannot support both 5k and 120hz refresh rate. I agree there’s a Apple’s slippery bottom problem. I’ve found these new super large desk pads will hold them really well.
Good ! at least someone understand. I have no complain on Apple choosing 27 5k for their studio display. It is quite expensive but there is no choice.
If they REALLY wanted it, they could have invented something like Thunderbolt dual link like back with the Cinema Display.
Ordered a refurb Studio Display from Apple based on Jason's review. Yes I think build quality counts too! Thanks Jason!
In its class, it's the brightest, which is great if you have low vision, as I do. I didn't realize how much I preferred the glossy screen over a matte one until I went from a '15 iMac to an LG5k2k [Terrible, IMO]. The only complaint I have was getting my work PC to the TB4 connector via TB3 to DP1.48k, and I have to plug and unplug, but that is one of those feature updates that could be handled with the A13 for sure. M1 to studio display is just amazing. I am not an audiophile, so the speaker arrangement sounds great, but I'm usually on APs of some kind anyway. Zero 'Fs' about the webcam.
As a person who is totally uninterested in this type of tech I'm surprised how interesting this video was to me
Good review. Thanks. I have a Studio Display and I love it.
I’m with you on the eye sight justification. @55, I really want that crisp font!
I wish it was 32" as well-- moving from a 34" wide screen is a little challenge
I came from a 34” Dell and a 48” LG oled. It’s an adjustment but I’m enjoying it.
@@thejasontlewis I will probably buy a second one and have the best of both worlds. It would be nice if Apple could use the processor inside the Studio Display to support two monitors in an enhanced way which would take advantage of the speaker, mic and/or video from two systems
It's a judgment call, how can someone be wrong about something that is so subjective?
Hi, I have a late 2012 mac pro desktop (cylinder shape) and I purchased a studio display because the company stated I can use the monitor with my outdated Mac pro. Well guess what ? I still can't get the monitor to engage with my 2012 Mac pro. Should I send the monitor back? HELP!
I have had my 27" 5k iMac for 7 years before upgrading it to the latest MacBook Pro. While I love the MacBook Pro, I missed the 27" 5K screen. Finally with the Studio Display, I can have both the cake and eat it too!
I would be more concerned with color accuracy and being able to calibrate and store the calibration lut on the monitor. Never had a display yet that didn't change over time.
Who is complaining about the bezels? That's just dumb.
My issues: the 5k thing seems like a solution to a problem Apple has created.
And for the love of God, why did they engineer the power cable in that way?!
And charging that much for height adjustment on a monitor that starts at this price feels like Apple are having a good laugh at our expense.
That aside, I don't think you can compare it to other monitors. Even fancy top end gaming monitors are slabs of plastic, and they don't have a freaking SoC like the A13 in them.
Ultimately, only individuals can know if this is subjectively worth it for them. I don't think it can be deemed good value, but it may just be a price you're willing to pay for what it is. And that's fine, I guess.
no other Monitor out there has greater value than this one currently.
this will kepp a high value even in 10 years from now.
Bezels are perfect.
why the cable design? it's too thin for the classic chunky power cable.
whats the problem? maybe one in a million users will ruin the cable somehow, you can order a replacement and change it within 5 minutes no problems.
angle adjustment is enough, height does no matter, the standard is perfect for any desk, if needed there are 2 more options to choose from.
fancy gaming monitors, well, every other moinitor is trash garbage plastic with pointless "anti-glare" that improves nothing but ruins every other spec they (non Apple users) oh so much like to talk about.
i dont get why they put in an A13, speakers, make it so bulky, and expensive.
i would rather have a 5K iMac screen without the iMac at a much, much lower Price.
have decent ports, dvi, hdmi, displayport, usb A, usb-C.
a on off button (sigh)
omn the other side this is the only Apple monitor out there without starting to sell organs.
@@JohnSmith-pn2vl Sure it might retain it's value better in 10 years, but that's entirely speculative.
Just comparing specs, it will seem poor value. But that's only part of the story. That doesn't describe the intangibles; how well it fits in with someone's other Apple products, how it looks etc. This was my point in mentioning fancy gaming monitors; none have the build of this monitor, nor will they integrate as seamlessly.
I don't think there is anything else you can directly compare it to, so really the value of it becomes largely subjective to the individual. Ie "Am I willing to spend this much to get X Y and Z from this monitor?"
I don't even think the ports are 'bad'. They provide flexibility, and any other type would just spoil the clean lines.
The cable and stand though are very odd choices.
They can make shallow cables. They've proven this with the new iMac. And in any case, this cable IS removable; but with a special tool or brute force. It makes it harder/more expensive to repair, harder to cable manage, and destined for landfill. That last point is particularly "odd" given how they claim it's "Designed with
the earth in mind."
People have different length torsos. This monitor will absolutely be too high or low for some people, and they're forced to spend extra for a solution. At this price, I think this takes the piss a little.
5k is the optimal resolution for a 27 inch display. 4k needs a 21 inch monitor. The iMac is 24 inch and a 4.5k. This to me is 99% of the buying decision.
Power cables? It has one, that is all I care about and I won't lose this one.
@@Joe_Brig have you lost many monitor power cables? A new one on me! This is the same company that claims they don't want to change to USB C on the iPhone because they don't want lightning cables to go in landfill... Inventing a cable that literally plugs into one thing. They claim it's built with the earth in mind whilst engineering a cable in a way that has maximum impact on the environment.
I totally get for some people it won't ever be a problem. You just want something that works with your setup. And when they sell it, it becomes someone else's. But I think Apple really should do better here.
@@thedachmo Let's hope that people use Apple's free recycling program and not use the landfill.
Great points!
You leave the monitor too far from you. That's why you need 32" =D
What is doesn't include... is a computer. I think a lot of people were waiting for an iMac 27inch and seeing a monitor which costs the same price as the old ones (that they discontinued) made people question why. Why pay more for less
So I work from a 27" 2 monitor setup with one monitor being a 144hz monitor as my main setup and then another with a 40" LG Oled. I think tech reviewers care more about PPI and bezels than the average consumer. When I'm at Best Buy or Micro Center I've overheard anyone asking for things with high refresh rates and small bezels outside of people in the gaming community. I think this monitor is great but that cost though is something I believe a lot of average people would have to justify.
Blu Tack for the base of the monitor. Great video.
Ape should enable access to Studio display A13 soc. Instead of turning on Studio Max, just turn monitor in and do light surfing on internet using monitor and or light business office work. Mild gaming etc. That would put Apple on top with this monitor.
Thank you - Very good to hear your opinion - You're so articulate - I will order one tomorrow,
Whats with the transitions.. so annoying..
Is this monitor good for video editing then? Based on the specs, are the colors accurate?
Good job, Jason! 👍🏻
JFF
After seeing this video,
Me: Okay okay Jason. I am convinced, I will buy it.
Also Me: Wait, do I have a Mac? Do I have a professional workflow? Do I even have the money to purchase it?
Meh, what can you do! You gotta purchase the tech when you see such a video. 😅
How good is it for critical color work? Will it cover the entire RGB space?
Thanks, this is very helpful. When it comes to build quality, well I have an iMac 5K 27 inch that feels and looks magnificent, build quality is great, nothing feels like this.
However... :)
Every iMac display lasts around 2 years, 3 years top until the dust accumulates under the glass and you end up with splotches under the glass and the only solution is to buy a new display, around 700 every 3 years.
This is of course unacceptable.
Now, this Studio Display should be a similar panel, a bit better, but if it does not last at least 10 years than the build quality of the box means nothing.
For me this iMac is enough for what I do, and I am now forced to think about something else because the dust will again accumulate and make my display look like shit. :)
Ah yes, Apple replaced the display 9 months ago because I knew about it and purchased the Apple Care +, but now I am left alone in the dark. :)
When it comes to Studio Display alternatives, as much as flawed it is, there is really no alternative to this monitor, I completely agree with you.
Jason, a solution to keep your monitor and Mac from moving is to use two sided tape.
It still is overpriced for what you get and overpriced adjustable stand & mount. And you're comparing a 4K monitor to a 5K which is a joke.
A purchase is always optional…
why don't they get the 32 inch one? waiting for one
Looks like you're going to be waiting for a while unless you pony up for the XDR display.
Excellent perspective. I agree wholeheartedly.
I only want it for light room and photoshop , as I want the 5k display . I just ordered the studio monitor today, so guaranteed with my luck a new version will come out next month . You can all thank me for the new model being released 😂
I like being told I’m wrong.
Commenting for the algorithm
its a great display but too small. i wish it was 32 inches
The Pro Display XDR is 32”. Only about $4500 more! Unless you want a stand too.
Наконец-то первый человек с которым у меня полностью совпало мнение. Сам купил этот монитор по тем же причинам, когда сделал те же самые выводы для себя. Не основываясь на мнении блогеров и обзорщиков которые по пол часа тестируют в нём веб камеру и подбирают 4к мониторы как "альтернативу" ему.