A few Studio Display questions

[arda.kizilkaya]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking of getting a monitor for my 2021 16” MacBook Pro for software development, so I went to an electronics store yesterday to check out some monitors. As you would expect, the Studio Display caught my attention with its exceptional build quality compared to other monitors made of plastic. Although it’s almost 2x or 3x in price, the integration with the Mac is making it a tempting option. I’m planning to get the model with the tilt-adjustable stand and use a monitor stand since I don’t plan on using my MacBook in clamshell mode. So, I have a few questions regarding it:

1. What are the dimensions of the display’s box? I couldn’t find information about this anywhere and I’m wondering it in case I need to move overseas.

2. Can I use the included thunderbolt cable with the one of the usb-c ports of the display instead of the thunderbolt port to connect to the MacBook? I don’t want the MacBook to be plugged in all the time.

3. How is the battery life of the MacBook affected when connected to the monitor?

Thanks in advance

 

[StudioMacs]

If you connect to the thunderbolt port, the display will charge the MacBook

 

[chrfr]

2. Can I use the included thunderbolt cable with the one of the usb-c ports of the display instead of the thunderbolt port to connect to the MacBook? I don’t want the MacBook to be plugged in all the time.

3. How is the battery life of the MacBook affected when connected to the monitor?

Thanks in advance

To answer question 2: You have to use the Thunderbolt port on the display in order to use the display.
There is no clear answer to question 3. macOS has a built-in battery management feature and there are also 3rd party apps like Al Dente which can limit charging on the Mac.

 

[thedon1]

The box is 76 x 62cm. It's very large!

 

[arda.kizilkaya]

The box is 76 x 62cm. It's very large!

Thanks for the information! That's way bigger than I expected. I guess I won't be able to take it with me easily if I move somewhere else.

 

[arda.kizilkaya]

To answer question 2: You have to use the Thunderbolt port on the display in order to use the display.
There is no clear answer to question 3. macOS has a built-in battery management feature and there are also 3rd party apps like Al Dente which can limit charging on the Mac.

Thanks for the reply. My concern with the Thunderbolt port is the fact that it charges the MacBook all the time. I generally don't prefer charging my devices until they reach somewhere around 10% due to battery health concerns.

 

[palmor]

Thanks for the reply. My concern with the Thunderbolt port is the fact that it charges the MacBook all the time. I generally don't prefer charging my devices until they reach somewhere around 10% due to battery health concerns.

The MacBook recognizes if you mostly use it while plugged in and won’t charge it to 100%. I’m constantly around 78% on my work MacBook Pro with a message telling me it isn’t charging for that reason.

 

[Traverse]

I'm using the Studio Display with a 14" MacBook Pro in clamshell near 24-7. The MacBook Pro will draw power from the display at all times. If you leave it connected all the time like I do macOS will eventually recognize this and start limiting the charge to 80% to preserve battery health. If you know you'll be using the laptop as a laptop later you can select "charge to full now."

 

[StudioMacs]

Thanks for the information! That's way bigger than I expected. I guess I won't be able to take it with me easily if I move somewhere else.

The product box comes inside another brown box, so it's pretty well protected. You could always ship it to your new destination. The reason it's a little larger than the display is to provide protection during shipping.

The photo on the outside of the box is actual size, so if the box is way bigger than you expected, the display might be as well (and equally difficult to move in your case).