I was fairly disappointed with the Studio Display when it was announced. I wanted an iMac 27", or a 5k monitor with less features at or around $1000, but we got neither. I don't want the speakers, or the webcam, or the stand, so I wish they had one without all that at a lower price point. So I thought I'd use this opportunity to get a bigger display and pair it with an Mac mini. I bought a LG 32UN650-W. Overall this is an excellent monitor, but I just can't get past the anti-glare coating, and it's not nearly bright enough. In the daytime it looks fairly dim compared to my iMac. But the 4k resolution is plenty sharp enough and the colors are great. I looked into the Eve, since it's the only glossy 4k monitor I could find, and it's a tad brighter. But the price comes out to nearly $1000, which isn't a significant enough savings to not go with an Apple product, it's not shipping until June, and it's not as bright as the Studio Display. I looked at the LG 5k display, but it's so ugly and not a big enough savings either to bother with. So now I'm back to considering the Apple Studio display, but they aren't shipping until June and my iMac just died. Should I just wait or are there any other monitors worth considering? Are there any 27 or 32" 4k monitors with a brightness closer to the Studio Display and ideally with a glossy screen? Thanks
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All roads lead back to the Studio Display
- Thread starter coolerkid
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Your better bet would be modern display of 4k AGM monitor that take USB C or better connection! You will see text much cleaner in 4K and maybe get all the Bellas and everything. Then get a external 1080p camera with shudder that can clip or magnetic hold! IMHO do want people to see the last time you shaved and you nipples too? then 1080 should be in your future! Also with an M1 or better get the new touch keyboard, it will change your life, it did mine with saved username/password with touch is game changer!
Been similar for me. Nothing else quite has the combo I want. I'd love "promotion" (120+ hrz), but I'd have to give up several features that I want much more for it. Been looking around for a place to find it sooner than June and that seems to be quite difficult to come by at the moment.
I can't find any 4k displays that have brightness anywhere near the Apple 5k display, and I'd really like it to be glossy, which don't exist except for the Eve. I actually don't want a webcam at all and would rather have a monitory without it
Eve is an almost unbelievably shady company as well. I really would recommend against doing business with them.
For those of us with great eyesight, 4K at 27+ inches just kinda sucks as a "desktop" display. 5K at 27 is a real sweet spot for "retina" scaling and overall clarity. 6K at 30" of the Pro XDR is *chef's kiss*.
4K at 27~32" on Windows without scaling is fine. My favorite 4K monitor size overall is 24" though unless it's a TV, playback monitor, gaming display, etc.. then bigger display sitting 10+ feet away is much better.
There really are not many 5K 27" displays to choose from. Most people were happy with the 5K UltraFine at the current price of $1250 and that display has serious build quality issues and is not as capable.
Studio Display is not overpriced considering all the features... It's just not really what I think most people wanted, or not hitting the price point most were hoping for. And the idiocy behind the stands and VESA mount not being directly interchangeable or the proprietary power cord that needs a special tool to remove. I've ordered one to replace an old Dell monitor... It's been "preparing to ship" for a week, not sure what's up with that.
4K at 27~32" on Windows without scaling is fine. My favorite 4K monitor size overall is 24" though unless it's a TV, playback monitor, gaming display, etc.. then bigger display sitting 10+ feet away is much better.
There really are not many 5K 27" displays to choose from. Most people were happy with the 5K UltraFine at the current price of $1250 and that display has serious build quality issues and is not as capable.
Studio Display is not overpriced considering all the features... It's just not really what I think most people wanted, or not hitting the price point most were hoping for. And the idiocy behind the stands and VESA mount not being directly interchangeable or the proprietary power cord that needs a special tool to remove. I've ordered one to replace an old Dell monitor... It's been "preparing to ship" for a week, not sure what's up with that.
I used scaled on the 32" and it's plenty sharp enough in 4k, and the real size I'd expect. Using the default sizing is too small for me, and yes it's not sharp enough in 4k, but overall the sharpness with a 4k display is plenty for me.
The VESA mount is also really annoying. I have to get it because I'm tall and their stand is way too short, and paying an extra $400 for adjustable one is lunacy. But the one on the Studio Display looks like an afterthought, and I don't understand is why it covers half the Apple logo. I usually want to hide the logos on my monitors, but I want to prominently show that this is an Apple display and they cut off the logo with a really odd looking mount. I'm guessing they have to put the mount at the center of the display, but that was something they should of considered when they chose where to place the logo. Wonder if there will be a 3rd party add-on that will essentially add a second mount shifted lower so that it won't cover the logo, or if there'a already a DIY way to do this.
If I recall, by VESA standards, VESA monitor mounts have to be placed centered on the back of the display to allow for full rotation in case you want to use the display in portrait mode either at 90 or 270 degrees.
What in Apple’s lineup or history gave you the impression that any of these would have happened?
I'm blessed (cursed) with really good eyes so it's no trick for me to see the gaps between pixels on most "retina" displays when at common viewing distances. 4K @ 27+ inches is just meh... At 32" it sucks unless I hang it on a wall and then of course it's better to be larger. For me, 4K on the few 28" Dell monitors I have on Windows systems are a really nice size for unscaled imagery. I can bump up font sizes where needed to combat eye fatigue... I do that on the 5K and 6K screens too. Being able to see razor sharp details is one thing, but being able to read lost of small text is also not good -- it's tiring on the eyes and easier to get lost in a sea of code or whatever. Going nice and easily readable, scaled with sharp edges is the way...
The iMac Pro's VESA mount covered the Apple logo as well. VESA mounts have to be positioned centered for rotation, and ideally for balance as well. Never any third party items to address this, not sure there's truly any demand or what the feasibility would be. Most would never care about the logo issue and it seems anything to circumvent that would just be another piece of crap tacked on to sacrifice ability.
I have ordered the VESA mount version of the Studio Display. I mount mine on an arm so I can reposition as needed and rotate and whatever. The Apple stands are too limiting. The tilt only is definitely a no-go for me.
You are looking for very specific specs, which is kind of why Apple did what they did with the ASD. Whether it is glossy, 5k, or aluminum, Apple chose some niche features to put on the monitor which in turn makes it look like the only choice. What it really comes down to is either compromise on your feature list (in this case a glossy screen) or pay the premium (both in cash and versatility) for the ASD.
On a side note, I would take your desire to be able to see the Apple logo as a sign you have fallen hook, line, and sinker for the marketing pitch. It reminds me of people who buy a luxury watch to impress others. They don't realize that no one knows or cares what watch they are wearing. It may be a good moment to step back and be honest with yourself about why you want the monitor so that you can make the most informed decision. If it is because you love that shiny apple and are ok spending on that, go for it. If you feel like it would be ridiculous to spend $600 on a logo, then snap out of it. Both are totally ok thoughts.
On a side note, I would take your desire to be able to see the Apple logo as a sign you have fallen hook, line, and sinker for the marketing pitch. It reminds me of people who buy a luxury watch to impress others. They don't realize that no one knows or cares what watch they are wearing. It may be a good moment to step back and be honest with yourself about why you want the monitor so that you can make the most informed decision. If it is because you love that shiny apple and are ok spending on that, go for it. If you feel like it would be ridiculous to spend $600 on a logo, then snap out of it. Both are totally ok thoughts.
I want a 27", otherwise I'd just buy an iMac. Is there a glossy 27" 4k display that exists, other than the Eve?
I just want a glossy 4k or 5k display with 500-600nits of brightness to replace my 27" iMac, I don't think that's such a tall order. It doesn't need it to be made by Apple, but nobody else makes one. I have no problem spending a lot on an Apple product, even if it's not a good deal, but I feel the ASD has so many poor design choices that it really frustrates me that it's really my only option. I wish they made a basic version of that display without speakers, webcam, A13, and with a normal, hight adjustable and VESA mount built in, like every other monitor on the market, and priced it closer to $1000. OR have made this panel closer to their laptops displays with Pro Motion and priced it for $2k or whatever and I'd gladly pay that too. This just offers no benefit over my iMac display for a lot more money and the added clutter of extra wires and a Mac on my desk, but also has a lot of features, like the speakers and webcam, than I will never use. If they just made a new M processor 27" iMac I'd get that and have no complaints.
It's my first time hearing that company and check out the website. What's the back story of Eve?
Anyway, I deployed a few LG 5K UltraFine monitors here at work for the web designers. I don't see why people here saying the design is bad and ugly. IHMO, DELL monitors overall are even worse when it comes to color delivery and built quality. 4K@32-inch as a computer monitor seems to be a downgrade to me. Currently I'm waiting for the Apple Studio Display to arrive and it'll be an upgrade to the 27-inch LG (27UL850-W). Even 4K@27-inch just doesn't look right with the default scaling.
They're not super ugly, but for that price, and it being one of their highest end displays that was co-developed with Apple, they could be a little more modern looking with a slimmer profile, slimmer bezels, and a nicer enclosure. Even if they just made them look like any of the newer LG displays that would be fine. The looks aren't my top concern with displays, just an annoyance. The problem I have with this display is that it doesn't come in glossy. I just hate anti-reflective coating SO much and it shocks me that every display maker doesn't offer a glossy option. Dell used to, but doesn't offer them anymore.
Eve was a crowdfunded display. They are literally the only company other than Apple that currently makes a glossy display >=4k. They get really good reviews for display quality, and that would be an option for me, but supposedly get a lot of comments about being a shady company, and it's not a significant enough lower price point that I risk it over just buying the ASD.
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Poor quality control, nearly impossible to contact at all, basically never honor shipping dates, and apparently they will almost never honor their return policy.