Was going to say, spending $3k on monitors and $3k on a studio or more, and you have a crappy desk. lol!
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Apple Studio Display - Owners Thread
- Thread starter KPOM
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BenQ offers them directly from their website. I got mine in about a week after I ordered. Amazon is the one that is the long wait, at least here in the States.
I applaud his priorities.
I got my first one 10 days ago from Benq US Store but right now is not in stock anymore. I placed an order today for a second one with Amazon with delivery for May 6th.
My display kept on coming back on in a low resolution (grainy, blocky text etc), despite the settings not having changed, after it's been asleep. Spoke to apple tech support, reset NVRAM, re-installed OS, reset SMC. It all behaved for a week and now back to the same problem. No idea what to do. Should I exchange the display? Or is my 2020 i7 MacBook broken? 
Do you have another computer and cable to test? It could be the MBP, cable or the display itself, if it turns out to be the display, definitely exchange it.My display kept on coming back on in a low resolution (grainy, blocky text etc), despite the settings not having changed, after it's been asleep. Spoke to apple tech support, reset NVRAM, re-installed OS, reset SMC. It all behaved for a week and now back to the same problem. No idea what to do. Should I exchange the display? Or is my 2020 i7 MacBook broken?
I don't... got an ancient MacBook (2013 I think) but that doesn't have a USB-C port and iPads all on lighting ports too. So no way to test I think. The cable I use is the one that came with the Studio Display. Kids got some Asus monitors I could try but would have to buy adapters as no USB-C on that either.
I don't... got an ancient MacBook (2013 I think) but that doesn't have a USB-C port and iPads all on lighting ports too. So no way to test I think. The cable I use is the one that came with the Studio Display. Kids got some Asus monitors I could try but would have to buy adapters as no USB-C on that either.
There has been a few reports of ASDs owners getting bad Thunderbolt cables with their displays. After they switched the Thunderbolt cables, all glitches are gone. I'm using Apple Thunderbolt 4 1.8 m Cable because the one that came with the ASDs is not long enough. BTW, if the cable is found to be bad, Apple won't give you a new cable, instead you have to return the whole ASD and wait for a replacement.
Ah, interesting! I have another cable (Belkin thunderbolt) so will give it a go! interesting to hear there's been others with issues. Thanks.
FaceTime audio and PhotoBooth audio and video seem to not be working for me now connected to a Max Studio.
Uneven backlight? I've had my ASD since launch date and I'm not expecting perfect or even very good blacks since it's not using local dimming at all as far as I can tell (edge lit?) but I expected it to at least be more uniform.
The bottom right and top left corners are particulary brighter than the rest, especially noticable on dark backgrounds. I guess I'm used to superb local dimming on my TV that's a few years old (Sony 75Z9D) and excellent uniformity. I've had plenty of iMacs and Apple monitors in the past where this has not bothered me so I wonder if I got a dud.
Should I accept this? Is it common for the Apple Studio Display?
The bottom right and top left corners are particulary brighter than the rest, especially noticable on dark backgrounds. I guess I'm used to superb local dimming on my TV that's a few years old (Sony 75Z9D) and excellent uniformity. I've had plenty of iMacs and Apple monitors in the past where this has not bothered me so I wonder if I got a dud.
Should I accept this? Is it common for the Apple Studio Display?
It’s all about the tech, baby! ?. But man that desk has served its purpose for far too long.
You shouldn't as both of my ASDs have perfect even backlight. Not a single hot spot, no hot corners and no light bleed anywhere in both ASDs. BTW, I have a 65Z9D in my bedroom
and I love it. Of course, not as good as my 77A9G OLED but I think the Z9D is still the king of LED displays and the one still with more dimming zones in the market.
You shouldn't as both of my ASDs have perfect even backlight. Not a single hot spot, no hot corners and no light bleed anywhere in both ASDs. BTW, I have a 65Z9D in my bedroom
Thanks buddy, I'll stop by the store when they're back in stock.
Bit off topic but that's a decent bedroom TV
I went through a number of 65" OLEDs including the Sony A1 but wasn't happy until I got the Z9D, it's still great. I don't think I want to sell it if I go for a bigger OLED, will probably keep it in one of the spare rooms. It’s been great reading this thread, I’ve learned so much, thank you everyone. Here is my contribution, mostly for those folks coming from a still-working Thunderbolt Display. I am not a video or audiophile, nor need perfect color for photo or video editing. I use the computer for work, which is lots of emails, spreadsheets, financial data entry & analysis, and for surfing around, social media and sometimes streaming sports while doing everything else.
I’ve had the TBD since 2013 and I’ve been happy with it for the last 9 years, mostly using MacBook Airs. In 2020 I got the 16” MB Pro and like so many, picked up the CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock for all the reasons and to deal with the outdated inputs/cable on the ATD. I do use the MBP as a side monitor. Perfect setup for me and so clean, just connect one cable to the dock and everything is up and running.
For several years I have been keeping an eye out for my next monitor so I was really excited about the Studio Display announcement. My eyes aren’t getting any younger and I was ready for the 5K. It arrived a couple days ago. I setup the TBD and ASD together to see if it was too much for my desk, if I liked having that much screenspace, and to compare them.
Side by side, it was surprising how good the TBD (introduced 11 years ago) holds up. The ASD is obviously a better panel and you can see the additional brightness and sharpness of text and images when comparing…. but you do have to be looking for that comparison. It was not a huge bummer to move something from the ASD to the TBD - when I was focused on working, I didn’t notice nor ever thought to drag it back to the ASD.
I compared the speakers by flipping back and forth between them with various types of music. I was always fine with the TBD speakers for my use (mostly background music or watching sports) but the ASD speakers are stunningly better, a huge upgrade, wow.
I don’t have to use webcams often so it’s not that important to me but when I did, people have complimented how my TBD cam looked and how the audio came across (maybe everyone else has garbage ?.) The new ASD webcam is of course better but I understand for those of you who do use webcams a lot, it is disappointing. I did notice what folks are talking about where you really have to tilt the screen down to get the camera to center on you.
After 24 hours I decided I don’t like nor need a wall of both 27” displays on my desk (my desk faces a lovely window) so I’m now just using the ASD with the 16” MBP as a side monitor, same setup as before. I’m not having that “ahh, the film has been lifted from my eyes” experience like I've had with previous monitor upgrades over the last 35 years.
And damn....writing this out has made me realize I will likely be returning the Studio Display. It is not that I am disappointed in the ASD, it is fantastic. It is because my Thunderbolt Display is still really good and the difference between them is not worth the full $1,600 to me. Perhaps I should have expected this but I couldn’t know until I tried it. Since Apple is finally back in the display business, there will be this and more models in the coming years. I could enjoy my TBD for awhile longer and when it does poop out, it will be wonderful to be able to go pick up an ASD to replace it.
I’ve had the TBD since 2013 and I’ve been happy with it for the last 9 years, mostly using MacBook Airs. In 2020 I got the 16” MB Pro and like so many, picked up the CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock for all the reasons and to deal with the outdated inputs/cable on the ATD. I do use the MBP as a side monitor. Perfect setup for me and so clean, just connect one cable to the dock and everything is up and running.
For several years I have been keeping an eye out for my next monitor so I was really excited about the Studio Display announcement. My eyes aren’t getting any younger and I was ready for the 5K. It arrived a couple days ago. I setup the TBD and ASD together to see if it was too much for my desk, if I liked having that much screenspace, and to compare them.
Side by side, it was surprising how good the TBD (introduced 11 years ago) holds up. The ASD is obviously a better panel and you can see the additional brightness and sharpness of text and images when comparing…. but you do have to be looking for that comparison. It was not a huge bummer to move something from the ASD to the TBD - when I was focused on working, I didn’t notice nor ever thought to drag it back to the ASD.
I compared the speakers by flipping back and forth between them with various types of music. I was always fine with the TBD speakers for my use (mostly background music or watching sports) but the ASD speakers are stunningly better, a huge upgrade, wow.
I don’t have to use webcams often so it’s not that important to me but when I did, people have complimented how my TBD cam looked and how the audio came across (maybe everyone else has garbage ?.) The new ASD webcam is of course better but I understand for those of you who do use webcams a lot, it is disappointing. I did notice what folks are talking about where you really have to tilt the screen down to get the camera to center on you.
After 24 hours I decided I don’t like nor need a wall of both 27” displays on my desk (my desk faces a lovely window) so I’m now just using the ASD with the 16” MBP as a side monitor, same setup as before. I’m not having that “ahh, the film has been lifted from my eyes” experience like I've had with previous monitor upgrades over the last 35 years.
And damn....writing this out has made me realize I will likely be returning the Studio Display. It is not that I am disappointed in the ASD, it is fantastic. It is because my Thunderbolt Display is still really good and the difference between them is not worth the full $1,600 to me. Perhaps I should have expected this but I couldn’t know until I tried it. Since Apple is finally back in the display business, there will be this and more models in the coming years. I could enjoy my TBD for awhile longer and when it does poop out, it will be wonderful to be able to go pick up an ASD to replace it.
good input. Someone sold me a new TBD for $650 in 2012. My issue has always been small fuzzy letters when scaling to see more on the screen. Its the only reason I got the the new display. The fantastic part about these displays is that we'll be using them in 10 years.
I know what you're talking about, I did play with the scaling on the new display and if you use that, it is indeed very much crisper!
Is anyone else having an issue with their Apple Studio Display camera just not working in Photobooth? THe light just goes off when it's video. Photo still works. In FaceTime the audio doesn't work. If I run them at the same time, video works in photobooth, but it's laggy with no sound.
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Funny enough, I bought a used Thunderbolt Display recently for my partner who only occasionally wants to use an external display, preferring generally just to use the MacBook unless she's doing some very specific work tasks or playing games.
Looking into what was on the market for QHD displays the decade+ old Thunderbolt Display held up extremely well. Dollar-for-dollar it outperformed contemporary 27" QHD displays and offered more functionality, including some of the modern Apple magic you'd expect (True Tone, well functioning auto on/off, etc.) plus the 720p webcam and speakers. And the colour range, brightness, etc. are great too. And the design is pretty timeless and classy too.
It is too bad the MagSafe adapter next to the Thunderbolt cable is so ... useless and just permanently "there". Too bad there was no better way to repurpose or easily remove it.
I personally was too used to the general crispness and quality of the 5K iMac panel prior to getting the Studio that I'd consider it a downgrade, but I'd still recommend that display to people over many other new 27" options on the market which sell in the lower hundred $ range.
Speaking of the used market, you should be able to get ~25% of that back selling the old display. But fair enough if you still don't see the value even with that (slightly) reduced cost.
Any one hearing high pitch buzzing sound from their Studio Display? I can hear it more prominently at night time when I have lights on around the house.
I've had a iMac 27" 2019 before and never heard any buzzing noises. In fact I have it plugged in right beside the Studio Display and there is literally no noise.
Its just the Studio Display thats making a buzzing noise.
I've had a iMac 27" 2019 before and never heard any buzzing noises. In fact I have it plugged in right beside the Studio Display and there is literally no noise.
Its just the Studio Display thats making a buzzing noise.
Question for owners, do these displays get warm to the touch on top? I have been using 5x 30” ACD and they are like radiators when touched on top. Just curious what amount of heat these put out. Thanks!
I have a pair of ASDs VESA Mount and they are cool to the touch everywhere.
Camera works in PhotoBooth in both photo & video mode here (no Center Stage available though, so I only see the top half of my face). Also, audio in FaceTime works (seems the only way currently to test the different mic modes that are quite nice). Do you have the latest SW on both the connected Mac (12.3.1) & ASD itself (15.4)?