Apple's Pro Display XDR Wins 'Displays of the Year' Award

[boss.king]

Apple has already chosen to let LG take their place here. They sell the same displays that are in the iMac.

They have, but it's not really an equivalent solution. As far as I know, none of the LG options (nor any other manufacturer for that matter) have a display at the correct size to resolution ratio for retina scaling, nor is there a 6K option. Apparently the calibration on those LG monitors doesn't quite match the iMac display either.

 

[dguisinger]

Apple has already chosen to let LG take their place here. They sell the same displays that are in the iMac.

But it's not quite the same. I wish to be able to have multiple identically sized screens on my desk for lining up my work. The iMac is terrible for this. It would be different if Apple had their own display that was identical in size and resolution, but they don't.

 

[Kabeyun]

This MacPro was/is overkill for most professionals, now most professionals are stuck with the iMac Pro, not a bad machine but it's an all in one which most professionals don't want.
Was it so hard to go back to the old cheesegrater, it itself was a beautiful machine, and affordable by most professionals.
Don't get me wrong,the new MacPro and especially the XDR are gorgeous, just out of reach for most professionals.

Disagree.

People here want pro, but not too pro or it gets expensive and hurts their feelings. People want consumer but not too consumer or they don’t like the specs and it hurts their feelings. People want prosumer but not too prosumer or it may as well be one or the other, or it’s the wrong spec or form factor.

Who exactly are these “most professionals” you’re talking about? The ones buying the HP 4K reference monitor for $2000 more than the Pro Display XDR? The ones buying the Panasonic HD reference monitor for $4000 more than the Pro Display XDR? The Sony Trimaster for 5 times more than the Pro Display XDR? Who are these people? Mostly?

 

[iPadified]

This MacPro was/is overkill for most professionals, now most professionals are stuck with the iMac Pro, not a bad machine but it's an all in one which most professionals don't want.
Was it so hard to go back to the old cheesegrater, it itself was a beautiful machine, and affordable by most professionals.
Don't get me wrong,the new MacPro and especially the XDR are gorgeous, just out of reach for most professionals.

I am surprised. Are professionals earning so little so they cannot pay for a Mac Pro setup? It is a machine you can use for 10 years. It cost about the same as a car or pickup - something many carpenters, plummers, electricians use up in ten tears. Then add the toolbox of these professions which they also wear down in 10 years time...So how can a Mac Pro, XDR screen and stand be any problem?

 

[dguisinger]

I am surprised. Are professionals earning so little so they cannot pay for a Mac Pro setup? It is a machine you can use for 10 years. It cost about the same as a car or pickup - something many carpenters, plummers, electricians use up in ten tears. Then add the toolbox of these professions which they also wear down in 10 years time...So how can a Mac Pro, XDR screen and stand be any problem?

What on earth do you consider professional?
And no body uses a computer for 10 years. If I need a more powerful computer than an iMac or MacBook Pro, I can get one from a competitor without having to spend $20k. There is a massive gap between what MOST Mac-based professionals were asking for and what Apple delivered.

As a "Professional" in any line of work, I make "more" money by selecting the least-expensive tool that can get the job done. The Mac Pro is not designed for most pros. Most pros don't need multiple 8K streams of ProRes video running simultaneously. That is a VERY small market. These days Pro's don't need the most powerful gear on the market, computers have advanced quite a bit since the 90s. But they still need something better than a thermally limited laptop or All-in-One. Heck, my MacBook Pro 16 spins up its fans if I sneeze. A workstation it is not, but if I'm going to be constrained, I'm going to be constrained in a laptop not a AIO desktop.

 

[mazz0]

As they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity.

I don’t think that cliché has ever been true, and I don’t think it’s true here. The feeling I get is that the controversy over whether or not it’s as good as those professional displays has tarnished the imagine of this product. I’m people’s minds now it’s the fake pro display, or the disappointing display. Not everyone, but many people’s. I know people have heard of it who Norther die wouldn’t have and their impressions is (unfairly) that it’s bad. Now these aren’t people who would have been potentioan customers anyway, but similarly I doubt this publicity attracted the attention do potential customers as people spending that much money on a monitor we’re going to hear about this one regardless. What this does do however is tart the brand, and that’s going to have a long term, cumulative effect.

 

[eflx]

I'm sorry but that is very shortsighted comment.
He was right, Apple in certain way neglected those that helped in history. Their lack of transparency, care etc. led many people leave the platform. The new Mac Pro priced out many people out and if you want to know why look at 2008 models and 30" ACD for reference (for example).
Sure, Apple can do whatever they want but in the end, these things matter.
Apple set its brand for design, ease of use etc. Customers got used to this and thats why we are happy to often pay premium but everyone has a limit.
With your analogy - is it fine to charge $700 for wheels? or $1000 for a monitor stand? You may seem these reactions or complaints as childish but you are not considering those that use Apple for years and suddenly not only that Apple neglected this market since 2013 but when they finally showed us something they priced a lot of people out so those people have right to be upset especially if they were with Apple for many many years.

You may not see it that way but thats the reason why some people are not happy about this.

Apple is driven on feedback so its only fair to provide it or be vocal about it.

You are personally happy because Apple won a design award? I can see being happy and proud when your child, significant other, friend accomplishes something major, but a multi billion dollar company winning an award causes you happiness?

Back to the real topic at hand though. Apple abandoned their Pro customers for years. Professionals view their computers and displays as investments and as a tool to help them make a living. they aren’t in the same category as you or I where we upgrade every once in a while when we want the newest tech. Professionals upgrade frequently since a computer is a depreciating asset and newer better ones are released allowing them to be faster with their workflows. If a professional felt abandoned by Tim Cook’s Apple they probably left and got a workstation from a manufacture/vendor that actually cares about and meets their needs. Apple knowly releasing a crippled trash can Mac Pro with no future was a pretty stupid idea. You mean to tell me the folks working at Apple being paid millions didn’t realize that by building a computer into a small cylinder that doesn’t have the thermal headroom to be expanded was a good idea? And then you wait 6 years before offering a replacement solution? And you want to tell me that Apple truly cares about their professional base? I’ve got an iPad that can replace your Mac Pro that is like to sell you then. There is no excuse. I defend Apple on some decisions, but this sure ain’t one of them. As a previous poster mentioned, it doesn’t take 6 years to design a logic board or a computer enclosure. No one was complaining about the old cheese grater design except Jony Ive. Keep in mind it doesn’t impact me personally as I’m just a consumer, but it’s no different than a vendor/manufacturer that I use for my job to stop releasing better products.. I’ll just move to a manufacture that values my business and listens to their high paying customers.

Guys, I develop software for NHL platforms. "You and I" does not apply. I am a "professional". This computer helps me to make money. Although, I'd still buy this Mac just as a personal computer, because I can ... and I like the design and upgradeability.

The 2013 Mac Pro, didn't abandon anybody. It provided dual video cards, Xeon CPU's, ECC ram etc. I think they bet too heavily on the usability of Thunderbolt to provide expansion capabilities. Also, of course, just as with this Mac Pro you're limited to what graphics cards Apple supports.

I don't doubt some people were disappointed, as some inevitably will always be. I also know that Apple gets a bit snooty and full of themselves. Both points are valid.

My main point, is that if you want to continue to see Apple build momentum and keep up with this new 2019 Mac Pro, give it a bit of "love". And to the "genius" who thinks I care on a personal level whether Apple got some random mostly meaningless award, that's just hilarious. I don't on a personal level care; I am suggesting It's good they "win some awards" and obtain some positivity so they are more likely to keep pumping resources into the platform.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that point of view I thought. I'll let you in on a "secret" -> I have 2 of their XDR displays. They are far from perfect ... I'd love for Apple to have figured out how to get rid of the vertical banding you get from the backlighting array; especially for the $6,000 I paid for them. But when I compare it to a $30,000 monitor, or a $1,000 monitor with lower resolution and a **** plasticky design ... I'd take this XDR hands-down over any other PC monitor available.

This is what I mean about stopping the whining. Put things into perspective; the world seems different with common sense in tow.

 

[krfr]

So now I vote for them to release a consumer priced display!

 

[cBraunDesign]

Stanley cup, World Series, Super Bowl, etc.

Thank you for presenting these examples in the proper order of importance.

 

[dguisinger]

Guys, I develop software for NHL platforms. "You and I" does not apply. I am a "professional". This computer helps me to make money. Although, I'd still buy this Mac just as a personal computer, because I can ... and I like the design and upgradeability.

The 2013 Mac Pro, didn't abandon anybody. It provided dual video cards, Xeon CPU's, ECC ram etc. I think they bet too heavily on the usability of Thunderbolt to provide expansion capabilities. Also, of course, just as with this Mac Pro you're limited to what graphics cards Apple supports.

I don't doubt some people were disappointed, as some inevitably will always be. I also know that Apple gets a bit snooty and full of themselves. Both points are valid.

My main point, is that if you want to continue to see Apple build momentum and keep up with this new 2019 Mac Pro, give it a bit of "love". And to the "genius" who thinks I care on a personal level whether Apple got some random mostly meaningless award, that's just hilarious. I don't on a personal level care; I am suggesting It's good they "win some awards" and obtain some positivity so they are more likely to keep pumping resources into the platform.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that point of view I thought. I'll let you in on a "secret" -> I have 2 of their XDR displays. They are far from perfect ... I'd love for Apple to have figured out how to get rid of the vertical banding you get from the backlighting array; especially for the $6,000 I paid for them. But when I compare it to a $30,000 monitor, or a $1,000 monitor with lower resolution and a **** plasticky design ... I'd take this XDR hands-down over any other PC monitor available.

This is what I mean about stopping the whining. Put things into perspective; the world seems different with common sense in tow.

Oh aren't you special, you'd buy a $20,000 workstation as a personal computer because you can. Thats nice. We really don't care about your extravagant wealth.

The 2013 Mac Pro didn't abandon anyone? You actually develop software, I find that hard to believe. Your assumption that hardware that didn't change for 7 years shows you know little about using hardware for real things. I totally believe you that you have two XDRs because you aren't buying for specs and actual use, you are buying for status symbols. I'm sorry, you aren't even worth having a conversation with because you don't live in the real world.

 

[EugW]

They have, but it's not really an equivalent solution. As far as I know, none of the LG options (nor any other manufacturer for that matter) have a display at the correct size to resolution ratio for retina scaling, nor is there a 6K option. Apparently the calibration on those LG monitors doesn't quite match the iMac display either.

It’s the same panel as the iMacs. Same size, same resolution, same colour depth, and same pixel density.

Calibration on both the iMac and the LG panel would have to be done separately. Even if you had two iMacs, the calibration wouldn’t be exactly the same, since iMacs don’t come with perfect calibration. Plus, any default calibration may not be appropriate for your room and background lighting anyway.

 

[gaximus]

Even if side viewing is not fully accurate on a $5.000 display? Okay.

I have two 4k monitors, they are cheap, and the view angles are horrible. But... I discovered a trick that can save a lot of money, instead of buying an expensive monitor that has great viewing angles, I just change the view angle so that I'm looking at it straight on. This might not be an option for those people who share monitors.

 

[dguisinger]

I have two 4k monitors, they are cheap, and the view angles are horrible. But... I discovered a trick that can save a lot of money, instead of buying an expensive monitor that has great viewing angles, I just change the view angle so that I'm looking at it straight on. This might not be an option for those people who share monitors.

Right? Most people sit in front of their computers anyways....

 

[filmbuff]

Does anyone have any examples of pros using it? The only info I've seen about this monitor is from youtube reviewers who either got one on loan to review or got paid to do it. Of course for non-pro use it looks like an amazing monitor but also much too expensive to even consider it.

 

[EugW]

Does anyone have any examples of pros using it? The only info I've seen about this monitor is from youtube reviewers who either got one on loan to review or got paid to do it. Of course for non-pro use it looks like an amazing monitor but also much too expensive to even consider it.

I’m no expert but it looks good for small video content creators. Semi-pro and lower end pro, and high end YouTubers could make a good fit for example.

Plus, they’d likely often have multiple monitors.

 

[ouimetnick]

Oh aren't you special, you'd buy a $20,000 workstation as a personal computer because you can. Thats nice. We really don't care about your extravagant wealth.

The 2013 Mac Pro didn't abandon anyone? You actually develop software, I find that hard to believe. Your assumption that hardware that didn't change for 7 years shows you know little about using hardware for real things. I totally believe you that you have two XDRs because you aren't buying for specs and actual use, you are buying for status symbols. I'm sorry, you aren't even worth having a conversation with because you don't live in the real world.

So true. Even if they did develop software for the NHL, it’s not heavy duty stuff. Can’t see a hockey league needing an application that requires a true professional piece of hardware to be used in order to create an app Facebook develops their apps using MacBook Pros. I doubt you need a $6000 computer and $6000 display to write code😂

 

[iPadified]

What on earth do you consider professional?
And no body uses a computer for 10 years. If I need a more powerful computer than an iMac or MacBook Pro, I can get one from a competitor without having to spend $20k. There is a massive gap between what MOST Mac-based professionals were asking for and what Apple delivered.

As a "Professional" in any line of work, I make "more" money by selecting the least-expensive tool that can get the job done. The Mac Pro is not designed for most pros. Most pros don't need multiple 8K streams of ProRes video running simultaneously. That is a VERY small market. These days Pro's don't need the most powerful gear on the market, computers have advanced quite a bit since the 90s. But they still need something better than a thermally limited laptop or All-in-One. Heck, my MacBook Pro 16 spins up its fans if I sneeze. A workstation it is not, but if I'm going to be constrained, I'm going to be constrained in a laptop not a AIO desktop.

Yes professional uses a computers for 10 years. What is the point of an upgradable Mac Pro if not to keep it and upgraded with typically more powerful GPUs after a few years? Today progress in /RAM/Storage/CPU (looking at you Intel) and GPU is slower than it has been. Get used to use a computer for ten years.

The lineup iMac/MBP, iMP, MP covers most users in terms of performance and costs. Yes you are absolutely right, there are fewer and fewer that needs an MP for doing their work and those who do, can afford it. That is something to be happy about. It means that you do not need top of the line computer to do your work.

I would take iMP anyday over MBP16 for anything computer intensive. The MBP 2014 I use at home is if far poorer value than the 2013 MP in my office. The latter, still silent operation and quick enough while the former get hot and fans spins up by a mere video conference.

 

[EugW]

FWIW, Star Trek Discovery is edited on a trash can Mac Pro.

...on Dell monitors. 😜

 

[chucker23n1]

The 2013 Mac Pro didn't abandon anyone? You actually develop software, I find that hard to believe.

The 2013 Mac Pro was kind of a poor choice for most software developers in that they don't need two GPUs (or even one), but… by 2013, most software developers don't use desktops anyway.

 

[Websnapx2]

But where's the rationally priced mainstream tower and display for the rest of us?

There is no profit at that price point. This is why Apple doesn't participate in this market anymore. The XDR is specifically a reference monitor meant to bring that functionality to a more obtainable cost (only in comparison to those who offer the same type of features) but — just like the AirPort — other companies are willing to fight it out for the very competitive, but marginal in profit market of the consumer monitor.

As for the tower, I can see them making a smaller version of the Mac Pro but the reality is that the demand for it — relative to their whole market — is likely much lower than you expect. The Mac Pro represents a great long term investment when you consider you can swap out the processor and the entire unit got a repairability of 9/10 from iFixit.

 

[chucker23n1]

Yes professional uses a computers for 10 years.

I don't know anyone other than John Siracusa who would do that.

By and large, professionals either buy a laptop or lease it; in both cases, they keep it for three to five years. Six is stretching it. Ten is unusual. Desktops are unusual.

What is the point of an upgradable Mac Pro if not to keep it and upgraded with typically more powerful GPUs after a few years?

Exactly: for most people, there is no point, which is why the tower form factor has become way less common compared to the 90s.

Towers still work as build servers / work horses, or for specialized internal needs like high-end GPUs, but most professionals don't need any of that.

 

[dguisinger]

There is no profit at that price point. This is why Apple doesn't participate in this market anymore. The XDR is specifically a reference monitor meant to bring that functionality to a more obtainable cost (only in comparison to those who offer the same type of features) but — just like the AirPort — other companies are willing to fight it out for the very competitive, but marginal in profit market of the consumer monitor.

As for the tower, I can see them making a smaller version of the Mac Pro but the reality is that the demand for it — relative to their whole market — is likely much lower than you expect. The Mac Pro represents a great long term investment when you consider you can swap out the processor and the entire unit got a repairability of 9/10 from iFixit.

If you are in computers purely for the most profitable markets you can be in - then we should all give up our Macs right now. If Apple decides there isn't enough profit in computers, we are all screwed.
[automerge]1590518488[/automerge]

I don't know anyone other than John Siracusa who would do that.

By and large, professionals either buy a laptop or lease it; in both cases, they keep it for three to five years. Six is stretching it. Ten is unusual. Desktops are unusual.



Exactly: for most people, there is no point, which is why the tower form factor has become way less common compared to the 90s.

Towers still work as build servers / work horses, or for specialized internal needs like high-end GPUs, but most professionals don't need any of that.

To be fair, using Chrome these days requires a 24 core Xeon and a turbo-jet sized cooling fan.....

 

[falainber]

Disagree.

People here want pro, but not too pro or it gets expensive and hurts their feelings. People want consumer but not too consumer or they don’t like the specs and it hurts their feelings. People want prosumer but not too prosumer or it may as well be one or the other, or it’s the wrong spec or form factor.

Who exactly are these “most professionals” you’re talking about? The ones buying the HP 4K reference monitor for $2000 more than the Pro Display XDR? The ones buying the Panasonic HD reference monitor for $4000 more than the Pro Display XDR? The Sony Trimaster for 5 times more than the Pro Display XDR? Who are these people? Mostly?

Different people want and need different things. That's natural. What is unnatural, is Apple trying to satisfy all these different people with very limited set of devices. This is the disadvantage of Apple ecosystem.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Apple has already chosen to let LG take their place here. They sell the same displays that are in the iMac.

Same panel, but not the same experience.
The fused glass they did for the iMac makes for a considerably better experience.

I'm somewhat versed on this as I've been pondering all the third party and DIY options to build my own 5k monitor solution from iMac 5k panels or LG Ultrafine panels, all of which can be bought from Chinese (and some in the USA) sellers.

Also, the LG enclosure is total trash relative to what an Apple user would want (and was used to) from a first party Apple display

 

[EugW]

Same panel, but not the same experience.
The fused glass they did for the iMac makes for a considerably better experience.

I'm somewhat versed on this as I've been pondering all the third party and DIY options to build my own 5k monitor solution from iMac 5k panels or LG Ultrafine panels, all of which can be bought from Chinese (and some in the USA) sellers.

Also, the LG enclosure is total trash relative to what an Apple user would want (and was used to) from a first party Apple display

Agreed. I’m not a big fan of the LG enclosure either. I’m just pointing out Apple has no interest in this part of monitor market anymore. Same goes for their routers. But, you can still get the same panels.

By the way, for the record, I run a dual iMac setup, 27” 5K and 27” 2.5K, with the 2.5K model acting as an external monitor. The latter is not Retina, but the font, photo, and OS element sizing is the same.

Also, my WiFi setup consists of 5 Airport Extremes, all on an Ethernet backbone, providing a pseudo-mesh network. One 802.11ac model is the router, and for access points I have 3 more 802.11ac models and 1 802.11n model. I get seamless handoff for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for all Apple devices, on both the primary and the guest networks, but I call it pseudo-mesh because seamless handoff doesn’t work for non-Apple devices.