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One thing this review is missing is a comparison with the 5k iMac. There are a lot of people with older 5k iMacs who want to migrate to Apple Silicon and will need a new monitor. This is the obvious choice, would be nice to know how it compares.
I have the retina iMac and I've always heard it's the exact same panel as the LG ultrafine 5K, so I assume it would be the same: A very slight bump in the brightness and a wee bit of clarity. Bummer after all these years.
 
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The UltraFine has also seen a lot of complaints over the years about image retention or "burn-in," something we've definitely experienced with our own units, and we've yet to see any issues with that on the Studio Display.

Given you’ve had the display for what a week?… how can you say this?

They said “we’ve yet to see any issues.” What’s wrong with that? They didn’t say no issues would ever happen.
 
My monitor already had a software update available when I powered it on. With 64GB of storage there's no reason it would have to be stuck on iOS 15 when the next major iOS upgrade happens.

But there’s every reason to believe it will eventually drift out of support. For the same reason that you can’t install iOS 15 on an iphone 4.
 
Apple could have gone with an external power brick and I wish they had. Then they could have skipped the fans and made the monitor thinner. Apple could also have designed a user removable power cable. It is absurd that they did not.
They have earned all the criticism for that decision.
Apple's made some boneheaded mistakes over the years but I don't think a hard to detach power cord on a (mostly) stationary device is one of them. A few folks with little else to do might gripe on a message board but the vast majority of the target audience will neither care nor even notice.
 
But there’s every reason to believe it will eventually drift out of support. For the same reason that you can’t install iOS 15 on an iphone 4.

What new functionality are you worrying that your monitor will not be able to have due to lack of software updates in 7 or 8 years?

And what other monitors give you 7 or 8 years of software updates?

If anything, this is more like AirPort Firmware than iOS updates, and Apple provided updates for the former for years after they discontinued the product line.
 
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For the $300 difference it's a no-brainer. I'm using my new Studio Display right now to type this. It's as good as I had hoped. Haven't tried the webcam, and likely won't use it much anyway, but I suppose I might once Apple issues a fix.

And yes, you can calibrate this easily. In fact, B&H had a one-day sale on the Spider-X and I got mine for $79 off. It arrived the same day the display did. And having been a professional in the publishing business for almost 40 years, I am quite pleased with the result after calibration.
 
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Sorry but the comparison should be the height adjustable studio display and then its a 700 dollar difference.

900 euro difference here : LG is 1350 euro the apple studio display (height adjustable) is 2250 .

And no it isnt worth the difference imho.
 
It seems like the real dividing factor is price points. If it was cheaper I think a lot of the complaints would go away.

Does Apple have the habit of lowering their price points on peripherals? ?

Ultimately I think anyone who doesn’t want to pay up should wait for the refurbished models for cheaper or perhaps buy them second hand to curb the costs.

From a strict design standpoint I would love to see Apple improve upon the Studio Display. I read a review that said Center Stage was gimmicky and initially agreed with their assessment, BUT after listening to Tailosive Tech’s live stream while working late I’ve changed my mind. Center Stage is a great addition and I could totally see this changing the way YouTubers connect with fans and subscribers via streaming. Center Stage adds a hassle free way of keeping the subject in focus and makes a much more visually interesting (in terms of motion) video for creators. I would love to see Apple push far with their cameras on the Studio Display plus improving upon Center Stage.

I would be open to Apple removing the camera from the Studio Display as an external magnetic connecting web camera, maybe like the Samsung M8 (which is taking some design cues from Apple and that monitor looks beautiful):

I think Samsung is doing a great job and at least trying to make their monitors look good even from the back.

Why is Apple one of the few manufacturers that use aluminum enclosures? I feel like the computer industry started with plastic and Apple was the only one to ever move forward with aluminum while everyone else stayed behind. Is aluminum machining that much more difficult to produce compared to plastics? I don’t understand what the lag is with other companies? Is it just that they don’t care? Is it a cost cutting measure? It’s not like the PC market is unwilling to pay a bit more for a well made machine right? Maybe they aren’t?

I really hope other manufacturers will start to care more about their product design sans Gamer aesthetics ? Razer has been making some design changes to their machines but I can’t imagine walking into a meeting with 3 snakes circling around a biohazard symbol and not getting some looks ? lol

Edit: I also think it's important for consumers to push back on corporations and their investors, otherwise their corporate leaders lose track and large corporations start to become all about the money (see Intel, see HP). I'm not sure what made Apple switch to thicker designs on the MBP and removing the Touch Bar, but for a long time pro consumers were complaining and considering leaving Apple. I was too, Microsoft Studio was a welcomed surprise for me, then Apple finally did a 180. A welcomed change not just for me but many people. My MBP 16" is one of the best tools I've ever owned. It's important to push back on Apple, constructive critique only helps to elevate their products.
 
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Apple's made some boneheaded mistakes over the years but I don't think a hard to detach power cord on a (mostly) stationary device is one of them. A few folks with little else to do might gripe on a message board but the vast majority of the target audience will neither care nor even notice.
Until their cable breaks and then they will curse at apple.
 
MKBHD had a great observation:

When using the Studio Display next to a MacBook Pro, the difference in quality (and modern features) between the displays is untenable. The big display is so inferior, you end up just using your laptop for the proper screen.
He definitely had some zingers in his reviews. Of the Mac Studio…”if you are bad at editing, you will still be bad at editing, only faster.” ❤️ him!
 
The problem with the Studio Display is just knowing what it could have been.

The displays on the 14” and 16” MacBook Pros are absolutely beautiful and I think people expected the same level on this display, especially for the $1600 price tag. Then they ask $400 more for an adjustable stand, and add a non-removable power cable..it’s just odd.

For that price, it should have all the tech from the MacBooks. HDR, 120hz with variable refresh rate, mini-LED.

Really a disappointment knowing what they could have done..

So which 27"/32" monitor do you recommend which have the same quality as the MacBook Pro's display?
 
Sorry but the comparison should be the height adjustable studio display and then its a 700 dollar difference.

900 euro difference here : LG is 1350 euro the apple studio display (height adjustable) is 2250 .

And no it isnt worth the difference imho.
No no no. The comparison should be with a 600 nit/aluminum-clad LG. Since that is not available at any price, the apple monitor is an even better deal.
 
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They said “we’ve yet to see any issues.” What’s wrong with that? They didn’t say no issues would ever happen.
I think a better phrasing would be "we haven't had enough time with the Studio Display to assess if this is an issue"
 
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I think a better phrasing would be "we haven't had enough time with the Studio Display to assess if this is an issue"

That would suggest there’s been some indication that it might be an issue, and is therefore misleading. “We haven’t had enough time with the Studio Display to assess if it will kill you in your sleep.”
 
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No - in fact the total opposite..

To keep their price anchoring points, they'll leave older and older products to stagnate at the exact same prices as when they launched.

How much of the current price point is a result of inflation?

I do think the price point was high, but considering the lockdowns and issues with manufacturing and silicon shortages.... I was expecting to see most prices rise.

I mean, here in the USA at least, basic costs for most things are rising every month. Gas prices alone are almost in the double digits in some areas.

I just wonder how much of the current world situation is factoring into the price point for Apple? I think they keep a 30% profit margin for their hardware (I heard that somewhere on Youtube), while in the PC market they'll take a loss on hardware and try to make it up in other ways.
 
They said “we’ve yet to see any issues.” What’s wrong with that? They didn’t say no issues would ever happen.

The issue is the comparison to a monitor that has shown some issues, mainly on early models, over the course of many years in service.

They shouldn't bring that point up in this comparison since there's no such long term data on the ASD to make any informed comment about it at all.

It's a knock on the LG that is positioned in a way to be a "pro" for the ASD -- when it really isn't or maybe it will be -- but you can't say either way since its' new.

That portion of this comparison (burn-in and long term issues) should have been edited out.
 
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Until their cable breaks and then they will curse at apple.
I can think of no good reason not to have a detachable cord. I think it is ridiculous; especially if someone wants to take it to another country with another type of power cord. Still, in several decades of working with computers and monitors I have never had a power cord break. It seems highly unlikely in a device that sits on a desk.
 
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Apple's made some boneheaded mistakes over the years but I don't think a hard to detach power cord on a (mostly) stationary device is one of them. A few folks with little else to do might gripe on a message board but the vast majority of the target audience will neither care nor even notice.
Yup I'm surprised for a device that is not going to move around a lot, that people are upset about it not having an easily removed cord. I have never had a cord go bad on any of my desktop devices.
 
To me the pricing that matters is in relation to other closely related products.

A $700 delta between the LGUF5k and the ASD w/ adjustable stand (closest comparison) is -- a lot.

I agree with you, I do believe it's expensive. Who doesn't like saving money?

I think the real contention regarding the Studio Display is, simply put, price. I'm for consumers pushing back on any corporation, regarding pricing. It's healthy, otherwise corporations will absolutely take their customers for broke to make their investors and stock holders happy. With that said, I'm still buying the Studio Display* but I appreciate the push back on pricing from other consumers.

I'd love to see Apple lower the price point of the Studio Display later down the line. Here's to hoping they streamline their production and are able to create great Mac Displays (plural) and fill their product line for all market segments. I hope this is the start and not the end.

I still remember a few years back, Apple would cut their prices down a few years after launch on some of their products. Perhaps the switch to Apple Silicon during this time in world history (with everything happening) is a little rough or rocky. I think once things settle and Apple Silicon saturates the market, I feel like Apple might start cutting a few hundred dollars on their product lines. That's my hope at least, from my vague memory of Apple doing so from their previous keynotes while I was in college. (Please don't ask which specific keynote, there's no way my memory will serve haha).

Ideally, I would love well designed products (Apple or not) to flood the space making it the norm and not the exception that covers all price points ? I'm excited for Samsung's monitors with the M8, very pleased with how they're starting to care about the back of their monitors (I have an M7 and the back is ugly ?).
 
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I'd love to see Apple lower the price point of the Studio Display later down the line.

I think they are fine at the price point if they make the adjustable stand the default option (or a no cost swap in at time of purchase). Nobody expects Apple to be the value leader or at particularly reasonable price points.

They also like to keep prices pretty close to where they set them for products, so it's possible this price point monitor becomes a better value eventually with updates. But -- as I say that, I remind myself how long they tend to let monitors just linger "as is" with no updates (years and years) - so... I don't know.

The stand thing is the big miss to me.
It's an ergonomic thing

Apple should be leading on that and better representing consumer interests more on that point, especially now that they lowered the monitor height compared to previous versions and iMacs.
 
Apple should be leading on that and better representing consumer interests more on that point, especially now that they lowered the monitor height compared to previous versions and iMacs.

Here's hoping Apple's research department visits Mac Rumors and takes notes ?

For awhile there, we felt that Apple was abandoning their Pro-Segment and many people were expressing their intent to leave Apple entirely. Apple did turn that ship around soon after. I hope they can do the same with the Studio Display.

For now though, I'm happy there's even a choice to say "no". That wasn't the case for 6 years. There was a segment of consumers who begged "just rip the guts out of the iMac and give us a display". I guess we forgot to preface a price point ? Monkey's Paw! ? You gotta be specific with your wishes lol

In all seriousness, I do feel like the Studio Display was a bit rushed? Some of the decisions seem a bit like concessions. The Mac Studio seems well thought out, and the accompany Studio Display seems a bit like a rushed job. At least compared to the XDR. I would love to see them improve it and make it a better value down the line in a price point that serves both their consumer base and Apple's margins. I'm positive they can figure something out that makes both sides happy. Here's to hoping ?

I'm a customer because I do love their products. I also wish the same could be said about more corporations. Wish they cared about their products like Apple. It's easier to criticize the company that cares than the ones who don't. The ones who don't are a lost cause until they're forced to care (see Intel).
 
Here's hoping Apple's research department visits Mac Rumors and takes notes ?

Here is hoping they get back to leading on coming up with products that place consumer benefits just ever so slightly higher up the chain.

It's always a balance (it's a business after all) -- but they've really over indexed on nickel and diming and jacking prices over the last few years, particularly if you factor in how they've continued to snip away at what's included and where the default offerings get set on many products.
 
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