I'm genuinely surprised by the negative reviews of the Studio Display

[coolerkid]

Why would they lower the price? The cost of the Apple display is not based on the price they have to pay for the panel and all other parts. It's based on their market research what the target audience will likely pay for a monitor like this.

Argue about specs is fine, but arguing about the price is pointless and leads to nowhere. Either you find the monitor too expensive, then just don't buy it. Or you find it good value, go ahead and enjoy. The monitor is not too expensive. It may be too expensive for you (not you personally). And I don't mean that in a condescending way of being rich or too poor to buy the monitor. I mean the price is subjective, people value things differently. For some this monitor doesn't provide enough value for the price and for some it does. Like with everything in life.

However, I do have to say it is silly from Apple to go through the trouble of developing a height adjustable stand and still offer the standard non-adjustable as the basis. Objectively, the adjustable one is superior in every way so an inferior solution should not even be an option for a company like Apple, this does look poor for them and indeed a sad attempt to milk customers even more for something that should be standard.

Because they haven't really improved that display in over 5 years. iOS devices and MacBooks see display improvements pretty regularly, very often without price increases, or if they do it's justified. For that price I'd expect an upgrade in the display, or a lower price. For me it's not about the cost (to a degree) but the value. This isn't a good value, and not something I'd consider "luxury" that I'd pay a premium for. I'd be find with the price if it were an updated display, but it's basically the same display that was in the 2017 iMac, which wasn't even considered a high end computer. And I really think the adjustable stand should be the base model and the Vesa mount option should cost less. I hate when Apple milks customers for add-ons like this.

 

[blairh]

This display should have been $1199. A bit more than the previous TB Display but still within reach for the targeted audience. Right now, its price really wrong. Before you would get a base model iMac which even though it wasn't awesome it was still great for a lot of things. The fact that iMac had keyboard and mouse pretty much made the small price difference between these 2.
So yeah, I think Apple should reduce the price on this and they will have a winner. I got one on my desk but will be returning it and will wait for WWDC and what will be shown there. If the PRO version is bigger and won't be crazy expensive than maybe I would rather pay more and get better deal. It will all depend on what they will offer.

Shame, Apple could have delivered something of great value. Right now they priced a lot of people out for no reason.
The margin on this must be insane

I think it should be $1,300. Consider the extra $300 Apple Tax.

The iMac debate is something different. It stinks that there isn't an Apple silicon larger iMac. But I do think that day will come next year. Right now someone can still get a great 27" iMac refurbished if they want it.

I'm confused why you purchased it and are now returning this. The Studio Display Pro is going to be the same 27" and much more expensive.

Even had Apple implemented improved technology (like higher refresh rate), this price would be quite high. But asking so much for a literally 8 year old panel is ridiculous.

It's literally not the same panel. It's much nicer. Go watch the Max Tech review to see for yourself.

Because they haven't really improved that display in over 5 years. iOS devices and MacBooks see display improvements pretty regularly, very often without price increases, or if they do it's justified. For that price I'd expect an upgrade in the display, or a lower price. For me it's not about the cost (to a degree) but the value. This isn't a good value, and not something I'd consider "luxury" that I'd pay a premium for. I'd be find with the price if it were an updated display, but it's basically the same display that was in the 2017 iMac, which wasn't even considered a high end computer.

It's not basically the same panel as the 2017 iMac. I had that machine. This is a serious step up.

 

[Freida]

I bought it because I wanted to test it and see how I like it. Also to know if the stand is a problem or not (for the height).
Also, I really doubt that the Studio Pro will be the same size. I think we get +-30. We will see but at this point, I would rather check WWDC and see what happens there before I lock myself into something like this.

If nothing happens at WWDC then I will have to decide what to go for.

I'm confused why you purchased it and are now returning this. The Studio Display Pro is going to be the same 27" and much more expensive.

 

[blairh]

I bought it because I wanted to test it and see how I like it. Also to know if the stand is a problem or not (for the height).
Also, I really doubt that the Studio Pro will be the same size. I think we get +-30. We will see but at this point, I would rather check WWDC and see what happens there before I lock myself into something like this.

If nothing happens at WWDC then I will have to decide what to go for.

All reports are of a 27" mini-LED panel. I expect that display at WWDC. And it will cost a lot more than the ASD.

There are rumors of a 7k display at some point. That will most likely be 36" and cost the same or more than a XDR Pro.

 

[palmor]

All reports are of a 27" mini-LED panel. I expect that display at WWDC. And it will cost a lot more than the ASD.

I would agree. The Asus 27” miniLED is $3k and we know an Apple version won’t be cheaper.

 

[clevins]

Well, nobody forces you to use the webcam and speakers (which are btw amazing).

That misses the point. They add to the cost of the SD, even if I don't want them. For people like me, that means we're stuck paying for something that we don't value.

Personally I wouldn't buy the Mac Studio if the Studio Display didn't have integrated speakers and webcam. I just don't want to have extra things on my desk that take up space and do not integrate well with macOS. As soon as I heard that the Studio Display had an integrated camera and speakers, I went out and ordered it.

And you're absolutely the market for the SD so *for you* it's a great solution.

 

[CalMin]

All reports are of a 27" mini-LED panel. I expect that display at WWDC. And it will cost a lot more than the ASD.

There are rumors of a 7k display at some point. That will most likely be 36" and cost the same or more than a XDR Pro.

A 27" mini-LED would be an interesting option, but I don't see how it would fit in with the current line-up. It might be that the ASD is a placeholder until the newer, better tech is ready. And, frankly, they needed something to launch with the Mac Studio to appease everyone who wanted an Apple Silicon 27" iMac Pro.

I just don't see Apple selling two different 27" displays at the same time. Most consumers wouldn't be able to tell between the high quality LCD panel in the ASD and mini-LED technology.

 

[blairh]

A 27" mini-LED would be an interesting option, but I don't see how it would fit in with the current line-up. It might be that the ASD is a placeholder until the newer, better tech is ready. And, frankly, they needed something to launch with the Mac Studio to appease everyone who wanted an Apple Silicon 27" iMac Pro.

I just don't see Apple selling two different 27" displays at the same time. Most consumers wouldn't be able to tell between the high quality LCD panel in the ASD and mini-LED technology.

Just repeating the reports. Ross Young is pretty insistent that this display is coming in June and he is extremely reliable to date.

I could see a market for a 27" ASD Pro with mini-LED, 120Hz, and HDR at $3,000.

 

[CalMin]

Just repeating the reports. Ross Young is pretty insistent that this display is coming in June and he is extremely reliable to date.

I could see a market for a 27" ASD Pro with mini-LED, 120Hz, and HDR at $3,000.

Oh yeah. Not saying you're wrong - I just can't picture how they would propose to sell both in the Apple store. Only a graphics pro would care about the mini-LED. The ASD at 600nits, 5K and glossy looks really good in person. I mean REALLY good.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I just wish the display panel itself had any meaningful upgrades

(the included extra nits of brightness doesn't do enough for me).

I wish it could have been higher refresh rate or HDR or "something".

 

[blairh]

Oh yeah. Not saying you're wrong - I just can't picture how they would propose to sell both in the Apple store. Only a graphics pro would care about the mini-LED. The ASD at 600nits, 5K and glossy looks really good in person. I mean REALLY good.

It would be aimed at pros. Hence the name Studio Display Pro. Just like the XDR Pro it will be too much display for your average consumer. And will be priced accordingly.

 

[Joestanxx]

This is a monitor that is hard to get behind at the price in my opinion. I purchased a 4k monitor with VRR 144Hz and it's HDR for ~$799. One of the highest rated monitors at rtings.com (can't recommend them enough). I'm not surprised it's more, but double?

3 times what I paid for a Asus proart 27"!

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is a monitor that is hard to get behind at the price in my opinion. I purchased a 4k monitor with VRR 144Hz and it's HDR for ~$799. One of the highest rated monitors at rtings.com (can't recommend them enough). I'm not surprised it's more, but double?

I can't wait for when they finally release a ProMotion desktop monitor or device (maybe an iMac)

The Apple vlog/pod-sphere is going to explode with superlative statements like "game changing", "can't go back", "this is SO SO good and I really really like it" (What Casey Liss says about everything he finally embraces)

So many Mac users don't realize how awesome high refresh rate is, just for normal usages.
The scrolling -- OH the scrolling!!! smooth as butter.

To anyone who hasn't experienced it -- "don't".
It really ruins 60hz displays for you -- even 5k/6k ones

 

[Miha_v]

Even had Apple implemented improved technology (like higher refresh rate), this price would be quite high. But asking so much for a literally 8 year old panel is ridiculous.

It's literally not the same panel. It's much nicer. Go watch the Max Tech review to see for yourself.

Thanks, I went to watch the review. You're right, it's not the same panel. Appears to be improved and allowing for HDR viewing, outside HDR not that big of a difference, though. Stand build comparison is really interesting; been on a 27 iMac for so long, I forgot how wobbly ordinary displays can get

 

[Freida]

We shall see. I really don't see another 27" with just few added extra stuff. I guess we will find out in few months

All reports are of a 27" mini-LED panel. I expect that display at WWDC. And it will cost a lot more than the ASD.

There are rumors of a 7k display at some point. That will most likely be 36" and cost the same or more than a XDR Pro.

 

[vddobrev]

FWIW, Iiyama and Planar used 5120×2880 panels that were destined for iMacs — their monitors have the exact same glass front and unpopulated camera hole! — but scrapped due to... quality issues. This enabled them to sell the monitors for ≈$900 but buyers had to be prepared for surprises: my Iiyama had many “stuck” green pixels, for instance.

My point is: when buying “cheap” panels from someone, you may not know what you’re getting.

I almost bought the Iiyama 5K monitor that resembles an iMac, I was so longing for a good 5K to replace my Dell 4K. Good thing I checked reviews and did not get it.

 

[vddobrev]

I bought it because I wanted to test it and see how I like it. Also to know if the stand is a problem or not (for the height).
Also, I really doubt that the Studio Pro will be the same size. I think we get +-30. We will see but at this point, I would rather check WWDC and see what happens there before I lock myself into something like this.

If nothing happens at WWDC then I will have to decide what to go for.

And was the stand a problem for your height? How tall are you?
Asking because I am 180cm (5'11") and my current 27" monitor is at 52cm height measured from desk to top edge for a perfect eye level position. Apple Studio Display with fixed stand is 47.8cm, a difference of 4.2cm.
It may not seem a lot, but it is crucial in my line of work, we used to get ergonomic evaluations every six months from my employer. With the COVID and working from home, I have to self-ascertain my ergonomic workstation.
So from my perspective it will be too low for me, and I will be ordering the height adjustable stand.

 

[KPOM]

All reports are of a 27" mini-LED panel. I expect that display at WWDC. And it will cost a lot more than the ASD.

There are rumors of a 7k display at some point. That will most likely be 36" and cost the same or more than a XDR Pro.

Both would be marketed as “Pro” displays and priced accordingly. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 27” is $4,000.

 

[aurora_sect]

What surprises me is that after years of people complaining about the "chin" on iMacs, I haven't heard a single word of praise for this chinless new display.

 

[Freida]

Yep, its too low which is ok to put a box underneath. The only issue is when I switch to my standing desk (I have motorised desk sit/stand) so when its in standing position it feels that I definitely need to put something underneath as its too low.

If you are only sitting the height is doable. Personally, I don't really want to spend that much money on a stand. Its just too expensive. Maybe VESA will be the way to go.

very tall 183cm

And was the stand a problem for your height? How tall are you?
Asking because I am 180cm (5'11") and my current 27" monitor is at 52cm height measured from desk to top edge for a perfect eye level position. Apple Studio Display with fixed stand is 47.8cm, a difference of 4.2cm.
It may not seem a lot, but it is crucial in my line of work, we used to get ergonomic evaluations every six months from my employer. With the COVID and working from home, I have to self-ascertain my ergonomic workstation.
So from my perspective it will be too low for me, and I will be ordering the height adjustable stand.

 

[anson42]

That misses the point. They add to the cost of the SD, even if I don't want them. For people like me, that means we're stuck paying for something that we don't value.

You've identified something that Apple doesn't seem to want to make. Apple is selling an integrated product and not a modular solution, no matter how much they harped on "modularity" in the keynote. So for those like yourself where there isn't a need for such an integrated display, it's not for you unless you "want" it, as opposed to "need" it. If I were in your shoes I wouldn't buy the new display either. I actually prefer the modular approach myself, to get the display I want, the video camera I want, the microphone I want and an outboard speaker system that I would actually want to listen to music through. But that also comes at both a dollar cost and convenience cost.

I understand their approach, because without that integration they are competing with every other monitor maker out there and that is possibly a race to the bottom or playing the spec game. They would rather release something more distinctive in the marketplace that will, of course, cost the Apple premium but also offer conveniences for those that "want" and possibly "need" that integration. I can't fault them for that.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Apple is selling an integrated product and not a modular solution, no matter how much they harped on "modularity" in the keynote.

I could of done without them mentioning modularity, since they are offering "none".

It's the old "don't piss on me and tell me it's raining" thing..

 

[clevins]

You've identified something that Apple doesn't seem to want to make. Apple is selling an integrated product and not a modular solution, no matter how much they harped on "modularity" in the keynote. So for those like yourself where there isn't a need for such an integrated display, it's not for you unless you "want" it, as opposed to "need" it. If I were in your shoes I wouldn't buy the new display either. I actually prefer the modular approach myself, to get the display I want, the video camera I want, the microphone I want and an outboard speaker system that I would actually want to listen to music through. But that also comes at both a dollar cost and convenience cost.

I understand their approach, because without that integration they are competing with every other monitor maker out there and that is possibly a race to the bottom or playing the spec game. They would rather release something more distinctive in the marketplace that will, of course, cost the Apple premium but also offer conveniences for those that "want" and possibly "need" that integration. I can't fault them for that.

Well.. yeah. But what I and others were hoping for is something that Apple DID DO in the past. The Thunderbolt Display was basically just a really good display and what we were hoping for is the modern version of that. Instead, we're forced to either pass on a good Apple monitor or pay for a lot of things that we don't care about.

It's not that Apple is evil for doing this. It's not that the people who like most or all of the stuff in the SD are wrong. It's that we were hoping, not unreasonably, for an update to what they did a few y ears ago and instead they've font another direction, leaving us with no really quality choices in the 5k monitor space.

 

[KPOM]

Well.. yeah. But what I and others were hoping for is something that Apple DID DO in the past. The Thunderbolt Display was basically just a really good display and what we were hoping for is the modern version of that. Instead, we're forced to either pass on a good Apple monitor or pay for a lot of things that we don't care about.

It's not that Apple is evil for doing this. It's not that the people who like most or all of the stuff in the SD are wrong. It's that we were hoping, not unreasonably, for an update to what they did a few y ears ago and instead they've font another direction, leaving us with no really quality choices in the 5k monitor space.

What would a “quality” 5K monitor look like to you? mini-LED? That would put it at $3,000 or $4,000, based on large 4K monitors with mini-LED. ProMotion? That would likely require two Thunderbolt ports (similar to the dual-tiled approach that the original LG UltraFine 5K took to achieve 5120x2880), limiting compatibility to newer Macs.

 

[aurora_sect]

There are still a lot of used Thunderbolt displays out there. Just sayin'.