Is anyone happily using AVP virtual displays for full time work?

[assquatch]

I'm curious about this use case. I work from home, so does my wife, and so our home office setups are important. But theres something fundamentally weird to me about having a huge desk, ugly chair, big monitor, monitor arm apparatuses etc. Desk workers think it's awesome, but it's an unsightly waste of space and detracts from the design and comfort of a home. You also get kind of locked into working from the "battle station"

Could it eventually be laptop + AVP at the kitchen table, on the couch, on the patio/deck, in the sunroom etc.? I've worked at places that kitted out desks with several monitors and gear. But also the opposite: "open offices", where all you got was a laptop, no assigned desk, and your workspace is similar to a well-appointed coffee shop full of cool furniture. It was no more or less productive an environment.

Ergonomics notwithstanding, I kind of miss that latter way of working where I move around more from environments of isolation and deep work, to inspiring, comfy, or refreshing spaces outdoors. I wonder if AVP or some iteration of it could bridge the gap. Pretty sure we're not there now... But I wonder if we're getting close, conceptually with the AVP?

 

[Rnd-chars]

I'm curious about this, too, so I'm watching this thread. I have a a very good open office setup that is campus-like, but I still find myself working a lot of time away from my desk (e.g., on the office couches, outdoor patios, backyard deck, etc.)

I'd love to use an Apple Vision Pro, but I suspect there are at least two deal breakers for me:
1. I think the virtual desktop only works with Macs that are signed into the same Apple Account. I'm not signing my work laptop into my personal Apple Account (and vice versa), so that's a no go
2. But let's say that I use it for my personal productivity. I think I'm still likely to experience fatigue from using it 4+ hours a day. Or I get a neck as thick as a Clydesdale. Both don't seem great.

I have two coworkers with Vision Pros and both of them said they enjoy the virtual Mac display support, but use it surprisingly rarely. For them, the single reason to use the Vision Pro is watching movies (one went as far to say that it was hands down their preferred medium), but that a lot of the other experiences, while cool, didn't justify strapping in.

 

[iToph]

I use it once in a while at the office. Its not quiet there yet.

To pixely, to heavy, to much of an effort to use. It’s not convenient enough for a top grade replacement of a monitor.

Getting this chunky thing on, irisscan, pairing it to the Mac, rearranging windows, scrolling into environment etc etc is too much of a barrier to use it regularly.

Oh I forgot to mention that if you don’t use the VP for 24 hrs, you get a 5 out of 10 chance for not turning on. The system simply won’t boot until you force reboot it via hardreset OR the battery ran out of juice, resulting in an absurdly long fire-up time of about 5-10 minutes, because the battery needs to be charged at a certain level to boot the VP.

As of now I only use it because i spent an absurd amount of money on it but not because it’s particularly fun to use

 

[cpurdy]

Funny you should ask. In my office, have a big "L" shaped desk (3m long, electric sit/stand adjust) with a huge 4k monitor, Thunderbolt4 dock, split keyboard, etc. It's a productive workspace. But for pretty much every other location, I have been regularly using the Vision Pro. (I just took it off a minute ago to upgrade to the latest OS beta.) It's basically a portable desk for me, and it's super productive because it consumes my visual space quite effectively. I don't use it for artsy stuff; I use it for coding on my Macbook Pro. Sometimes I run the MBP screen as 5k, which is pretty insane, but lately I've been running it at only 2k (with the IDE pretty much full screen on the MBP) and it's sufficient for having a large amount of readable stuff in my field of vision.

There are some downsides using this for work:
1) Co-workers don't like it (it is like a giant "go away" / "do not disturb" sign)
2) Wife hates it if I'm working at home with it on (it's a huge turn-off)
3) When you take it off (get coffee, go pee, whatever) and put it back on, you kind of have to start over from scratch, re-"sharing" your MBP to the VP, etc., so it's about as fluid as granite boulders.
4) Apple is incapable of audio streaming from macOS to the VP. Definitely not the hardest problem to solve, but apparently priority #813,915.

Other than that, I give it two thumbs up for productivity.

One other useful trait: If you're working really late and your notebook screen is bothering your spouse, you can use the VP in bed and turn off all the lights and it won't keep waking up your spouse. Weird, though.

 

[YukiseKimi]

I'm a developer and I work from home.

I use my AVP 3-4 times per week between 6-8 hours sessions.

Coding with it has been amazing, having a huge screen makes using space more efficiently better.

I use it also to edit videos on FCPX, it is color accurate enough to do it.

I like that I can go to the bathroom or go cook something by putting the battery in my pocket. I can also just float windows to me while I do my things if need be.

I like how good the mic on the Vision Pro are, they isolate my voice very well and does not pick up anything playing out of the Vision Pro speakers or my monitor/laptop speakers.

This is subjective to everyone but I have rarely any comfort issues with the solo band, not much more eye strains vs a normal monitor.

I have an Apple Studio Display and as much I like it, I prefer the Mac Virtual Display (especially when the ultra wide feature will come out)

I will sometime stream shows on my monitor instead bc it will not allow me to do it on APV due to content protection features (lots of companies still don't have good/native app on APV).

 

[HDFan]

I prefer the Mac Virtual Display (especially when the ultra wide feature will come out)

Why will the ultra wide display make a difference? With the existing 6 or 8 foot or whatever virtual display there is so much space that when a new program window starts up it takes me a while to find it.

 

[Oreb]

I use it for full-time work on the very frequent occasions when I have to work away from home or the office. It’s not as good as using the Apple Studio Display I have on my desk at home, but it’s way better than using just the built-in display of my 16 inch MBP. I seem to be luckier than most people; as I have no particular issues with the weight or comfort when wearing the Vision Pro for several hours. The resolution could be better, but it’s already a fantastic portable big display for my Mac. If I was shopping for a new MBP today, I would probably pick the 14 inch model, since I no longer use the MBP display for most of my serious work.

 

[Timo_Existencia]

I use my AVP for productive work several times per week. I mirror my MacBook Pro often, but also work in other native apps on the AVP. The easiest way to describe the work I do on the AVP is writing; but my project is a large philosophical project and I’m doing a lot of graphics, and project planning associated with it.

The primary benefit for me is entering a state of “flow.” I work at home, and for the kind of work I do, I often need to trick my mind into thinking I’m completely disconnected from the world around me. And it works so well that I struggle to do the work when I’m not using the AVP now.

 

[YukiseKimi]

Why will the ultra wide display make a difference? With the existing 6 or 8 foot or whatever virtual display there is so much space that when a new program window starts up it takes me a while to find it.

This hasn't been my experience so far, while it is true the current virtual display can be stretched up pretty big, the app windows also scale with it.

v This is an assumption since the feature is not out yet

Ultra wide should allow more screen real estate that can be used. Specifically in terms of having a super long timeline on Final Cut Pro for me, that's my key productivity work case aside from more screen real estate.

Also, I barely have any space in my tiny apartment so having more choices for virtual work flow is good.

Edit: They said the resolution will be increased so hopefully it will make a big difference vs the current Virtual Display

 

[MikeTaku]

I'm curious about this use case. I work from home, so does my wife, and so our home office setups are important. But theres something fundamentally weird to me about having a huge desk, ugly chair, big monitor, monitor arm apparatuses etc. Desk workers think it's awesome, but it's an unsightly waste of space and detracts from the design and comfort of a home. You also get kind of locked into working from the "battle station"

Could it eventually be laptop + AVP at the kitchen table, on the couch, on the patio/deck, in the sunroom etc.? I've worked at places that kitted out desks with several monitors and gear. But also the opposite: "open offices", where all you got was a laptop, no assigned desk, and your workspace is similar to a well-appointed coffee shop full of cool furniture. It was no more or less productive an environment.

Ergonomics notwithstanding, I kind of miss that latter way of working where I move around more from environments of isolation and deep work, to inspiring, comfy, or refreshing spaces outdoors. I wonder if AVP or some iteration of it could bridge the gap. Pretty sure we're not there now... But I wonder if we're getting close, conceptually with the AVP?

Could a laptop with an AVP setup make it easier to work from flexible spaces like the kitchen, patio, or sunroom, instead of being stuck at a big desk with lots of gear?

 

[eliehass]

I'm a developer who uses it sometimes for work. It's nice, but I have multiple displays and using the Vision Pro forces me to put all of my windows into one display. I'm hoping the ultra wide virtual display will help, but not sure when that's actually coming.

 

[AdonisSMU]

I use my AVP primarily for work Im doing whether is be coding during weekday afternoons or teaching myself video editing on the weekends. I love it and prefer working in it especially when I want to really focus.

 

[eliehass]

I use my AVP primarily for work Im doing whether is be coding during weekday afternoons or teaching myself video editing on the weekends. I love it and prefer working in it especially when I want to really focus.

The nice thing is that it makes me lock into what I'm doing since it's harder to do other things (like play with my phone)

 

[basehead617]

I find the sharpness of the text to be quite lacking on the VP, especially through virtual display - I use prescription lens inserts but theoretically that should make it as good as people who don't need them..

 

[Amazing Iceman]

I'm a developer and I work from home.

I use my AVP 3-4 times per week between 6-8 hours sessions.

Coding with it has been amazing, having a huge screen makes using space more efficiently better.

I use it also to edit videos on FCPX, it is color accurate enough to do it.

I like that I can go to the bathroom or go cook something by putting the battery in my pocket. I can also just float windows to me while I do my things if need be.

I like how good the mic on the Vision Pro are, they isolate my voice very well and does not pick up anything playing out of the Vision Pro speakers or my monitor/laptop speakers.

This is subjective to everyone but I have rarely any comfort issues with the solo band, not much more eye strains vs a normal monitor.

I have an Apple Studio Display and as much I like it, I prefer the Mac Virtual Display (especially when the ultra wide feature will come out)

I will sometime stream shows on my monitor instead bc it will not allow me to do it on APV due to content protection features (lots of companies still don't have good/native app on APV).

What keyboard do you use?

I use a Satechi or Apple Magic Keyboard at home, but on the road I take a foldable keyboard that has been very useful, except that when I'm immersed in an environment it will turn invisible.
Apple Intelligence should be intelligent enough to also make other keyboards visible and not only their keyboards.

iClever Ergonomic Foldable Keyboard, BK06 Foldable Keyboard Bluetooth, Ultra Slim, Comfortable Natural, Portable Split Keyboard for iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Laptop

iClever IC-BK06 Full-size Bluetooth Foldable keyboard Equipped with full standard-size keys, you can fast adapt to this new keyboard for fluent and comfortable typing experience. Ergonomic Design Specially designed with 166 degrees angle when being unfolded, the keyboard can release wrist, arm an...

www.amazon.com

If my backpack wasn't so heavy, I would carry the Apple Keyboard with me.
This is my AVP case:

EUCARLOS Hard Carrying Case Compatible with Meta Quest 3 / Quest 2 / Vision Pro, VR Gaming Headset and Touch Controllers Travel Case with Lens Cover for Oculus Quest 3/2/ Vision Pro Accessories,

SPECIALLY DESIGNED HARD CARRYING CASE FOR META QUEST 3 / QUEST 2 EUCARLOS case is designed for protecting your devices, and enhancing your VR using experience. With interior pockets for storing the charger, charging cable, or other accessories, make your accessories an easy store. Easy to put hea...

www.amazon.com

Fits: AVP with its Battery Pack, AC Adapter with USB-C charging cable, (30,000 mA Battery pack OR thicker cushion), Magic Trackpad, Foldable Keyboard.

 

[YukiseKimi]

What keyboard do you use?

I use a Satechi or Apple Magic Keyboard at home, but on the road I take a foldable keyboard that has been very useful, except that when I'm immersed in an environment it will turn invisible.
Apple Intelligence should be intelligent enough to also make other keyboards visible and not only their keyboards.

iClever Ergonomic Foldable Keyboard, BK06 Foldable Keyboard Bluetooth, Ultra Slim, Comfortable Natural, Portable Split Keyboard for iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Laptop

iClever IC-BK06 Full-size Bluetooth Foldable keyboard Equipped with full standard-size keys, you can fast adapt to this new keyboard for fluent and comfortable typing experience. Ergonomic Design Specially designed with 166 degrees angle when being unfolded, the keyboard can release wrist, arm an...

www.amazon.com

If my backpack wasn't so heavy, I would carry the Apple Keyboard with me.
This is my AVP case:

EUCARLOS Hard Carrying Case Compatible with Meta Quest 3 / Quest 2 / Vision Pro, VR Gaming Headset and Touch Controllers Travel Case with Lens Cover for Oculus Quest 3/2/ Vision Pro Accessories,

SPECIALLY DESIGNED HARD CARRYING CASE FOR META QUEST 3 / QUEST 2 EUCARLOS case is designed for protecting your devices, and enhancing your VR using experience. With interior pockets for storing the charger, charging cable, or other accessories, make your accessories an easy store. Easy to put hea...

www.amazon.com

Fits: AVP with its Battery Pack, AC Adapter with USB-C charging cable, (30,000 mA Battery pack OR thicker cushion), Magic Trackpad, Foldable Keyboard.

That foldable Keyboard looks nice and portable

I am still using my MacBook Pro Laptop's keyboard, I've been on the market for a new wireless keyboard for a year now...
Still waiting for Apple to update Magic Keyboard and mouse to USB-C.

I'm using the WaterField Vision Pro case when I'm traveling.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

That foldable Keyboard looks nice and portable

I am still using my MacBook Pro Laptop's keyboard, I've been on the market for a new wireless keyboard for a year now...
Still waiting for Apple to update Magic Keyboard and mouse to USB-C.

I'm using the WaterField Vision Pro case when I'm traveling.

Ah, I remember seeing that case when it came out. I was tempted to try it, but I didn't like the idea of removing the strap to store it.

I have tried about 10 different keyboards and also about 10 cases in the selection process. Good thing I have Amazon Prime.

The foldable keyboard is okay, not great. But it's portable and the more I use it the more I get used to type without looking.

But the case still is my favorite. Very compact hard case.

 

[MikeTaku]

Ah, I remember seeing that case when it came out. I was tempted to try it, but I didn't like the idea of removing the strap to store it.

I have tried about 10 different keyboards and also about 10 cases in the selection process. Good thing I have Amazon Prime.

The foldable keyboard is okay, not great. But it's portable and the more I use it the more I get used to type without looking.

But the case still is my favorite. Very compact hard case.

Hi there! what made you choose your favourite compact hard case over other options, and how do you feel about using a foldable keyboard for typing on the go?

 

[Timo_Existencia]

I find the sharpness of the text to be quite lacking on the VP, especially through virtual display - I use prescription lens inserts but theoretically that should make it as good as people who don't need them..

Is it possible you didn’t get the best match for your prescription? I use prescription inserts and find the text to be crisp and clear.

 

[jclardy]

I use mine maybe 2ish hours a day, during weekdays for my software development work. Basically whenever I have a dedicated work period, with no meetings. It’s fine for use on meetings, but I just can’t be the guy using an avatar on our daily standups.

My main annoyances with it - almost without fail a few seconds after you get your workspace setup, you’ll have a little stray hair next to your eye and you’ll want to scratch it/wipe your face. You can do it, but you have to slide the headset along your head so that it doesn’t lock.

And related to that - losing the mac connection/setup when you take the headset off. Sometimes I need to answer the door, or use the restroom - I take off the headset, but in doing so I then disconnect from my Mac. I get this is a hard UX problem - what if I am taking off the headset and immediately want to use my Mac - But my solution would be to “default” to VP, and have a new Lock Screen on the mac saying it is connected to Vision Pro, and you can click a button to disconnect and continue using the Mac on it’s own display. So basically - staying connected to the VP is the default state, and this “still connected” state would stay active for ~10 minutes after you take off the headset, allowing you to easily resume everything you are doing without having to go through the dance of control center to connect your Mac again and reposition/resize the screen to fit your workspace.

 

[basehead617]

Is it possible you didn’t get the best match for your prescription? I use prescription inserts and find the text to be crisp and clear.

Well, all I know is I put in all my prescription info correctly!

Does it list the values in settings somewhere so I can confirm that the lenses I got are actually my prescription?

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Well, all I know is I put in all my prescription info correctly!

Does it list the values in settings somewhere so I can confirm that the lenses I got are actually my prescription?

The problem is that some people (me included) would get different measurements when going to the optometrist, depending on the time of day.
In my case I ended up getting over the counter reading glasses instead of prescriptions. My eyes oscillate between +1.00 to +1.25.
The Vision Pro helps me a lot when my vision gets messed up, I can still work.
The other issue is that I have dry eyes, sometimes I need to put some eye drops.
And sometimes I have managed to use my AVP for 2 to 4 continuous hours. I have even fell asleep in Bora Bora. 😂

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Hi there! what made you choose your favourite compact hard case over other options, and how do you feel about using a foldable keyboard for typing on the go?

It's a hard and compact case; it's very portable, and I don't have to remove the AVP strap. And I can put it inside my backpack without taking too much space.
I can take my AVP out and use it in no time. The same applies when I want to put it back into the case.
The outside material seems to be of good quality and easy to clean; plus, it never looks dirty.
I can fit a lot of accessories in it (I think I have previously posted a list of what I carry in it).
All of the above at a ridiculously low price. Price was not an issue to me. I have tried more expensive cases too; all went back. I needed a compact case that didn't look like I was carrying cosmetics.

 

[CBlakeston]

Recent Vision Pro buyer here. I've been using the VP for editing work in hotel rooms and at home. Reports on how sharp the Mac screen is... are mixed.. it's subjective to everyone depending on your eyes. It's kinda like asking someone what the best song is.. everyone is going to give you the best answer.. For me I have Zeiss inserts and things look pretty sharp at the default screen size. I find if I make the window smaller or bring it nearer then it's less sharp than a regular Apple monitor and similar to a windows desktop but still usable.

The use case for me is one I haven't seen mentioned. I use finally cut and edit video.. but specifically I wanted to get into editing HDR video and while the Apple Studio Display is great its not a HDR monitor I would need the £6000 Pro Display XDR for that. But when you connect you Mac screen to the Vision Pro its not mirroring your Macs display its connecting an entirely new on.. a HDR display. So I can edit Final Cut HDR content on a big screen in the Vision Pro and it was half the cost of a Pro Display XDR. For me it was worth it for that use case alone.

 

[RobinNL]

Sometimes I need to do “deep research” into topics. AVP helps me to lay out the entire room and place tidbits of info all over the place.

No matter how many screens I purchase, in these scenarios I always run out of space.