So, I am going to go for it. It’s worth the few hundred more.
That's been hotly debated. Haven't owned one; it's said to be similar to the old 27" iMac retina displays, which I have had. From reviews, here's what stuck in my mind regarding the last generation Apple Studio Displays:
Pro.s:
1.) High res. (retina).
2.) Glossy (unless you pay for nano texture).
3.) Built-in Center Stage webcam.
4.) Excellent 'spatial audio' speakers built-in.
5.) Made to work with Mac, so your Mac keyboard controls can make adjustments.
6.) Said to have good color right out of the box (good to know; most people don't custom calibrate their displays).
7.) Some people like the sturdy aluminum enclosure much better than plastic, and the 'minimalist industrial aesthetic' look.
8.) IIRC, the brightness can go higher than some competitors.
Con.s:
1.) Webcam quality was painted as mediocre. Opinions varied.
2.) The basic stand or a VESA mount was included in the price, but not both (
why, Apple?!?!?), and the height-adjustable version stand was a ridiculous up-charge.
3.) Some people would prefer a higher performance webcam.
4.) In display speakers as a class have such a bad reputation that excellence here sounds like maybe being the 'best of a bad lot.' Probably fine for a lot of people, and in tight quarters like dorm rooms could be very nice. But many people already have nice external speakers.
5.) Very expensive.
6.) Big up-charge for AppleCare+ when at least some competitor 'included in the price' warranties offer longer coverage than Apple's basic (free) warranty coverage.
7.) Yes, the study metal frame that I suppose doesn't flex or creak when you handle and adjust it sounds nice, but the thing sits on your desk stationary most of the time. How many hundreds extra will you pay for 'a little extra pretty?'
8.) More hassle getting it to work with Windows PCs. You don't have a handy HDMI port for gaming consoles, etc. People may not buy these for gaming consoles, but at this price, wouldn't you want it to work with as much as you could?
There's nothing quite like it, so vs. competitors it's an 'apples to oranges' comparison. Do you compare it to competitor 5K 27" because they're cheaper, or competitor 6K 32" because they're bigger?
I'd like a 32" but just can't afford all the money if it needs to be 6k
Then I doubt you'll go for an Apple Studio Display. That said:
1.) They go on sale periodically.
2.) The Apple Refurb. Store often knocks around 15% off the price of things, IIRC.
3.) If you look at it as a longterm investment, and Apple makes quality gear, and you appreciate the webcam/speaker 'package deal' and a reliably high-quality beautiful display (and you're okay with 60-Hz refresh rate and just using with your Mac or whatever workarounds are needed for a Windows PC), then if you don't choke on the price, from reports many people love them.
To repeat, I have not owned a ASD. Does anyone who has think I misrepresented or got anything wrong in my reviews-based summary?
