A Review of the Studio Display

I used a late 2012 MacBook Air all through graduate school. Some of the computer labs had iMacs. I used those with Target Display Mode. That was such an awesome setup. I had a full-blown desktop just by bringing a thin and light laptop.

At the end of that degree program, I opted to do a project instead of writing a thesis. It was an iOS app that used OpenCV for counting people coming and going, like in a retail environment.

While that little MacBook Air was amazing, it was underpowered for this project. I got a deal on a late 2014 27" 5K iMac to do my work. That was the coolest computer! It also spelled the beginning of the end for Target Display Mode, at least in part since no single cable had the bandwidth to support a 5K image at the time.

It was a dark time for Apple monitors. The darkness ended on March 8, 2022, when Apple announced the Studio Display. I was able to get it for 25% off through a friend who works at Apple. Thanks again, friend! So, instead of being absurdly expensive, it was merely very expensive. It arrived late in April 2022.

I love this thing. Right now, I have an iPhone 15 Pro, an M1 iPad Pro, and an M1 MacBook Air. I have an M1 MacBook Pro from work. All of them can use the Studio Display and its included Thunderbolt cable for charging and data.

The camera in this thing, well, it's not the best. Let's move on. But, it's good enough that I haven't opted to get an external webcam. I love the simplicity of the setup.

It's an adequate hub for my mouse, keyboard, and trackpad.

To me, the microphone and speakers are incredible. The only times I don't use the built-in ones are when I need to keep out the noise of kids when on a call.

The display is incredible: the resolution, the colors, and the brightness. I'm not saying I don't have eye strain because of this monitor, but I have less because text is so crisp! As a programmer, text is kind of all I do.

I use my Studio Display 40-50 hours a week. Is it worth it? For me, it is!

Also, unless you're positive you want the stand, get the VESA option. Apple, please don't make those two different SKUs next time!