Mac Studio won't even setup!

[Michael56]

I bought a Mac Studio to replace my increasingly struggling Mac Mini. But could I get it to work? No. I contacted Apple support, explained the situation and described the rather odd alternating icons I was getting on my screen. No helpful suggestions were forthcoming. So, assuming I just had a duff machine I returned it and received a replacement. And exactly the same problem. So it was refund time.

I've since learned that the Mac Studio is not happy with non Mac kit attached to it. Why wasn't this advertised? Why did Apple's own tech support not know about it?

I can only hope that the forthcoming new Mac Mini will not be similarly afflicted.

 

[lcubed]

what non-apple 'kit' is attached?
(wireless doesn't count as 'attached')

 

[DeltaMac]

"alternating icons" (?)
"non Mac kit" (?)

Can you clarify a bit what that might be?
Maybe your third-party hardware is not yet compatible with the AS processor.

Have you also talked to support for the gear that you want to use?

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Such an odd complaint and even worse mindset of expectations from Apple support.

Like buying a brand new car, adding dark window tint then complaining about the lack of visibility to the car company.

 

[Michael56]

I was trying to use it with a wired cherry key board and had also attached my time machine backup drive, whose name escapes me. My monitor, a current 30" Dell was clearly working, but something was preventing it going into basic setup. I've been using Macs for over 30 years and I couldn't see why it wouldn't work. No problems with my rather ancient Mac Mini which I have since switched back in.

 

[StudioMacs]

I bought a Mac Studio to replace my increasingly struggling Mac Mini. But could I get it to work? No. I contacted Apple support, explained the situation and described the rather odd alternating icons I was getting on my screen. No helpful suggestions were forthcoming. So, assuming I just had a duff machine I returned it and received a replacement. And exactly the same problem. So it was refund time.

I've since learned that the Mac Studio is not happy with non Mac kit attached to it. Why wasn't this advertised? Why did Apple's own tech support not know about it?

I can only hope that the forthcoming new Mac Mini will not be similarly afflicted.

From your description, you should be thankful Apple allows customers to return open items without charging a restocking fee. As best I can discern from your post, this is 100% user error on your part.

 

[StudioMacs]

I was trying to use it with a wired cherry key board and had also attached my time machine backup drive, whose name escapes me. My monitor, a current 30" Dell was clearly working, but something was preventing it going into basic setup. I've been using Macs for over 30 years and I couldn't see why it wouldn't work. No problems with my rather ancient Mac Mini which I have since switched back in.

It sounds like possibly something about migration assistant was confusing you.

 

[haralds]

From your description it sounds like your "wired Cherry keyboard" has an issue sensing bogus key codes. Will trip up any computer.

 

[Michael56]

Thanks to all for suggestions. I'll just wait and see how I get on with a new Mac Mini. Everything is working fine with my current Mac Mini. We shall see.

 

[dizmonk]

I've generally found folks on this site to be very helpful but you have to be more specific with the problems you're having. The ONLY problem I'm having with my Mac Studio is actually with the Logitech keyboard. Sometimes it disconnects and I can't get it reconnected. I have to plug in my older Imac keyboard, then I can reconnect the Mx Keys Mini... It's weird. I don't have enough info on the setup problems you had.

 

[Fishrrman]

Do you still have the Studio?
If so, have you tried it with A DIFFERENT keyboard?
And... without connecting the tm backup?

Another thought:
Disconnect EVERYTHING from the Studio (except the display, of course).
Press the power on button.
Wait for the boot to proceed.
Then, try plugging in the keyboard NOW, and see what happens.

 

[Michael56]

Thanks again for all recent positive advice. I no longer have the Studio, but will certainly take the point about only connecting the monitor at first startup on any new Mac when I get one. It has to be the answer, as with the Studio with assorted bits connected it wouldn't go through the basic set up when powered up, but only displayed some very odd symbols on the monitor. I think we can close this thread here, but thanks to all who have made a positive input.

 

[millerj123]

Do you still have the Studio?
If so, have you tried it with A DIFFERENT keyboard?
And... without connecting the tm backup?

Another thought:
Disconnect EVERYTHING from the Studio (except the display, of course).
Press the power on button.
Wait for the boot to proceed.
Then, try plugging in the keyboard NOW, and see what happens.

Yeah, this just sounds unlikely, but should be fixable with minimal effort.