Is there any way to mount a laptop to the back of the Pro Display XDR or the Pro Stand? I really want to tuck the laptop away to keep the minimalistic look.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Pro Display XDR - Owners Thread
- Thread starter - rob -
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I don't think its a good idea, I will block airflow for cooling a display
It's not a bug, it's just a beta. Beta not for users, only for developers to adjust and test their apps/hardware. Beta software almost never has full functionality, it's totally okay.
I am a macOS / iOS developer and I'm only testing Monterey on my second machine. It's very important that people who test betas report bugs to Apple, especially with niche hardware like the XDR.
There's nothing worse as a developer than people testing a beta and ignoring bugs because "betas are supposed to be buggy". I assure you the devs really want to know about absolutely anything that's not working in beta so they can fix it before release.
I wonder how many developers own an XDR.
A few days ago I think to meet in a thread like this only designers/video editors.
Yeah, it's probably a very small number. It is definitely overkill for development, but I don't regret buying it for a second. 6k 32" is absolutely heavenly for having code side-by side with SwiftUI previews. Plus being able to run apps in the simulator with the exact same resolution and color-space as the iPhone / iPad is great for finding minor visual issues and inconsistencies.
A lot of people here seem to like coding on these monitors, but yeah ... dual or triple 5K monitors are a lot less money and a lot more space.
I'm not a big multi-monitor person. I originally had this monitor hooked up to a 2020 27" iMac but I sold it and got an M1 MBA because I never used the iMac screen for anything and it just took up space.
I much prefer having absolute everything on one screen right in front of me, and 32" is big enough that I don't need to fullscreen anything. The XDR is literally perfect for my coding needs, and anything else would be a significant downgrade (in my personal opinion)
Then again I'm also the kind of person who doesn't connect my 15" MacBook Pro to the poor quality screens I have at work because I'd rather use the single crisp retina, DCI-P3 accurate, Apple display than 2x 1440p 27" screens.
I don't like to mess with monitors, on my way "less is more", so better to get one cool display instead.
Oh, you like the person I'm seeking for.
I'm currently in a hard decision – for WFH order an XDR or iMac 2020.
On one hand, we have an all-in-one solution with the ability to run Windows for games (it work from home, right?)
On the other... we have aging hardware without the future... and XDR is just so fresh experience.
Can you provide, why you abandon iMac and switch to XDR? An iMac is a powerful machine, and the screen is nearly the same in daily use quality and size (i didn't see XDR in person).
In the last three days, I'm swapping iMac and XDR in the cart and can't decide.
Last edited:
Yes, I invested in HiDPI monitors early on in the lifecycle precisely because I do get a lot out of the resolution, especially for coding. The resolution is so high that I can run at a scaled non-native resolution to get more desktop space and it still looks great.
I wouldn't avoid big monitors in favor of the laptop screen tho ... being hunched over a laptop is extremely poor ergonomics and could hurt you physically later down the line.
I think on balance most coders should get multiple monitors rather than the one big XDR, but personal preference can certainly swing that legitimately for some devs.
It's all very much down to personal preference. If I had to list the pros and cons of the two setups I've had:
M1 MacBook Air + XDR
- Screen is about 20% nicer than the iMac 5k screen in daily use. The extra space is lovely, and if you consume films and other HDR content at your desk in the evenings, then the Pro Display XDR is incredible.
- Great ergonomics - I have the screen on an ergotron arm which means I can put it exactly where it's most comfortable. I found the iMac always sat slightly too high. I also love being able to use 100% of my desk when the monitor is mounted (I really appreciate the XDR not having a chin)
- 100% silent - there are no fans at all so it's lovely to use without headphones. The iMac got fairly loud under full load and also radiated a fair bit of heat.
- M1 is slightly more responsive, it just feels snappier when browsing and using the UI. It has no problem at all with 6k.
- M1 is way faster for compiling code.
- The setup looks incredibly clean.
- M1 MBA can only run one external monitor, so might as well make it a good one
, they also complement each other really well with the XDR charging the laptop and giving it 4 extra USB-C ports. - My Windows PC does work with the XDR if I ever wanted to do some gaming.
- About half the price!
- I miss the speakers.
- Easier to move around.
- More powerful GPU and more than 16GB ram (and also user upgradable)
- Can connect more monitors if that's your thing (but they'll all be ugly and won't match )
I am also a software developer, I used to have a 2017 27" 5k iMac for personal needs and a 2018 15" MBP from work. When WFH became a thing I wanted a bigger monitor which can also be used with the work MBP so I ditched the iMac and got an XDR after couple months of debating. I can tell you that I personally enjoyed the XDR so much, that just recently I added a second one to my setup. Everything I do with it, especially programming, is fun and looks amazing.
Here are my reasons and more considerations:
M1 MBA + XDR:
1. IMO, the most important reason for this setup is the fact that it's upgradable. One day you will most likely want to upgrade your MBA, and you could easily do that and still use the XDR. This monitor is likely to stick with you for a very long time.
2. Better monitor in terms of size and colors.
3. Very flexible - you can plug in any mac with a single cable, this is useful especially if you have more than one mac (relevant for my use case).
4. M1 is powerful and depends on your use cases of course, likely to suffice. Again, worst case scenario you can sell and upgrade when you need it.
5. Completely silent workflow. Forget about hearing the fans spinning - it might sound like a minor thing but never hearing the fans ramp up is great for focus. Any intel mac I used previously, with or without this monitor would spin up the fans every time I complied code and in many other scenarios.
iMac 2020:
1. AIO solution which is very convenient for moving around and setting up.
2. Cheaper.
3. Upgradable RAM.
4. Comes with speakers, camera, keyboard and mouse (and/or trackpad if you choose)
Do keep in mind that the XDR has some downsides, aside from being on the expensive side:
1. You will likely to see some color shift in the edges even when staring directly at it.
2. If you get the stand - it doesn't swivel (doesn't matter to me but keep in mind), changing height changes the distance to you (not a big deal once you set it).
3. There is some blooming when having white on black, mostly noticable in dark environments.
4. No camera / speakers - you will likely have to buy those separately and spend a little extra. If you don't mind spending some more and manage the cables this could be a good thing. You get to decide which speakers and which camera you want to use.
5. Single input source (just one TB3) so if you plan to switch often between macs it might be a bit of pain - I experience it myself when switching between personal and work mac.
Thank you all for share experience and answers.
Sadly, in my way the iMac costs nearly the same as XDR (around $6300 with tax, its full spec, only RAM 8GB and 2TB SSD, all other options at max, Apple Care+ included).
But on other hand, I don't want to buy an M1 chip device just to replace it in the few next months and plan to use my current machine (MacBook 12, which works in some, unpredicted way with XDR but officially unsupported. And I can't test XDR or find them in local stores to even see it).
I need a coin to flip...
Sadly, in my way the iMac costs nearly the same as XDR (around $6300 with tax, its full spec, only RAM 8GB and 2TB SSD, all other options at max, Apple Care+ included).
But on other hand, I don't want to buy an M1 chip device just to replace it in the few next months and plan to use my current machine (MacBook 12, which works in some, unpredicted way with XDR but officially unsupported. And I can't test XDR or find them in local stores to even see it).
I need a coin to flip...
Last edited:
I just did it. Loving the XDR!Hi Folks
I currently own the LG Ultrafine 5K and was considering a move to the Pro XDR. My needs are development and image / video editing. I was just wondering if anyone has made a similar switch and whether they regretted it or not? My desktop is a fully spec'd M1 Mac Mini.
Any opinions would be very much appreciated
Any thoughts on the J327 rumor? Speculation on updates? I hope the existing pro stand is compatible.
Just got my monitor replaced after 10 months. A green line started to appear across the screen and apple replaced the display.
However, I'm definitely concerned about Apples quality control on these monitors and recommend those are are interested in these things to get a 500$(!) AppleCare
The 500$ price was calculated as they knew these things were bleeding edge/prone to breaking.
However, I'm definitely concerned about Apples quality control on these monitors and recommend those are are interested in these things to get a 500$(!) AppleCare
The 500$ price was calculated as they knew these things were bleeding edge/prone to breaking.
Hm. Bummer to hear about the defect.
Would you please share more about the return experience?
How did you notify them of the defect?
Did they attempt any troubleshooting steps?
Did they request a photo or require you to bring it into an Apple Store?
If you shipped:
What was the replacement process for you?
Were you required to return the original before they shipped you a new one?
I believe the first year is covered under the Apple’s standard warranty.
Apple offers AppleCare+ for the XDR, (seems some products have this + designation for some reason).
Here is the coverage as per the MacRumors page on this:
- Extended warranty for up to two years (three years for Macs or Apple Displays)
- Covers hardware failures and up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, subject to service fees
- Priority access to Apple support by chat or phone
- Express replacement service
I’ll add this information to the OP of this thread.
When I bought the XDR a year ago yesterday, AC+ was $449. Maybe this was a business discount though.
Bumping this to see if anyone’s expecting any even tangentially related news to the XDR this fall.
Potential support for multi monitor in Apple Silicon seems pretty obvious next step. But maybe an AS based eGPU is too much to hope for.
I also wanted to call attention to the XDR for SW development thread which has some recent posts from people with 3 XDR setups. ?
Potential support for multi monitor in Apple Silicon seems pretty obvious next step. But maybe an AS based eGPU is too much to hope for.
I also wanted to call attention to the XDR for SW development thread which has some recent posts from people with 3 XDR setups. ?
Just got the XDR, which I'm driving with my Macbook Pro 16". Whenever I am playing a video on YouTube/VLC and its 4k or even 1080p, the laptop turns into a jet engine after a couple minutes. Do the M1 macs have this issue or are they completely silent when watching/rendering videos? Should I get a Mac Mini or the next generation M1X Macbooks if I want a silent workstation?
I'm using an M1 Air which is fan-less and completely silent and it has no problem driving the XDR for the majority of tasks. The GPU isn't quite up to doing 3D work or gaming at 6k, but for daily use, video, and regular 2D stuff it's faster, quieter and more responsive than even my top spec 2020 iMac was.
Speaking of M1X I'm really interested to see how charging works with the M1X MacBooks. It's so incredibly convenient getting power from the XDR. It'll be a shame if we have to plug in a new MagSafe connector in addition to the thunderbolt 3 cable.
Speaking of M1X I'm really interested to see how charging works with the M1X MacBooks. It's so incredibly convenient getting power from the XDR. It'll be a shame if we have to plug in a new MagSafe connector in addition to the thunderbolt 3 cable.
Maybe an eGPU would help by moving the display rendering for the XDR off of the MacBook Pro?
An M1 / M1X would almost certainly be better, both in performance and in compatibility with the XDR (I don't think any 3rd party GPUs have Thunderbolt 3 outputs, so you'd have to find one with USB-C 3.1 and then try to find a 3rd party cable that works with the XDR and doesn't have issues).
The only alternative that is going to run the XDR as well as an M1, is a Mac Pro with a proper MPX module GPU (which support TB3), and even then it's probably going to be slower than the M1 in a lot of "daily use" situations because of the M1's insane single core performance.
I haven't had a problem with my 2020 iMac w/ a 5700xt and a m1 MacBook Air, they both drive the XDR display w/o a problem and with the iMac and 16gb 5700xt, I can even do some light gaming.