Pro Display XDR - Owners Thread

[machenryr]

I just took possession of the Pro XDR Nano. Yay. It looks fantastic. Couple of quick questions. The display has an inverted curve. Not the actual display but the visual setting. Funny because I replaced my actual curved Samsung I was really fond of but it was dying. Time to step up my game. But either I was used to the curved screen that didn’t appear curved or there’s a setting that visually curves.

Also I use a second Mac Pro. On the Samsung I could plug another HDMI from the display to the 2nd Mac Pro, change the input and go to it. Is there a way to change the input in the XDR? It doesn’t look like it. I have the Pro Stand. If that matters. Sorry, I only just set them up.

Thanks!

 

[machenryr]

No one?

 

[etc]

No one?

I think the problem here that it's really difficult to understand what you wrote about "curve settings".

 

[- rob -]

No one?

That is cool you got an XDR Pro Display

Keep in mind, this is not a basic support thread per se, most folks are troubleshooting more complicated cabling / graphics card compatibility issues.

But regardless, you have to be patient on reply speed outright.

Regarding the issue you’re describing, I agree w @etc, it is not exactly clear what you are describing.

What I’m reading is that the XDR is showing a warped (curved?) output. And that this is somewhat similar to the physically curved display you had previously.

If I’m reading you right, something is wrong with the display or the machine you’re using has some funky output settings like you’ve described.

No one has brought up a situation like this in this thread yet, that I’m aware of.

Are you using a Mac? Can you try plugging in another compatible Mac to the XDR and see if it behaves as expected?

Watch some review videos that show what normal output from the XDR should be.

 

[machenryr]

Thank you. It looks like there's a slight concave visual display. The opposite of my Samsung. The center is forward and the sides look to be slightly back. Just a slight curve - not the physical display. I'll have another couple of people look at this and see whether this is just an optical illusion I'm experiencing or something more objective.

 

[Redneck1089]

Thank you. It looks like there's a slight concave visual display. The opposite of my Samsung. The center is forward and the sides look to be slightly back. Just a slight curve - not the physical display. I'll have another couple of people look at this and see whether this is just an optical illusion I'm experiencing or something more objective.

My standard glass XDR that I received in December of last year does not exhibit this phenomenon. I've not heard of this problem before.

Some people have the "dirty screen" effect, which is caused by uneven backlighting. Your issue does not seem to be that, however.

If your XDR appears concave (ie: slightly bent), it's likely a manufacturing defect and I would contact Apple about it to potentially begin the replacement process.

 

[etc]

Some people have the "dirty screen" effect, which is caused by uneven backlighting. Your issue does not seem to be that, however.

Mine is one of these "dirty", but not all of people see that uneven backlighting. I see that clearly, and it's also slightly darker in the corners and around sides because of backlight design. Maybe machenryr meant exactly that effect, but it affects only edges of the screen.

Can't say that I like that, but it's not a big deal especially if you don't work with large single-color areas.

 

[Redneck1089]

Mine is one of these "dirty", but not all of people see that uneven backlighting. I see that clearly, and it's also slightly darker in the corners and around sides because of backlight design. Maybe machenryr meant exactly that effect, but it affects only edges of the screen.

Can't say that I like that, but it's not a big deal especially if you don't work with large single-color areas.

It's possible, I guess.

I can certainly see some areas of mine that are not perfect on a 50% grey screen. Overall, though, I am quite impressed with the screen's uniformity. I do a lot of photography that involves retouching, as well as my own printing, and I haven't found any noteworthy issues with my copy of the screen.

 

[Redneck1089]

Mine is one of these "dirty", but not all of people see that uneven backlighting. I see that clearly, and it's also slightly darker in the corners and around sides because of backlight design. Maybe machenryr meant exactly that effect, but it affects only edges of the screen.

Can't say that I like that, but it's not a big deal especially if you don't work with large single-color areas.

I take my previous comment back re not having found any noteworthy issues. There is a straight dark line, approximately 1.25 inches wide, down the far left-side of my screen. It's really only noticeable on certain backgrounds, but it's there nonetheless. I found it while zoomed right into the sky on a large panorama photo I was working on.

I'm undecided whether I will contact Apple about it. On one hand, for the price I've paid, I feel like demanding a replacement. On the other hand, I have AppleCare+ and can replace it if necessary if it gets worse down the road. Seems to be a bit of a game of chance with these displays.

 

[etc]

I take my previous comment back re not having found any noteworthy issues. There is a straight dark line, approximately 1.25 inches wide, down the far left-side of my screen. It's really only noticeable on certain backgrounds, but it's there nonetheless. I found it while zoomed right into the sky on a large panorama photo I was working on.

I'm undecided whether I will contact Apple about it. On one hand, for the price I've paid, I feel like demanding a replacement. On the other hand, I have AppleCare+ and can replace it if necessary if it gets worse down the road. Seems to be a bit of a game of chance with these displays.

Mine looks very close to yours. So I think it's not worth it to exchange it. It's just a design feature and you'll get the same.

 

[Redneck1089]

Mine looks very close to yours. So I think it's not worth it to exchange it. It's just a design feature and you'll get the same.

Thank you for responding. That's interesting. I think I will, as you suggest, just leave it.

I called Apple earlier to see what the replacement process would be like, and it's quite inconvenient; I'd have to box the monitor up, take it in to a local Apple Store, have them diagnose the issue, and then potentially have them order me a replacement. I was told this all could take some time - ie: a few weeks to get the replacement. I was hoping to just have Apple put a hold on my credit card until I receive a new one and ship the old one back, but they don't do that with this display, unfortunately.

At this moment, I don't think the return hassle is worth it, especially since the replacement could exhibit the same thing.

 

[etc]

At this moment, I don't think the return hassle is worth it, especially since the replacement could exhibit the same thing.

It will take weeks. I remember when I ordered XDR it took 3 or 4 weeks just for shipping. Exchange procedure will be longer.

 

[Lammers]

It’s common when switching from using a curved display for an extended period to a flat one that it appears concave temporarily. It’s just your eyes adjusting to it. It will pass.

 

[xraydoc]

Also I use a second Mac Pro. On the Samsung I could plug another HDMI from the display to the 2nd Mac Pro, change the input and go to it. Is there a way to change the input in the XDR? It doesn’t look like it. I have the Pro Stand. If that matters. Sorry, I only just set them up.

The XDR (and likewise the Studio Display) has only one input. Apple chose to design it for only one machine. If you want to use it on a second computer, you'll have to swap cables each time.

 

[etc]

The XDR (and likewise the Studio Display) has only one input. Apple chose to design it for only one machine. If you want to use it on a second computer, you'll have to swap cables each time.

...or use a simple USB-C KVM switch.

 

[xraydoc]

Thank you. It looks like there's a slight concave visual display. The opposite of my Samsung. The center is forward and the sides look to be slightly back. Just a slight curve - not the physical display. I'll have another couple of people look at this and see whether this is just an optical illusion I'm experiencing or something more objective.

Post a picture. Everything should be flat. If it's bending somehow, there could be a defect in your display that would require an exchange.

 

[xraydoc]

...or use a simple USB-C KVM switch.

Yes, but other threads have described trouble getting some of these to work (Thunderbolt vs. USB-C). I figured OP might find that even more complicated than he's comfortable with.

 

[etc]

Yes, but other threads have described trouble getting some of these to work (Thunderbolt vs. USB-C). I figured OP might find that even more complicated than he's comfortable with.

Yes, it depends on external devices you need to use with XDR. If you need to connect a TB device to XDR, then it's more complicated, but afaik KVM options exist too.

 

[machenryr]

Yes, but other threads have described trouble getting some of these to work (Thunderbolt vs. USB-C). I figured OP might find that even more complicated than he's comfortable with.

Sorry. I’ve been absent. I have a switcher but it’s not USB-c. I’ll have to buy a new one. I Fong have a problem using it, I’m just trying to simplify and de-kludge things. Thanks.

 

[xraydoc]

Sorry. I’ve been absent. I have a switcher but it’s not USB-c. I’ll have to buy a new one. I Fong have a problem using it, I’m just trying to simplify and de-kludge things. Thanks.

You better read the whole thread on using one XDR/ASD on two different machines to find a switcher that works. Unless you’re very tech savvy, I personally don’t recommend it.

 

[machenryr]

Post a picture. Everything should be flat. If it's bending somehow, there could be a defect in your display that would require an exchange.

I will. I had a friend, an artist sit down and he didn’t notice anything. But when I see the browser going from left to right or right to left at the top, I definitely notice a curve. Still. I’ll post a picture.

 

[- rob -]

It’s common when switching from using a curved display for an extended period to a flat one that it appears concave temporarily. It’s just your eyes adjusting to it. It will pass.

I had not heard of this effect. @Redneck1089 any updates?

 

[akimball313]

I'm considering the purchase of a Pro XDR. I'd love to hear from current owners whether, if your monitor suddenly vanished, would you buy another tomorrow or wait for the next iteration?

 

[tstafford]

I'm considering the purchase of a Pro XDR. I'd love to hear from current owners whether, if your monitor suddenly vanished, would you buy another tomorrow or wait for the next iteration?

I had one and it "vanished" - long story. My take - was the best monitor I've ever seen and I miss it. However I replaced it with 3 ASD for less money and I'm frankly happier with them. I didn't have a business need for the XDR, I just wanted a Retina display and at the time the ASD didn't exist. For my purposes the ASDs are better and honestly the XDR doesn't offer enough of an advantage (HDR?) to justify the price. However I am absolutely a buyer on at least one 27" Retina display that equals the performance of the screen on my MBP14 (please apple make such a thing!). I'd probably just swap out the middle of my 3 ASD for that.

 

[- rob -]

I'm considering the purchase of a Pro XDR. I'd love to hear from current owners whether, if your monitor suddenly vanished, would you buy another tomorrow or wait for the next iteration?

I’d go back and make the same decision I did when I started this thread.

The XDR proved a good bet and investment through the pandemic and lacked any capable alternative from Apple until the relatively recent launch of the Studio.

But today, I’d wait for WWDC—just as I did prior to deciding to buy the XDR.

I suspect Apple will want an updated high end monitor to support 3D content creation that targets RealityOS.

Presumably, this means pro motion but there could be other enhancements, and I’d expect the price point to stay the same.

Another consideration is whether an XDR purchase today would inhibit purchase of the Reality headset.

That thing will likely be $3k plus the ~required accessories, AP2, late model Apple Watch and iPhone.

Could be computing inside the R headset is good enough to replace a screen for many people.