Ultra/Studio display vs Max/Pro monitor

[emiliaw]

I'm upgrading from my 2017 iMac, 27 inch, 4.2 GHz Quad-core, 64 GB memory, Radeon Pro 580 8 GB, 3.12 TB fusion drive. I know I could switch out the drive and improve performance but I wouldn't mind something better and my dad will use this.

I mostly use photoshop, final cut pro, logic pro, illustrator, after effects etc., ideally I'd be able to use a couple of these and also browse and whatever simultaneously.

He went overboard I'm pretty sure and got me the studio with 64 core/128GB memory & we had already agreed on the studio display. since I'm into graphics work primarily, would it be better to get the max & pro display vs the ultra & obviously weaker studio display? The max and pro if I got the higher end max with 4TB storage would be about 1k more. Obviously money isn't a huge problem here but if he's spending this much I wonder if a better screen would be worth it if I won't be touching the ultra's full power? And yes, I want to stay with an apple monitor. Sorry for stupid questions.. He only knows coding & I only know the artistic side.

 

[MajorFubar]

Unless you think your workflow can justify the cost of the Ultra, with that amount of money to throw at the job and with your priorities on the visual side of things, I'd just go for the best display you can afford and pair it with with a Studio Max.

I've no idea if the same (or less) money Apple wants for their XDR monitor would buy a better monitor from another manufacturer, but with that kind of serious cash to throw at the solution, I sure would be checking out the options.

 

[Basic75]

If you aren't sure whether you need the M1 Ultra you probably don't. The M1 Max with 64GB is quite serious, and much faster than your old iMac.

If you aren't sure whether you need the Pro Display XDR you probably don't. Just get the Studio and save some money.