where would your money go?

[sanch3z_77]

I drowned my trusty MBP (still hurts), so I need to replace the following and not sure what to get:

15.4" MBP with touchbar
Intel core i7
16GB Ram, 256GB

My main job is graphic design (with occasional motion graphics), 99% of the time I use my iMac for this work, so the MBP was a back-up, incase I needed to do any work remotely (quite rare). In truth it was mainly used for admin. I did purchase an additional external SSD to store documents as 256GB was quite limited once Creative Suite was installed.

I did find my MBP quite heavy when transporting, but again this wasn't frequent. I tend to steer clear of smaller screens as I need reasonable real estate for the graphics packages. That being said I have a 2020 iPad Air that perhaps could be used as a second monitor?

Speedwise I never found my MBP to be laggy, but I never really stretched it.

So bearing the above in mind, where would people spend their money?

TIA

 

[velocityg4]

14" MBP.
- Use it with an external 4K, 5K2K or 5K display and dock
- Sell the iMac

Now you'll have something which is nice and portable. Yet, provides all the processing speed and screen real estate you need for desktop work with the external monitor. Plus you won't have to juggle two computer.

 

[sanch3z_77]

14" MBP.
- Use it with an external 4K, 5K2K or 5K display and dock
- Sell the iMac

Now you'll have something which is nice and portable. Yet, provides all the processing speed and screen real estate you need for desktop work with the external monitor. Plus you won't have to juggle two computer.

Interesting strategy, and that's the way I started out, with a 17" MBP and external monitor but it was left wanting...

My current iMac seems to crunch through things, but is old:

2013 (late) 27" iMac
3.2 GHz Quad core Intel i5
32GB Ram
1 TB external SSD (running OS)

I always felt the MBP and external monitor didn't give me enough space. I currently run my 27" plus another 21" widescreen display which is perfect. I can't imagine my iMac is worth much so I would have to buy a very capable MBP and massive monitor which would be huge money?

My main machine is used more heavily for creative and motion graphic work, more so than any laptop

 

[velocityg4]

Interesting strategy, and that's the way I started out, with a 17" MBP and external monitor but it was left wanting...

My current iMac seems to crunch through things, but is old:

2013 (late) 27" iMac
3.2 GHz Quad core Intel i5
32GB Ram
1 TB external SSD (running OS)

I always felt the MBP and external monitor didn't give me enough space. I currently run my 27" plus another 21" widescreen display which is perfect. I can't imagine my iMac is worth much so I would have to buy a very capable MBP and massive monitor which would be huge money?

My main machine is used more heavily for creative and motion graphic work, more so than any laptop

It's expensive. But your iMac and Macbook Pro were both expensive investments. This way your investment gets fully utilized. If more speed will help your business. The 14" MBP with 32GB RAM would make a substantial upgrade. Assuming all your software and plugins are updated for the architecture.

You could also run dual 27" displays. For all the screen real estate your need. Even more displays if you went with the M1 Max.

Assuming you could fit everything in 16GB or 24GB RAM. You could get the M1 or M2 Macbook Air. Even those are a substantial upgrade over the iMac. For dual displays you need a DisplayLink adapter (which has some latency issues). But it's doable. With a good dock. You just need one cable to plug it all in and charge it.

It's just something to think about. If more speed means being able to get and do more work. It's worth it. Even without more work. If you spend a lot of time waiting. More speed means less time waiting.

You can get nice 27" 4K displays in the $500 to $700 range. Maybe a lot less. Depending on your needs.

 

[sanch3z_77]

It's expensive. But your iMac and Macbook Pro were both expensive investments. This way your investment gets fully utilized. If more speed will help your business. The 14" MBP with 32GB RAM would make a substantial upgrade. Assuming all your software and plugins are updated for the architecture.

You could also run dual 27" displays. For all the screen real estate your need. Even more displays if you went with the M1 Max.

Assuming you could fit everything in 16GB or 24GB RAM. You could get the M1 or M2 Macbook Air. Even those are a substantial upgrade over the iMac. For dual displays you need a DisplayLink adapter (which has some latency issues). But it's doable. With a good dock. You just need one cable to plug it all in and charge it.

It's just something to think about. If more speed means being able to get and do more work. It's worth it. Even without more work. If you spend a lot of time waiting. More speed means less time waiting.

You can get nice 27" 4K displays in the $500 to $700 range. Maybe a lot less. Depending on your needs.

ok, now you guys have me thinking differently (excuse the pun, well Apple link), although it's a much bigger investment than I was originally thinking about. I'm not currently left waiting for processing to take place, so saving time isn't a driving factor, although it's always an added bonus. I really only use Creative Suite, so the apps should be optimised...

Not having a Factime camera on the main screen infront of me would be a drag though, as I often have to jump on calls. In the past i've used the MBP as the second monitor but i've never managed to get it at a good height, it has always stepped down from the main monitor.

Are you suggesting a vertical type of dock so it's only really being used as a processor? Like this: Dock

A quick look and it could be the following:

MBP 14" 32GB ram, 512GB SSD = £2,299.00
512GB external SSD = £70
2 x 27" monitors = £800
Dock = £200

Total = £3,369 (and I would still need to sort out a camera for video calls...)

If I purchased a 14" MBP with 16GB it would be £1,899.00

That's quite a jump, i could sell my old set-up to subsidise the purchase but it wouldn't really fetch much...

 

[velocityg4]

ok, now you guys have me thinking differently (excuse the pun, well Apple link), although it's a much bigger investment than I was originally thinking about. I'm not currently left waiting for processing to take place, so saving time isn't a driving factor, although it's always an added bonus. I really only use Creative Suite, so the apps should be optimised...

Not having a Factime camera on the main screen infront of me would be a drag though, as I often have to jump on calls. In the past i've used the MBP as the second monitor but i've never managed to get it at a good height, it has always stepped down from the main monitor.

Are you suggesting a vertical type of dock so it's only really being used as a processor? Like this: Dock

A quick look and it could be the following:

MBP 14" 32GB ram, 512GB SSD = £2,299.00
512GB external SSD = £70
2 x 27" monitors = £800
Dock = £200

Total = £3,369 (and I would still need to sort out a camera for video calls...)

If I purchased a 14" MBP with 16GB it would be £1,899.00

That's quite a jump, i could sell my old set-up to subsidise the purchase but it wouldn't really fetch much...

Yea, it probably wouldn't fetch much. You could also keep it around to serve a new role. Such as a file server or looking at recipes in the kitchen.

I was thinking a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 dock to sit beside it. Leaving the Macbook in Clamshell mode. You could get a fancy one that the Macbook sits in. But a dock which offers a full range of USB A & C, Video, Thunderbolt and Ethernet ports. Such as from Caldigit or OWC.

As for height. You can get mounts that clamp or bolt to your desk. One that just holds the Macbook or one that holds the Macbook and both displays. Getting them up to the same level. There's also fancier ones with arms which offer a huge range of adjustments. The nicest part of the stands is they free up desk space. By just having one point of contact with the desk.

 

[Technerd108]

ok, now you guys have me thinking differently (excuse the pun, well Apple link), although it's a much bigger investment than I was originally thinking about. I'm not currently left waiting for processing to take place, so saving time isn't a driving factor, although it's always an added bonus. I really only use Creative Suite, so the apps should be optimised...

Not having a Factime camera on the main screen infront of me would be a drag though, as I often have to jump on calls. In the past i've used the MBP as the second monitor but i've never managed to get it at a good height, it has always stepped down from the main monitor.

Are you suggesting a vertical type of dock so it's only really being used as a processor? Like this: Dock

A quick look and it could be the following:

MBP 14" 32GB ram, 512GB SSD = £2,299.00
512GB external SSD = £70
2 x 27" monitors = £800
Dock = £200

Total = £3,369 (and I would still need to sort out a camera for video calls...)

If I purchased a 14" MBP with 16GB it would be £1,899.00

That's quite a jump, i could sell my old set-up to subsidise the purchase but it wouldn't really fetch much...

I think you would be fine with a base model MBP but I would recommend the 16" if you like a larger screen and don't move it around that much. You don't need the extra ram.

The M series chips are much more powerful and efficient compared to the i7 Intel processor you had so a M1 Pro would be a serious upgrade and I would think even the regular M2 chip would be more than powerful enough.

If weight is a consideration then the 14" would be better but they are both on the heavy side, 14" is 3.5# and the 16" is close to 5#.

If you want portability then the M2 MBA would be a much better option and be cheaper while still be able to do what you need to do. The only issue with the M2 MBA is it has a smaller screen but there is not a big difference between the 14" M1 MBP and the M2 MBA in terms of screen. If I were you I would either get the base model M1 MBP 16" or a M2 MBA with 16gb ram and 512ssd.

Since you are buying external monitors the air might be the better choice although you would need a dock or dongle that would be able to push the two monitors as the air only officially supports one monitor.

 

[sanch3z_77]

I think you would be fine with a base model MBP but I would recommend the 16" if you like a larger screen and don't move it around that much. You don't need the extra ram.

The M series chips are much more powerful and efficient compared to the i7 Intel processor you had so a M1 Pro would be a serious upgrade and I would think even the regular M2 chip would be more than powerful enough.

If weight is a consideration then the 14" would be better but they are both on the heavy side, 14" is 3.5# and the 16" is close to 5#.

If you want portability then the M2 MBA would be a much better option and be cheaper while still be able to do what you need to do. The only issue with the M2 MBA is it has a smaller screen but there is not a big difference between the 14" M1 MBP and the M2 MBA in terms of screen. If I were you I would either get the base model M1 MBP 16" or a M2 MBA with 16gb ram and 512ssd.

Since you are buying external monitors the air might be the better choice although you would need a dock or dongle that would be able to push the two monitors as the air only officially supports one monitor.

I'm definitely going to research the MB + external monitor route, even though i'm less keen on it but I understand perhaps buying one single, better performing machine is sensible. I guess if I go this route screen size on the MB wont be too important as it's purely a backup.

Is there any performance drop using two external monitors from a MBA as it doesn't natively support it?

And how do I get over the lack of facetime camera that comes with both iMac as the camera on the MB will be in clamshell mode?

 

[sanch3z_77]

Yea, it probably wouldn't fetch much. You could also keep it around to serve a new role. Such as a file server or looking at recipes in the kitchen.

I was thinking a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 dock to sit beside it. Leaving the Macbook in Clamshell mode. You could get a fancy one that the Macbook sits in. But a dock which offers a full range of USB A & C, Video, Thunderbolt and Ethernet ports. Such as from Caldigit or OWC.

As for height. You can get mounts that clamp or bolt to your desk. One that just holds the Macbook or one that holds the Macbook and both displays. Getting them up to the same level. There's also fancier ones with arms which offer a huge range of adjustments. The nicest part of the stands is they free up desk space. By just having one point of contact with the desk.

Last time I ran a MB and external monitor it wasn't in clamshell mode, which was part of the problem, it was on a stand next to a minotor. If I do it this time I think your suggestion is better.

I will have to move the MB from the dock daily as I do admin work in the evening so it needs to be quick as I think i'll get annoyed constantly plugging and unplugging.

Do many displays compare to the quality of the iMacs? I was always led to believe they were far superior to many others on the market?

 

[Technerd108]

Personally I don’t use external monitors. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a laptop IMHO.

I would get the 16” base model and maybe use one external monitor if I needed it.

However at that point a Mac Mini or iMac would be a better option in my opinion.

Since you do graphic design the screen on the M1 MBP is going to be very useful.

I really think for your use case the M1 MBP base model 16” would be the best fit. Get that and see if you would even need an external monitor. The XDR mini led screen is perfect for graphic design as is the M1 Pro.

Get it and see how it works. Then you can decide if you even need an external monitor and if you do the MBP can support 3 plus the laptop screen.

An XDR 32” monitor alone costs like 5k so I think the 16” MBP is a pretty sweet deal.

There is an M2 MBP 14/16” going to be released soon but for you the M1 should be more than enough and you will save money buying it over the new model.

 

[Technerd108]

Last time I ran a MB and external monitor it wasn't in clamshell mode, which was part of the problem, it was on a stand next to a minotor. If I do it this time I think your suggestion is better.

I will have to move the MB from the dock daily as I do admin work in the evening so it needs to be quick as I think i'll get annoyed constantly plugging and unplugging.

Do many displays compare to the quality of the iMacs? I was always led to believe they were far superior to many others on the market?

I would want the quality display in an iMac or M1 MBP if I was a graphic designer. 3rd party monitors could have scaling issues and won’t have the same quality in terms of color accuracy.

Apple XDR monitors are very expensive so if you can get it built in you will save a lot of money.

So if I were you I would get an iMac or MBP 16”. If you want a larger screen the iMac is a great option and should be powerful enough although the MacBook Pro has an edge with the M1 Pro. I don’t know if a new iMac with m2 will be released soon but if it is I would wait for that. The M2 would have better GPU performance and a better pro res encoder.

So wait for a new iMac or get the 16” M1 MBP base model would be my personal advice.

Forget the M2 MBA as it probably won’t fit your needs so ignore my previous suggestion for it.

 

[velocityg4]

Last time I ran a MB and external monitor it wasn't in clamshell mode, which was part of the problem, it was on a stand next to a minotor. If I do it this time I think your suggestion is better.

I will have to move the MB from the dock daily as I do admin work in the evening so it needs to be quick as I think i'll get annoyed constantly plugging and unplugging.

Do many displays compare to the quality of the iMacs? I was always led to believe they were far superior to many others on the market?

I setup a pair of LG 4K 27" next to an iMac 27" 2017 a few years ago for a customer. They were both set to the same scaling. The iMac seemed a little better. Then I was brought back to calibrate them to match the iMac. After calibration there was very little difference. Although I thought the iMac was just a tad better.

Just get two that have very good professional reviews. Particularly a low Delta E, high Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 and good background light uniformity and I expect you'll be happy.

 

[sanch3z_77]

I would want the quality display in an iMac or M1 MBP if I was a graphic designer. 3rd party monitors could have scaling issues and won’t have the same quality in terms of color accuracy.

Apple XDR monitors are very expensive so if you can get it built in you will save a lot of money.

So if I were you I would get an iMac or MBP 16”. If you want a larger screen the iMac is a great option and should be powerful enough although the MacBook Pro has an edge with the M1 Pro. I don’t know if a new iMac with m2 will be released soon but if it is I would wait for that. The M2 would have better GPU performance and a better pro res encoder.

So wait for a new iMac or get the 16” M1 MBP base model would be my personal advice.

Forget the M2 MBA as it probably won’t fit your needs so ignore my previous suggestion for it.

I found switching from external monitor powered by my 17” mbp to a 27” iMac was night and day. So I would be nervous going back without reading proper case studies. The standalone apple monitors were a wedge for very good reason.

I recently gave my iMac a new lease of life installing the os on an external ssd but I’m aware this is a sticky plaster and might only give me another year or two, so the suggestion of a new machine that can be used both as a desktop and laptop, pooling the budget isn’t a bad idea. I’m just not convinced it’s possible. I also don’t want to be buying a new iMac anytime soon

 

[sanch3z_77]

Personally I don’t use external monitors. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a laptop IMHO.

I would get the 16” base model and maybe use one external monitor if I needed it.

However at that point a Mac Mini or iMac would be a better option in my opinion.

Since you do graphic design the screen on the M1 MBP is going to be very useful.

I really think for your use case the M1 MBP base model 16” would be the best fit. Get that and see if you would even need an external monitor. The XDR mini led screen is perfect for graphic design as is the M1 Pro.

Get it and see how it works. Then you can decide if you even need an external monitor and if you do the MBP can support 3 plus the laptop screen.

An XDR 32” monitor alone costs like 5k so I think the 16” MBP is a pretty sweet deal.

There is an M2 MBP 14/16” going to be released soon but for you the M1 should be more than enough and you will save money buying it over the new model.

I can’t work solely on a laptop monitor regardless of res. It just leads to constant zooming in and out when retouching. I’m either doing high-end retouching, working on 60 page brochures, working on event graphics or launch videos in after effects so I really do need large and decent screens. If a mbp can run two large monitors and packs a punch performance wise then it’s something I should investigate.

when I’m on the move I don’t need much screen space so the 14” would likely suffice, especially if my iPad can link and hold pallets.

came here for advice on a laptop, now I’m charging my whole studio 🤣🤣🤣

 

[Technerd108]

I found switching from external monitor powered by my 17” mbp to a 27” iMac was night and day. So I would be nervous going back without reading proper case studies. The standalone apple monitors were a wedge for very good reason.

I recently gave my iMac a new lease of life installing the os on an external ssd but I’m aware this is a sticky plaster and might only give me another year or two, so the suggestion of a new machine that can be used both as a desktop and laptop, pooling the budget isn’t a bad idea. I’m just not convinced it’s possible. I also don’t want to be buying a new iMac anytime soon

Well you have to consider all of your options and make the best choice for you!

It seems you have some time so I would wait for sales during the holidays which should lower the cost of the M1 MBP and there should be announcements on upcoming Macs at that time.

Take your time as long as your set up works but you might want to make your choice before you have a failure of some type because then you won't have as much time. I would do something in the next year. That way you won't have any problems and can make the best choice.

Good luck whatever you decide!! Any M series Mac will be a big upgrade over Intel!!

 

[sanch3z_77]

I setup a pair of LG 4K 27" next to an iMac 27" 2017 a few years ago for a customer. They were both set to the same scaling. The iMac seemed a little better. Then I was brought back to calibrate them to match the iMac. After calibration there was very little difference. Although I thought the iMac was just a tad better.

Just get two that have very good professional reviews. Particularly a low Delta E, high Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 and good background light uniformity and I expect you'll be happy.

Yeah that’s the thing, most are just poor copies. The external monitors really need to be excellent, I have a feeling that massive money

 

[sanch3z_77]

Well you have to consider all of your options and make the best choice for you!

It seems you have some time so I would wait for sales during the holidays which should lower the cost of the M1 MBP and there should be announcements on upcoming Macs at that time.

Take your time as long as your set up works but you might want to make your choice before you have a failure of some type because then you won't have as much time. I would do something in the next year. That way you won't have any problems and can make the best choice.

Good luck whatever you decide!! Any M series Mac will be a big upgrade over Intel!!

Thanks for the advice, are these sales more a US thing? I’m in the uk and rarely see sales 🤣🤣🤣

 

[Technerd108]

Thanks for the advice, are these sales more a US thing? I’m in the uk and rarely see sales 🤣🤣🤣

Yes, we get Black Friday sales in November and discounts once a new version like M2 MBP from 3rd party sellers. I wonder if you could buy from a US retailer and just have them ship but I imagine the cost of shipping and customs fees might negate any discounts and if you have a problem after sale that would complicate things.

In any case, take your time and weigh all your options and I am sure you will make the best choice for you. As I said any M1/M2 series chip will be a big upgrade. The 14" MBP is a great laptop and would serve you well!!

 

[MacGizmo]

I've worked in graphic design for decades, and I've gone the desktop only route, the fully upgraded laptop only route, and the fully upgraded desktop AND low-end laptop for quick work on the road route.

A few things I've found over the years:

• I'm MUCH more productive on a desktop when working in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and productivity apps (Mail, Safari, Office apps). You just can't beat the screen real estate, power and connectivity of a desktop.
• I did NOT like using my 16" fully upgraded MacBook Pro connected to an external Display for the larger screen size as my only Mac. When I had to take it on the road (which wasn't terribly often) I had to disconnect the screen and extra peripherals, then plug them back in when I got back. This was not only a hassle, but the ports eventually became loose and required all manner of fussing around to get the display to come on when connecting it.
• I did NOT like having my income tied to one computer (the laptop). Having a desktop and laptop not only ensured I could always get work done, but allowed me to use the laptop as a testing Mac (since the desktop was the main workhorse) with updates to Adobe software, Apple OS betas, etc. without jeopardizing my work.
• A desktop Mac is cheaper in the long run. You can get more RAM (I have 64GB on my Mac Studio, 32GB on my 16" MacBook Pro), larger storage drive, and more ports for less money on a desktop than a laptop. I found myself buying all sorts of external peripherals for the laptop only setup to accommodate my workflow. And the desktop with a large external display actually takes up less desk space than a laptop + same external display simply because I don't have to keep the desktop front & center on the desk (or on the desk at all).

Now the problem is the current iMac isn't suitable for a pro-level design work. The screen is too small, RAM limit is too low, storage options not optimal, etc. The base model Mac Studio is the perfect desktop, in my opinion, but may be out of your price range. The thing is, you can get a Mac Studio, and a large external display for nearly the same money as a comparably equipped MacBook Pro 16" laptop.

I'm actually pondering passing down my 16" MacBook Pro, as I just don't use it all that often anymore. My wife on the other hand will love it.

I know this probably doesn't answer your question, but it's just my personal opinion/experience.

 

[sanch3z_77]

I've worked in graphic design for decades, and I've gone the desktop only route, the fully upgraded laptop only route, and the fully upgraded desktop AND low-end laptop for quick work on the road route.

A few things I've found over the years:

• I'm MUCH more productive on a desktop when working in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and productivity apps (Mail, Safari, Office apps). You just can't beat the screen real estate, power and connectivity of a desktop.
• I did NOT like using my 16" fully upgraded MacBook Pro connected to an external Display for the larger screen size as my only Mac. When I had to take it on the road (which wasn't terribly often) I had to disconnect the screen and extra peripherals, then plug them back in when I got back. This was not only a hassle, but the ports eventually became loose and required all manner of fussing around to get the display to come on when connecting it.
• I did NOT like having my income tied to one computer (the laptop). Having a desktop and laptop not only ensured I could always get work done, but allowed me to use the laptop as a testing Mac (since the desktop was the main workhorse) with updates to Adobe software, Apple OS betas, etc. without jeopardizing my work.
• A desktop Mac is cheaper in the long run. You can get more RAM (I have 64GB on my Mac Studio, 32GB on my 16" MacBook Pro), larger storage drive, and more ports for less money on a desktop than a laptop. I found myself buying all sorts of external peripherals for the laptop only setup to accommodate my workflow. And the desktop with a large external display actually takes up less desk space than a laptop + same external display simply because I don't have to keep the desktop front & center on the desk (or on the desk at all).

Now the problem is the current iMac isn't suitable for a pro-level design work. The screen is too small, RAM limit is too low, storage options not optimal, etc. The base model Mac Studio is the perfect desktop, in my opinion, but may be out of your price range. The thing is, you can get a Mac Studio, and a large external display for nearly the same money as a comparably equipped MacBook Pro 16" laptop.

I'm actually pondering passing down my 16" MacBook Pro, as I just don't use it all that often anymore. My wife on the other hand will love it.

I know this probably doesn't answer your question, but it's just my personal opinion/experience.

your experience is actually very similar to mine:

• Started with a 17" MBP and external monitor, the lining up of the screens and real estate wasn't great and the 17" MBP was too big to move about, and a pain when travelling abroad. Heavy and didn't fit in a hotel safe
• I purchased a powerful 27" iMac, external 23" monitor and a 15" MBP, and never looked back, like you say, nothing is better than the extra real estate space – nothing
• Woking on a laptop, on any creative suite package is a drag, and I don't believe there is much productivity difference between a 14" and 16", they're just to small to be used without an external monitor for any length of time
• Like you say, upgrading a desktop is much easier, I whacked more ram in my iMac (to 32GB) and run it off an external SSD. That being said, I generally upgrade at the point of purchase and not later on

Like you say, in the past we've had more options, but now with the 27" iMac being binned we're between a rock and a hard place. I think the kick in the teeth is the cost of the studio monitor. If that was £1k then bundling it with the new mac studio would be a solid and affordable solution, and something Apple should offer. I could then just buy a cheaper MBA for admin and the occasional on-the-go edits and as a back-up machine.

 

[MacGizmo]

...Like you say, in the past we've had more options, but now with the 27" iMac being binned we're between a rock and a hard place. I think the kick in the teeth is the cost of the studio monitor...

I don't think Apple is going to produce another 27" iMac. That's just my personal opinion. It looks to me like they're keeping the current 24" iMac as the consumer device, and the Mac Studio as the pro device between the iMac and MacPro.

Nothing says you have to buy an Apple Studio Display. I personally think it's obscenely overpriced for what you get. You can get a nice 27-32" 4K for half the cost, or a larger third party 5K display with more features for the same price or less than Apple's Studio Display. I went with a 34" LG Ultrawide 5K/2K display which allows me to actually use the full 5K resolution. It's not retina quality, but it's very close and offers height adjustment, pivot capability, and plenty of connection ports for less than the 27" Studio Display. Of course, I'm not so hung-up on the aesthetics of it... I don't care what color the case of the display is, or how it does or does not match the Mac sitting next to it, but some people do.

 

[sanch3z_77]

I don't think Apple is going to produce another 27" iMac. That's just my personal opinion. It looks to me like they're keeping the current 24" iMac as the consumer device, and the Mac Studio as the pro device between the iMac and MacPro.

Nothing says you have to buy an Apple Studio Display. I personally think it's obscenely overpriced for what you get. You can get a nice 27-32" 4K for half the cost, or a larger third party 5K display with more features for the same price or less than Apple's Studio Display. I went with a 34" LG Ultrawide 5K/2K display which allows me to actually use the full 5K resolution. It's not retina quality, but it's very close and offers height adjustment, pivot capability, and plenty of connection ports for less than the 27" Studio Display. Of course, I'm not so hung-up on the aesthetics of it... I don't care what color the case of the display is, or how it does or does not match the Mac sitting next to it, but some people do.

I tend to agree, if they release a decent powered, or slightly larger iMac then nobody will buy the studio, or pro device. I would expect a new larger iMac to be in the next cycle in 3-4 years...

I'm not fussed about having matching screens, as the smaller one is for pallets, or reference documents, like briefs and copy. I am however, paranoid about a non-mac main monitor due to colours and calibration, and also the lack of face time camera. I have to jump on regular video calls. How do you do video calls with your LG?

If I could find a viable alternative monitor then I would buy a cheaper MBA, and wait until my iMac dies, then get the studio and an external monitor.

 

[MacGizmo]

I am however, paranoid about a non-mac main monitor due to colours and calibration, and also the lack of face time camera. I have to jump on regular video calls. How do you do video calls with your LG?

I mostly work on printed projects in the Adobe CC suite, so the incredible brightness of Apple's display isn't a huge selling point for me (beautiful as it is). I find the colors on the LG 34BK95U-W to be pretty darn accurate (I keep HDR turned off) using the standard color profiles and the brightness to be better than other 3rd party displays. Everyone has different ideas of what is color accurate, so there's little point in diving deeper into that discussion.

And like I said earlier, I LOVE the 5120x2160 resolution. The user interface is actually a more than usable size (unlike Apple's 27" Studio Display) and I have plenty of room for the document and numerous panels/pallets to be on screen at all times (no need for a secondary display to make room for the main workspace). I have a cheap secondary display for email, calendar, text documents and PDF markups so that I can use the full 34" display for working in the creative apps.

As far as the video calls, I bought a sub-$100 Logitech C922 webcam and it's just fine for Zoom/Teams/Facetime calls. I'm not a YouTuber, so I don't need a freaking several-hundred-dollar 4K webcam. And from everything I've seen and read, it's better than Apple's built-in webcam on the Studio Display (though it obviously doesn't offer Center Stage, a gimmick I don't care about anyway).

Bottom line: You can buy any monitor and try it for a few days and return it if you don't like it. It's a pain, but we don't really have the plethora of choices at the local computer stores like we used to.

 

[MajorFubar]

What i'd really recommend is a fully-loaded 15" MacBook Air because it sounds like you need the screen real-estate more than you need the power you'd get from a 16" MBP. And it probably wouldn't cost much more than a 13" MBP.
Trouble is, it doesn't exist yet.

 

[sanch3z_77]

I mostly work on printed projects in the Adobe CC suite, so the incredible brightness of Apple's display isn't a huge selling point for me (beautiful as it is). I find the colors on the LG 34BK95U-W to be pretty darn accurate (I keep HDR turned off) using the standard color profiles and the brightness to be better than other 3rd party displays. Everyone has different ideas of what is color accurate, so there's little point in diving deeper into that discussion.

And like I said earlier, I LOVE the 5120x2160 resolution. The user interface is actually a more than usable size (unlike Apple's 27" Studio Display) and I have plenty of room for the document and numerous panels/pallets to be on screen at all times (no need for a secondary display to make room for the main workspace). I have a cheap secondary display for email, calendar, text documents and PDF markups so that I can use the full 34" display for working in the creative apps.

As far as the video calls, I bought a sub-$100 Logitech C922 webcam and it's just fine for Zoom/Teams/Facetime calls. I'm not a YouTuber, so I don't need a freaking several-hundred-dollar 4K webcam. And from everything I've seen and read, it's better than Apple's built-in webcam on the Studio Display (though it obviously doesn't offer Center Stage, a gimmick I don't care about anyway).

Bottom line: You can buy any monitor and try it for a few days and return it if you don't like it. It's a pain, but we don't really have the plethora of choices at the local computer stores like we used to.

Colour accuracy is certainly a hot potato. Jumping from a 27", to a 34" would certainly give me all the space I need and it's worth considering. The monitor you link to looks to be around £800 in the UK, so 50% the price of the studio display and loads more space.

An external webcam (maybe a little old skool), but seems the sensible way forward, and the one you suggest it tidy.

I think i'm leaning towards keeping my powder dry on the iMac upgrade, to see if I can eek another year out of this one, and i'll try and grab a discounted MBA on black friday.