Tried and tested: Is Apple’s new Mac Studio and Studio Display worth the hype or the cash?
Apple unveiled a new kind of computer at its most recent event. Is the powerhouse device worth emptying your pockets to snag?
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A brand new product just fell from the Apple tree. This is what you need to know about it.
APPLE MAC STUDIO
This computer is a multimedia-crunching beast
$3099-$12,099, apple.com/au
PROS
– Powerful, next-gen Apple chip
– Seriously fast media-wrangling
– More ports that you’d expect
CONS
– Eye-watering price
– Can’t upgrade storage
– Mouse, keyboard, screen extra
Apple’s newest machine is a powerhouse. Don’t be fooled by its minimalist, modestly sized exterior: the Mac Studio was created to house hardware like a 20-core processor, a 64-core graphics engine, a 32-core neural engine, 128GB RAM and eight terabytes of solid-state storage. Its top model promises to handle up to 18 streams of 8K video at once so it’s little wonder those who wrangle videos, photos, audio and other media are eyeing it off. Other highlights include a wealth of ports front and back, and an advanced thermal system to keep it cool. Unfortunately, buyers won’t be able to upgrade its storage after purchase and, of course, that power comes with a high price.
Verdict: ★★★★★
APPLE STUDIO DISPLAY
The monitor to complete Apple’s new power couple
$2499-$2999, apple.com/au
PROS
– Impressive 5K resolution
– Solid, well crafted form
– Six-speaker sound system
CONS
– Adjustable stand is costly
– Can’t remove power cable
– Average webcam
Apple’s powerful new computer needs a way to show off its skills and the Studio Display offers high-end tech for the job. It packs in a 5K Retina resolution and 600 nits of brightness into its 27-inch LCD canvas, as well as useful multimedia additions. These include six powerful speakers capable of delivering Spatial Audio and decent volume, three USB-C ports for accessories, and a 12-megapixel webcam (albeit with average quality). Demanding users might be disappointed to learn they can’t remove the power cable or that a height-adjustable stand costs an extra $600, but this screen comes with a stand included, unlike the company’s last Pro display.
Verdict: ★★★★
TWELVE SOUTH CURVE RISER
An inexpensive investment in elevating your Mac display
$140, twelvesouth.com.au
PROS
– Cheap way to improve view
– Adds extra storage shelf
– Stylish and solid build
CONS
– Only available in black
– Large footprint
– Can’t adjust height
If you’re going to invest heavily in a new computer, it makes sense to spend a little more to use it comfortably. The Twelve South Curve Riser is a solid, metal stand that can lift an Apple Studio Display 10.6cm off the desk and into the perfect eye-line. Its 25.5cm base comfortably accommodates the Studio Display’s base, and a shelf beneath it can store papers, pens, portable drives, or even a USB hub. This stand is only available in black and you can’t adjust its height, but it could make a welcome ergonomic difference to your new workstation.
Verdict: ★★★★
LOGITECH LITRA GLOW
A small light that can do big things for video streams
$90, logitech.com
PROS
– Diffuser creates soft light
– Adjustable colour and brightness
– Easy cord management
CONS
– Large, black frame
– Requires USB power
– Costs more than a ring light
It might look like a plain, white square but there is plenty going on behind the facade of this Logitech video light. Up front, it features a frameless diffuser that throws soft, flattering light on your face (particularly useful in mornings), and behind it is an array of 18 LEDs that can be adjusted with five levels of brightness, ranging from ‘TV studio’ to ‘cloudy day’. Users can also change the light’s temperature from cold blue to a warm orange, and its frame allows adjustments in its height and the angle of the light to achieve the best look.
Verdict: ★★★★½
TWELVE SOUTH MAGIGBRIDGE
One keyboard combo to rule your new machine
$60, twelvesouth.com.au
PROS
– Creates a master control panel
– Well built, considered gadget
– Suits left and right-handed use
CONS
– Creates a very long device
– Apple gadgets sold separately
– Not for mouse fans
The MagicBridge isn’t really ‘magic’ but it does show what a smart accessory, well made, can create for users. This Twelve South innovation is essentially a metal cradle for two devices: an Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2. Users decide which will be installed on the right and left, and can clip them firmly into place, leaving space to access their charging ports and on switches. When installed, the MagicBridge creates an all-in-one device that saves space on the desk but can also be used on a lap. An Extended version, for $75, suits Apple’s larger keyboard with number pad.
Verdict: ★★★★
Originally published as Tried and tested: Is Apple’s new Mac Studio and Studio Display worth the hype or the cash?
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