We’ve seen a few computer setups lately where the owner switches from one or more large monitors to something smaller. But they don’t necessarily see losing the screen real estate as a “downgrade.”
That’s the case with today’s featured M1 Pro MacBook-centered setup. It went from a 34-inch ultra-wide 4K monitor to a new 27-inch Studio Display.
Essentially it boils down to “size isn’t everything.” When it comes to displays, there’s actually a lot more to the picture.
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Studio Display: When you go from a 34-inch ultra-wide display to a 27-inch monitor, but you ‘definitely didn’t downgrade’
Web developer, video editor and Redditor dawijo showcased the setup in a post entitled, “Downsized from my 34” ultrawide, but definitely didn’t downgrade.”
“Curious what made the downsize an actual upgrade?” asked a commenter headed for a very similar situation. “New job is sending me a MacBook and I’m deathly afraid of giving up my 165Hz on my 38” 4k ultra wide.”
Dawijo said they’d swapped a 34-inch LG 34UC98-W monitor for the 27-inch Studio Display for a number of reasons. They split their work time between their IT-related day job and working with After Effects and Premier so a higher-resolution display seemed like the right choice.
But that’s not the only reason.
“The curved screen and physically moving your head to view content while up close got old,” they said. “macOS’s handling of scaling/performance on 27” 4k displays is what tipped me to the 5K display of the Studio Display. I’d say the resolution bump and clarity were a great upgrade.”
So in this case, screen clarity trumped sheer real estate, as it tends to do. As a 5K monitor, the Studio Display achieves 5120 x 2880 pixel resolution. As a 4K, the LG gets 3440 x 1440.
And other Redditors agreed about pros and cons of Studio Display.
Here’s a choice comment that hits on a lot of points, mostly positive but some negative:
Used to game on a 34” ultrawide, really immersive for gaming and perfect 21:9 that fits modern cinematic movies. But, a pain when looking left and right when working on docs or even ppts.
Studio Display? 5k means crispy fonts (I work with text a lot, browse the web), awesome colors, high monitor brightness, and great 16:9 ratio for everyday YouTube videos. 27” is the perfect size imo. Oh and don’t forget the glossy screen – really fabulous and vivid images that make every minute using it so enjoyable. It’s expensive, but worth every penny and downsizing.
Cons: high cost (extra for height adjustable stand), lack of integrated usb c hub, 60hz refresh rate, relatively thick bezels for a modern monitor, dismal camera quality.
Custom walnut AirPods case
And there’s a detail in the setup worth mentioning because it’s easy to miss sitting on the base of the Studio Display in the photograph above. It’s a custom walnut AirPods case sold on Etsy.
Dawijo provided a separate image, below. How’s that for a rustic look? The case fits AirPods 1, 2, 3 and AirPods Pro. It costs about $24. And there are plenty of other similar ones.
You can find it and the other gear in the link list below.
Photo: dawinyo@imgur.com
Shop these items now:
Computer and stand:
Display:
Input devices:
Furniture and accessories:
- Ikea Hemnes desk
- Terasako magnetic charging cable
- Hidrate Spark USB water bottles
- AirPods Pro in custom walnut case
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.
