When new Apple gear comes out, sometimes it pays to wait a bit and grab it when the iPhone giant and other sellers start offering refurbished versions of it. Today’s setup boasts a Mac Studio desktop computer and a Studio Display, both refurbished, and the user said he had a hard time telling they’re not actually new.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Mac Studio and Studio Display refurbs seem new in upgraded computer setup
Redditor bucketofmonkeys (“Monk”) showcased the refurb-rich setup in a post entitled, “New Mac Studio M2 Max setup.” He said he upgraded to the refurbished M2 Max Mac Studio from a 2019 MacBook Pro. And of course, what better external display to add than a (refurbished) 27-inch 5K Studio Display?
Both the Mac and display came straight from Apple. It often doesn’t take all that long for refurbished gear to show up at Apple. The 2023 Mac Studio desktops started appearing as refurbs about three months after they came out.
“I’m loving this Mac Studio and Studio Display setup,” Monk said. “It’s a big upgrade over my 2019 Macbook Pro! Still needs some work in the cable management on the left side … I have a gaming PC under the desk and was using a KVM to switch, but the KVM won’t work with the Studio Display, so I’m going to get rid of it at some point.”
When a commenter said they plan to get the same gear and put in a plug for refurbished Apple products. And for gaming on Mac Studio.
“I got the Mac and the display both from the refurb store, and I can’t tell any difference from new,” Monk said. “Saved me about $600. I’ve barely even touched my gaming PC since then, as the Mac Studio runs the games I like just fine.”
“Lovely,” said a commenter. “How is the Display? Any issues?”
Here’s Monk’s reply:
The display is awesome. I upgraded from an Asus 1440p monitor. I run the Studio Display in 1440p as well, as that gives me the UI size that I prefer, but text is much sharper and clearer with the Retina display. And I can watch 4K videos now, too.
I’ve also connected my PC to the Studio Display with [a DisplayPort to USB-C] cable and it works very well. I do wish the display would allow for multiple inputs so I could easily switch between them, but it’s not too difficult to reach behind and unplug one to plug in the other.
Another person asked if Monk found a good way to switch between his Mac and PC using the same peripherals.
“Yes, I was also using a DisplayPort KVM previously to switch between my Macbook Pro and my gaming PC, but with the Studio Display it’s not quite as easy,” Monk replied. “That being said, it’s not too much more difficult either.”
“You can still use the KVM to switch your keyboard and mouse, but for display you just have to unplug your Mac from the display and plug in your PC instead,” he added. “The [a DisplayPort to USB-C] cable works great for connecting the PC to the Studio Display — it connects the webcam, speakers and USB ports, as well.”
Shop these items now:
Computer:
- M2 Max Mac Studio (new)
- M2 Max Mac Studio (refurbished)
- M1 Max Mac Studio (Apple Certified Refurbished)
Display and accessories:
- Studio Display (new)
- Studio Display (refurbished)
- Studio Display (Apple Certified Refurbished)
- BenQ Screenbar Monitor Light
Connectivity:
Input devices:
Other:
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, challenges and plans for new additions.
This 27-inch 5K resolution Studio Display from Apple is refurbished. It features Standard Glass and a Tilt-Adjustable Stand.
