Chapter 1: Excitement Around the Mac Studio

I have rarely felt as thrilled about an Apple event as I was during the March 2022 presentation. The highlight for me was undoubtedly the debut of the Mac Studio. This machine represents the pinnacle of what many creators, including myself, have long desired.

To understand my enthusiasm, let's take a step back. Since acquiring my M1 MacBook Pro last year, I eagerly anticipated the release of an upgraded Mac mini. I transitioned from an older Mac Pro to my MacBook Pro for all my professional and everyday tasks, but this was only a temporary fix until a more robust desktop option became available. Although my current setup works well, using a laptop as a desktop replacement has its drawbacks, especially when I still need it for on-the-go tasks. I hesitated to invest in a new Mac Pro until after the transition to Apple Silicon, and I was uncertain about reverting to a large tower setup. I had expected Apple to unveil a more powerful Mac mini akin to their previous Intel models, which would have sufficed. However, just days before the event, rumors began circulating about a new product named the Mac Studio.

Initially, I was skeptical about the validity of these rumors, especially since they originated from less credible sources. However, as the event drew closer, the buzz indicated that this was indeed a legitimate announcement.

Our expectations were met.

Apple not only introduced a completely new line of Macs but also unveiled a groundbreaking chip that would have been impressive on its own. The Mac Studio, along with the new Studio Display, seems to replace the now-discontinued 27" iMac in Apple's offerings. While this change has disappointed some users, there are significant advantages to having the display and computer as separate entities. My last experience with an iMac involved a display failure, while the computer itself remained functional. Unfortunately, this meant I had to send the entire unit for repairs. With the Mac Studio and Studio Display, users can easily replace the monitor if issues arise while continuing to work.

The introduction of the Mac Studio fulfills a long-standing desire among users for a mid-range Mac.

(The cube is gone, but the "not quite a cube" has arrived.)

More powerful than a Mac mini yet less cumbersome than a full-sized tower, the Mac Studio fits this niche perfectly. In fact, it outperforms even the priciest Mac Pro at a fraction of the cost.

At the heart of this machine is the M1 Ultra, Apple's latest high-performance chip. This chip essentially combines two M1 processors to function as a single unit, and its capabilities are nothing short of remarkable. Benchmarks show that it can outperform the 28-core Xeon currently found in the highest-end Mac Pro, and it boasts enough graphics performance to rival the Nvidia GeForce 3090. Configuring a comparable Mac Pro would set you back over €20,000, while a fully equipped Mac Studio with the M1 Ultra is priced around €5,000. Given that the Nvidia GeForce Ti 3090 costs over €2,000 alone, the value for performance is impressive, even if some still grumble about the price. It raises the question: if this is the power available in the mid-range Mac Studio, what sort of powerhouse will the Mac Pro feature?

Apple has also rolled out a more affordable version of the Mac Studio equipped with the M1 Max chip, which will likely meet the needs of many users. For photographers, especially, the M1 Max variant should suffice. Personally, I have found that the 16GB RAM limit on my M1 MacBook Pro has been the most significant constraint, so upgrading to 32GB will be a considerable boost—more than enough for those working with still images or non-motion designs. For video editors or motion graphics artists, the entry-level M1 Ultra version should be adequate, while 3D artists or high-end video editors will benefit from the full capabilities of the M1 Ultra chip.

One often overlooked advantage of these new Macs is their energy efficiency. While many disregard this feature in desktop computers, rising energy costs globally make the M1 chipset's energy savings noteworthy. Apple claims a reduction of 100 watts during peak performance compared to Intel chips, and with high-end discrete GPUs consuming substantial power, these savings can accumulate over the year. While the impact may be minimal for individual artists, small to mid-sized studios with multiple Macs could see significant savings over time—especially valuable in today's economic climate.

I haven’t even touched on the Studio Display yet, which I find equally exciting. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, there are limited alternatives available. While numerous 4K displays exist, only the LG 5K display can compete, and those are increasingly hard to come by, particularly in Europe. Additionally, they lack the built-in speakers, microphones, and high-quality webcam that the Studio Display offers. There are plenty of 4K and ultra-wide options available for those who find this display too costly, although a higher refresh rate or true HDR options would be welcome improvements in the future.

In summary, it’s refreshing—if somewhat surprising—to see Apple finally responding to user demands. This shift may unsettle some traditionalists who view these new Macs as a sign of decline for Apple. However, as a long-time designer, motion graphics artist, and photographer, I believe the Mac Studio is an ideal solution for my needs, and I’m genuinely excited about its existence. It may be one of the best Macs Apple has ever produced.

Now, if only I could figure out how to afford one!

Additional Recommendations

If you're considering purchasing one of these machines, here are a few tips for configuring your ideal setup:

1. Opt for the maximum RAM your budget allows. Upgrading later is not an option, so future-proof your investment. While 32GB should suffice, consider 64GB if you can swing it.
2. Aim for at least a 1TB internal drive. While you may be tempted to economize by relying on external storage, applications and their associated files can quickly consume internal space. Keeping your Lightroom Library or Capture One catalog on the system drive enhances performance. Based on my experience, 512GB is inadequate for most users.
3. The entry-level model is surprisingly capable on its own. If you're primarily a photographer and don’t engage in heavy video work, it should meet your needs. However, if you're on a budget and require video capabilities, this model remains a robust option. My current M1 Mac handles video tasks well, and an M1 Max is comparable to a high-end Intel i9. Just remember to increase your storage and consider adding extra RAM, as this may serve you better than upgrading the processor. Of course, if your budget allows for a top-tier configuration, go for it!

The first video titled "The Truth about the M1 Mac Studio | Long Term Review" provides insights into the performance and user experience of the Mac Studio after extended use.

The second video, "Watch this BEFORE you buy a Mac Studio," offers essential considerations for potential buyers, helping users make informed decisions before their purchase.