A Potential Nickname for the Mac Studio?

What nickname could suit the Mac Studio? While the Mac Pro is famously known as the cheese grater, and the 2013 version earned the “trashcan” moniker, does the Mac Studio qualify for a catchy name? Perhaps it could be called the “retaining wall block”? It may not roll off the tongue, but it’s the first visual association that comes to mind.

Does the Mac Studio remind you of a retaining wall block? The recent Apple Event revealed exciting new products, including a green iPhone SE and an M1-powered iPad Air. However, many are more interested in the Mac Studio. The M1-powered iPad Air might signal an exciting future for iPads and iPhones, hinting at possibilities like Final Cut Pro on iPad. Yet, it’s hard to focus on these advancements when the event marked the end of the 27” iMac and the introduction of the Mac Studio, which could be seen as a way to resurrect the 2013 Mac Pro.

Comparing the Mac Studio and the 2013 Mac Pro

What’s the connection between the Mac Studio and the 2013 Mac Pro? Apple seemingly misjudged the needs of professional users back in 2013, launching a design that lacked modularity and expandability. Professionals required the 2019 Mac Pro, but the “trashcan” left many feeling unheard, especially as Apple shifted its focus toward iOS devices and services.

Despite its flaws, many professionals still opted for the 2013 Mac Pro, thanks to third-party solutions like eGPUs that kept it relevant for years. When the 2019 Mac Pro was introduced, there was a wave of relief among users who had waited for a more capable machine. However, the steep price of the base model left many feeling excluded.

Challenges with the New Mac Studio

The 2019 Mac Pro was far more than what many users needed. With the M1 chip rolling out in various models, investing in an Intel machine felt less appealing. The 2013 Mac Pro maintained a good resale value, but there remained a gap for professionals needing a bridge between the M1 Mac mini and the 2019 Mac Pro.

What about the discontinued 27” iMac? The iMac lacked essential ports compared to the 2013 Mac Pro, which had ample connectivity options, making it a better fit for mid-range pro users. Could the new Mac Studio be Apple’s answer to this gap? While it’s portable, it doesn’t offer the modularity some professionals crave.

Connectivity Concerns with the Mac Studio

Many users still felt overlooked in 2019, as there was no suitable replacement for the 2013 Mac Pro. The March Event in 2022 finally introduced the Mac Studio, which offers exceptional performance but raises questions about connectivity and design.

With a starting price of $1,999, the Mac Studio delivers impressive power. After using the M1 Pro MacBook Pro, I realized that even the base model of the Mac Studio would suffice for my editing needs. However, the connectivity options still leave something to be desired.

The new Mac Studio includes two USB-C ports and an SD card slot in the front, suggesting it’s designed for desktop use. This configuration may lead to a lack of ports if users want to connect additional peripherals.

The examples shown by Apple feature setups that could easily exceed $10,000, which is far from feasible for most users. While the Mac Studio is a significant upgrade for those like me replacing a 2013 Mac Pro, it presents a higher cost for former iMac users who are now required to purchase separate components.

The Discontinuation of the 27” iMac

Apple has effectively separated the 27” iMac into two components: the Mac Studio and a Studio Display, leading to a total cost that is significantly higher than the former all-in-one solution. Now, users must pay nearly double to obtain similar capabilities.

For many casual users, the combination of a Mac mini and the Studio Display is still more expensive than the previous 27” iMac, which met their needs perfectly. From a business standpoint, this strategy works for Apple, but the trade-offs for customers are glaring.