Apple would like to have at least 1,749 euros in Germany for its Studio Display. A YouTuber has now shown that it is also much cheaper. The costs can be reduced by around 950 euros – with a used 27-inch iMac from 2014.
With the Studio Display, Apple has an impressive 27-inch screen with a 5K IPS panel and a few other goodies such as a 12 MP webcam in its range. In this country, Apple can also pay very well for the screen. In the cheapest version, the Studio Display already costs 1,749 euros. Anyone who would like to have a glass with nanotexture will be asked to pay at least 1,999 euros. But there is also a cheaper wayas an experienced YouTuber shows.
YouTuber recreates Apple Studio Display
YouTuber Luke Miani got himself an old and used iMac from 2014 and turned it into a studio display. Nothing has changed in terms of the display diagonal and resolution, so it remains at 27 inches and 5K. All in all, Miani claims to have only spent around 600 US dollars on his project. In Germany, even more savings could be achieved thanks to the higher prices for the Studio Display.
In addition to the iMac comes with the interesting hobbyist project used the LM270QQ1 display controller board, which cost $170. A new webcam is also included so that it offers the same resolution as that of the Studio Display (source: Luke Miani).
Miani shows the individual steps in the video:
Replica studio display with display port
In comparison with the expensive original one falls few minor differences. For example, the display controller board offers two Displayport 1.4 connections instead of USB-C. The replica display can be easily connected to a Mac with Thunderbolt ports using an adapter or a cable.