The Questionable Price Tag of Apple's $1,000 Monitor Stand: An Examination
Apple's latest offering, the Pro Display XDR, has been making waves in the tech world, but it's not just the monitor itself that's turning heads - its stand is causing a stir too. The Pro Stand, as it's called, comes with a hefty price tag of $999, making it a significant investment for those seeking a high-end monitor stand[1][3].
In comparison, most high-end monitor stands for professional displays generally cost significantly less. While prices vary, most adjustable professional stands range from a few hundred dollars up to around $500–$600 for very premium models. These stands often provide tilt, height adjustment, swivel, and rotation functionalities[4].
Here's a quick comparison:
| Item | Price Range | Notes | |-------------------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Apple Pro Display XDR Stand | $999 | Specifically designed for Pro Display XDR, supports tilt, height, rotation | | Typical High-End Monitor Stands| Approximately $200–$600| Adjustable tilt, height, swivel, and rotation available, but usually much cheaper than Apple’s Pro Stand[4] |
The Pro Stand's high price point has raised eyebrows among consumers, with some arguing that it's priced significantly above the typical market range for high-end monitor stands[1][3]. Some have suggested that Apple could have avoided some criticism by pricing the Pro Display XDR at $6,000 and including the stand for free.
The Pro Stand is designed specifically for the Pro Display XDR and offers a few unique features. It has a magnetic connector for easy detachment, a port on the bottom, and, unlike the Surface Studio 2's stand, it does not rotate into portrait mode for use as a digital drafting table[2]. However, it does support tilt and height adjustment.
The Pro Display XDR itself boasts impressive specifications, with a 32-inch screen and a 6K resolution, as well as full HDR support and a peak brightness of 1600 nits[5]. Its colour reproduction is claimed to be better than OLED, making it an attractive option for professionals in the film, photography, and design industries.
However, with a price tag of $6,099 for the Pro Display XDR alone, the Pro Stand's cost of $999 makes the overall package out of reach for many consumers, especially those who are not professionals in these fields or those looking for an affordable upgrade[6].
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2019/06/03/pro-display-xdr-stand-price/ [2] https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/apple-pro-display-xdr-review-3689895/ [3] https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-pro-display-xdr-stand-costs-999-and-doesnt-rotate [4] https://www.monitortests.com/articles/best-monitor-stands [5] https://www.apple.com/uk/pro-display-xdr/ [6] https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/apple-pro-display-xdr-6099-price-3689869/
- The Pro Stand for the Pro Display XDR, priced at $999, is causing controversy among consumers, as it's significantly higher than the typical range for high-end monitor stands, which usually cost between $200 and $600.
- Some tech enthusiasts suggest Apple could have avoided criticism by pricing the Pro Display XDR at $6,000 and including the Pro Stand for free, making the overall package more affordable.
- Despite the high cost of the Pro Stand, gadget enthusiasts looking for smart-home devices, tech gadgets, and future technology, such as the Pro Display XDR with its impressive 6K resolution and superior color reproduction, may find the high price point worthwhile for their professional needs.
