Research shortlist / 2026
The next setup starts here.
Premium displays, current Apple devices and creator gear worth comparing. These are research picks beyond the products I have tested.
01 / Premium displays
Displays worth a closer look
High-density Mac screens, OLED and ultrawide options. Specs come from the manufacturers; none is presented as a hands-on review.
27-inch · 5K · Thunderbolt 5
Studio Display (2026)
Apple’s standard 5K display for a Mac-centered desk.
Check the listing: Compare glass and stand options, Mac compatibility and the 2026 generation.
27-inch · 5K mini-LED · 120Hz
Studio Display XDR (2026)
The high-end Apple option for HDR work and a Mac-first desk.
Check the listing: Amazon target: standard glass with VESA mount adapter; a separate compatible arm or mount is required. Compare other glass and stand configurations, seller, return terms and Mac compatibility.
31.5-inch · 6K · Thunderbolt 4
ASUS ProArt PA32QCV
A larger, high-density canvas aimed at creative work.
Check the listing: Verify the PA32QCV model, 96W power delivery, stand and warranty.
31.5-inch · 4K OLED · up to 240Hz
ASUS ProArt PA32UCDM
An OLED display that combines color-focused work with high refresh rates.
Check the listing: Check OLED care and warranty, glare, connectivity and the exact model.
27-inch · 5K · USB-C
Samsung ViewFinity S8 S80HF
A 5K alternative to compare against the Studio Display.
Check the listing: Confirm the S80HF variant, USB-C power delivery, stand and seller.
34-inch · ultrawide · Thunderbolt 4
Samsung ViewFinity S6 S65TC
More horizontal room for windows, with a different pixel-density trade-off from 5K.
Check the listing: Confirm the S65TC model, 3440 × 1440 resolution, Thunderbolt 4 and seller.
32-inch · 4K OLED · dual mode
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B
A gaming-led OLED option with two display modes.
Check the listing: Check refresh modes, OLED care and warranty terms.
02 / Apple devices
The Apple shortlist
Current devices to compare by configuration, region and seller.
Phone · check carrier and storage
iPhone 18 Pro
A current iPhone to compare by carrier status, storage and seller.
Check the listing: Compare storage, colour, carrier status and charging compatibility.
Watch · size and connectivity
Apple Watch Series 12
Compare the case, band and GPS or cellular version.
Check the listing: Check case size, material, connectivity and the included band.
Laptop · chip and memory
14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro
A MacBook Pro configuration for demanding portable work.
Check the listing: Compare chip, memory, storage, keyboard layout and display option.
Tablet · 11-inch · M5
11-inch iPad Pro with M5
A compact Pro tablet to compare by storage and connectivity.
Check the listing: Verify screen size, generation, storage, cellular option and case compatibility.
03 / Creator kit
Camera gear beyond my bag
RF-mount gear and travel support to research against the equipment in my own photo kit.
Camera body · RF mount
Canon EOS R6 Mark III
A newer R6 body to compare with the Mark II I use.
Check the listing: Compare body-only and kit listings, lens compatibility and regional warranty.
Lens · RF mount
Canon RF 24–70mm f/2.8L IS USM
A native RF standard zoom; my bag test used the older EF version.
Check the listing: Distinguish RF from EF mount and check whether the lens fits your camera and budget.
Travel tripod · carbon
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon
A lighter travel-support option to research for a camera kit.
Check the listing: Check folded length, weight, head, leg locks and your camera/lens load.
04 / PC builds
One big PC upgrade to research
Board-partner versions can differ substantially, so the model family matters more than a headline listing.
Graphics · model family
GeForce RTX 5080
A high-end GPU family, not a single identical card.
Check the listing: Compare board partner, size, power supply needs, cooling and seller.