As a retired Apple Retail employee… most of us are genuinely excited when new products are launched. There are Users of all levels working in the stores and they are fans too!
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Thank you @MacGuyMI for confirming this. Apple customer service at my local store has been fantastic.
That’s a good question! The woman who delivered my display from the back of the store worked there part time and is a photographer, so she was genuinely excited. She said she helped setup overnight and had a chance to work with the new Studio too.
I imagine as @MacGuyMI says, it’s pretty genuine.
I’m sure there is more generalized customer centric training for Apple retail, like using the customers name and asking if they have any questions, reviewing the return policy, etc. I’ve done similar training with my operations teams but you can’t really train that enthusiasm.
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I think it’s genuine, too. I bought the LG 5K awhile ago and they were slow enough that a couple other employees came over to chat about the resolution and ask about my setup, and told me about the history of selling those at their store. Seemed sincere. When buying less exciting cables/iphones/airpods etc. they’re polite but clearly just getting through the day. 
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When I picked up my trashcan MacPro in 2013, I had a crowd of Apple Store employees come over as it was the first one that came in. I had to open the box there so they could see it.
In the “old days” when the Apple store was a bit less commercial, I wanted to test a monitor with a new Mac I did not own before buying one. I knew the “head genius” at the time and he was not sure of compatibility either, so he suggested I bring in the monitor to test it. I had pulled out the Mac and was about to hook up my monitor when an employee came over to see what I was doing disconnecting and reconnecting cables. When I explained, he called over other people and they all helped set things up to see how it would work.
I have had employees show me their websites and talk about photography and video.
It has changed a lot though and I don’t think this happens as much anymore.
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No, I’m sorry, but my point is exactly the opposite. The difference between 4k and 5k at this size is not just one of “color calibration” and “nits” (though nits matter). It’s literally a difference in seeing individual pixels and jagged edges in text or not. That isn’t nearly identical. Someone may choose not to care, but that’s not the same thing as having to know what to look for in order to notice.
Actually this is one part that should be evaluated objectively, rather than subjectively. The text is clearer (easier) to read on a 5k monitor at 27" than on a 4k monitor of the same size. Points != pixels, etc. etc.
I don’t disagree conceptually, but I disagree that it’s the case with this monitor and that’s the point that is driving me bonkers. You have to show me an actually comparable monitor (5k only) that works even moderately well before you can say that I’m paying a style tax on this one.
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I’m feeling feisty today and I’ll say 100% agree. I don’t even know where I’d buy the LG 5K anymore. So like, what is actually like this display? If I want 5K at 27” or 6k at 32”, or even 4.5K at 24”, where outside of Apple could one purchase these displays? They don’t exist.
I know other monitors exist, but they’re not what I want. Only Apple makes what I want. So guess what? I’m a captive customer and I think the price is fair. If the opportunity existed to make money and make the same thing at a cheaper price, why don’t third parties do it? Show me that display.
Alright. Let me get off my high horse and go calm down with a nice cold weekend beer.
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I suppose I thought/assumed that an iPad Pro 13" is similar, the same or better in resolution than a 4K and on par with a 5K display? The iPad Pro (and iPad mini 5) are what I’ve been using as my primary computers for the past several years, currently using the 2021 iPad Pro. And to my eyes the 4K display at 1-2 feet (no glasses, glasses) reading distance is the same as the iPad. When I schooch up to the screen as close as I can and still have focus I don’t see a difference. But that’s me, my eyes and perception.
And don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that the Studio Display is absolutely fantastic in every way. I have no doubt.
To put it another way, my previous 1080 27" computer monitor was 1080 and I could very easily see the pixelation. Were I to rate it just in terms of resolution, it would have been something like 2 out of 5 stars. On that scale, my iPad Pro would be 5 stars as would the 4k display I have (just in terms of my visual perception). So, while the 5k Studio Display is technically superior in build quality, pixel density, built in camera, etc, I can’t appreciate those differences enough to spend the extra $1000.
Edit to add, perhaps I didn’t make it clear in my original posts above, my thoughts on this are very much about me, my context and my evaluation of cost and value and return. Others obviously should do as they see fit, what they value and can afford. Go for it and enjoy! 
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In this post you added “pixel density” to your list of differences. That makes all the difference. If you don’t think the pixel density difference is visible to you (or worth the cost), that argument will get no pushback from me at all. But pixel density is THE killer feature of this monitor for those of us who do see it. Everything else is what makes it better than the LG 5k, so those things we’re saying are worth a few hundred dollars. When the arguments are that this monitor costs a thousand more than similar ones, that’s when it’s clear that pixel density wasn’t taken into the equation at all. And for an individual perspective, that’s completely fine. But saying that those who want it are fanboys paying $1000 extra for “style” is what got you the pushback in this thread.
And none of it was taken personally. Your tone and attitude in disagreement are exemplary.
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My Apple Store said they no longer sold the LG 5K. Not in store, not online. Maybe it’s regional? Maybe it was just out of stock? I don’t know. Just repeating what I was told. If the LG is hard to find, that just means there’s less competition for this market.
Yeah, the pixel density and pixel scaling is really what this is all about. If you deal with text all day or pixel perfect designs, and you can see the difference, you’ll probably never un-see it.
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Ah, thank you for clarification. Interesting. I think the screen on that is, you know, fine. Much like the rest of it. But the consistency thing you’ve encountered really irks me. I expect it on a cheaper display, but on something in that price range I’d hope for better.
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Hi
A bit late to the party!
I have just got the studio display - standard with a VESA mount. It is to replace the LG Ultrafine 5K, which I have had since it came out however many years ago. The display is fabulous. It appears brighter and more precise than the LG to me. The screen seems less reflective. I am pleased not to have gone with the matt texture. I am okay with the camera - I had three video conferences today. It took some time to get used to the camera moving. You have to be careful when you reach for your coffee! My work is not with colour accuracy or images, so I am not the best source for any opinion on that.
The VESA mounting is easy so long as you have kept your screws! There are none in the box. I use an Invision Monitor Arm Bracket for 22”-35” Screens VESA from Amazon. It is an excellent mount for the desk and lets me place the screen exactly where I want.
Overall, I am delighted with the display. It feels and looks like a quality product. It works seamlessly with the MBP. I love it and would recommend it. I work a lot with documents and text. The text is pin-sharp and crystal clear.
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Ahahahahaha 
so true!! Been there!
I though this was really useful. I hated the fact that you had to recycle iMacs and lose the great screens.
I have an older 2014 iMac my daughter is using. When she is finished with it I think I will give this a go.
I saw this and thought it was really cool. I wish I Apple could have allowed this by default, through the life of the product. Great content.
I agree completely. The display is a joy to use. I’ve also had good experiences with the camera, mic and speakers - it’s just right for me and I love not having to use a separate webcam.
I’ve just been spending the last week convincing my employer to buy me one, in addition to the one I have already at home. Thankfully, they finally agreed.
I wouldn’t be able to use anything else now I’ve got used to the picture quality and design.
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So, you need more screen space, like the Studio Display and are fond of potted plants.
There - fixed it for you 
(My apology - I posted a similar photo in another thread in this forum. Couldn’t resist this one.)
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Potplants are so antiminimalistic. I just create a mess instead.
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