A couple interesting facts in no particular order.
  • I've tried a handful of Java benchmarks that I've got hanging around. In comparison to my 2014 MacPro (6-core, 3.5GHz), I'm seeing 9x performance on a carefully tuned parallel algorithm, and 5x performance on a carefully tuned scalar algorithm. I'm impressed.
  • My home office Sharp PN-K321 monitor (32", originally sold by Apple alongside the MacPro of the same era) and this Mac don't play nicely over DisplayPort. The monitor apparently wants the computer to provide it with "tiling" and the Mac Studio somehow can't do that, so you get half of the screen black. I'm currently using HDMI, which limits me to 4K/30Hz rather than the native 4K/60Hz. (The Mac Studio supports 60Hz, but the monitor doesn't.)
  • My work office has a Philips 40" 4K monster that I got when it was available for a cheap price. I used exactly the same USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable, and it worked perfectly the first time. Monitors are weird.
  • I've been investigating the world of newer 40-43" 4K monitors, because my eyes ain't getting any better. This has led me down a maze of twisty passages, perhaps best explained by DisplayNinja's page on subpixel arrangements. In short, Macs don't have any way for you to specify when you're using a monitor using one of these weird subpixel layouts. This is irrelevant for gaming, but it's problematic for using your monitor to read small text, like any programmer is going to want to do. tl;dr: The best 32" monitor for non-obscene prices seem to be the various BenQ models that are explicitly marketed as being compatible with Macs. The jury is out on whether there are any 40+" 4K monitors that work correctly with Macs. (I'm ignoring the weird world of curved monitors because I want vertical real-estate more than I want horizontal real-estate.)
  • The old Macs supported Toslink (optical digital audio) through the headphone jack. The new Macs don't. I bought a cheap no-name Toslink-USB adapter, and it works perfectly, so I didn't end up needing to make any changes in my home office audio setup.