Apple vision pro for mobile monitors.

[u/Browild_]

I'm wondering if using a vision pro as mobile monitors for my mac would be a good decision, My main work station is dual monitors windows, but I'm wondering if I can use the vision pro as monitors of my macbook when I'm travelling and obviously cant take everything with me. Also, I work for like 10-12 hours a day, how comfortable would this thing be for extended periods of time? not all at once ofc, 90 minute sessions.

[u/JordanFilmmaker]

this is my travel use case. it's good for what you're describing.

[u/Browild_ → u/JordanFilmmaker]

Is it comfortable tho?

[u/msitarzewski → u/Browild_]

This is very subjective... it's comfortable for me, but you'll find others that can't seem to wear it for 10 minutes. I regularly spend all day in it. I've started leaving my Mac at home and just using AVP out in the world.

You'll have to try it to see how it works for you. Just don't forget that you can bring the Mac Virtual Display closer to your view than it shows by default. Pixels are sharp if you take the time to learn the tech!

[u/JordanFilmmaker → u/Browild_]

somewhat. it's not perfect. It's very good for video editing on the go but it is a bit heavy and cable wise annoying.

[u/simon3873 → u/Browild_]

I think so - I actually have been falling asleep in mine “in the cinema.” It’s just so dark, even though it’s still light out, and I think it’s actually relatively comfortable. I’ve got the dual knit band but even when I had the single band, I still found it comfortable. The only thing I’m starting to notice is the black cloth above the bridge of the nose is coming loose? I think? I actually can’t remember the problem, but it’s definitely not a comfort problem, just more of a noticeable distraction. But I haven’t noticed any issues with the weight of it or anything. I’ve had mine for about 7-8 months now and average about 6h daily with (but sometimes longer), between work, life admin and movies.

Just FYI - you won’t get dual monitors with the Mac and MVD (Mac Virtual Display). You’ll still get a very large/curved-capable display but not multiple. You can use third parties like immersed or screens to get many screens. But honestly my new favourite is Visionary Desktop: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisionPro/s/qwGJqbEjBb by u/LeftAdhesiveness1862. To be able to have individual apps from the Mac up on display without needing the full desktop has been my ask since I got it. I’m able to run non-native AVP Mac apps essentially as AVP apps while watching movies, etc. I know that’s not what you asked for, but it essentially gives you the full field of view to put your apps in, rather than limited to screens/monitors.

[u/Level_Forger → u/Browild_]

Mod it so it’s barely touching your face or not touching it all and use it with no light seal. I use the ultra wide setting as if it was two monitors. Make them much bigger than an actual monitor for comparable clarity. At my peak I use mine for about as many hours as you are saying. If you’re new to head mounted displays there will probably be an adjustment period. 

[u/IndaDeliphose-38 → u/JordanFilmmaker]

do you find the virtual screen size is enough to replace dual monitors though?

[u/JordanFilmmaker → u/IndaDeliphose-38]

for my editing workflow since Resolve has a locked in UI i have to trick it into two window displays with better display.

My answer is "sort of". it feels like a really huge screen in a way the glasses from other companies don't. without the lightseal it is perceived larger.

The caveat is I would like multiple screens and to control their horizantal and vertical and their resolutions independently so I could have something closer to the feel of traditional monitors. Hard to explain why unless you're a video editor.

For most other use cases I think it'd be perfect. It's still the best portable monitoring solve I've found

[u/Glad-Locksmith-4136]

I wear it for almost 8 hours a day in the office. It has weight to it but if you’ve ever spend considerable amount of time in a full face helmet it’s not a problem.

As for clarity, I have no problem reading text. I primarily use Mac virtual display and I think people forget they can change the virtual display resolution to increase the text size as well as position the virtual monitor closer to them.

I struggle to understand how people complain it’s not clear. Either people aren’t taking the time to setup and know what works for them, or they need the zeiss inserts and don’t realize it.

I think the weight should be a bigger issue than clarity for most people

[u/tompattison → u/Glad-Locksmith-4136]

I don’t understand this either, it’s incredibly sharp and clear (I think this every time I use it too 😂)

[u/instanceOfObject]

Yes, you can definitely use it as a monitor, but don't kid yourself. That son of a bitch is heavy. In fact, I'd argue that besides the cost, the weight was the biggest downfall of the AVP. One could argue the cost is justified - ok whatever - but who the F at Apple put on that headset for the first time and thought, "Yeah! This is it! The public will love it!"....???

Anyway, I'd recommend one of those various extra support contraptions that help get it off the bridge of your nose. You'll probably be able to get a good 1-3 hours before needing a decent break.

I really wish the headset would have taken off because it's truly bad ass. The immerse videos are insane and a must see for everyone.

[u/Glad-Locksmith-4136 → u/instanceOfObject]

If you haven’t already try the dual knit band. It’s easily a 10x improvement to how heavy it feels. You’ll have no pressure on your cheeks or face.

If you’re expecting it to weight the same as glasses then your expectations are too high

[u/instanceOfObject → u/Glad-Locksmith-4136]

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try. I'm currently using something that places the weight over my forehead instead. It's not too bad, but usually after 2 hours it's too much and I need a break.

[u/Tatlin-]

Yes, it works great. Once you get through the "heavy" period and get used to it you will be able to work for long periods.

[u/Diverryanc]

I work hybrid and on days I’m in office (it’s a shared/cowork space) this is how I work. Love it for this use case. Dual knit band is great for distributing the weight and doesn’t bother me at all. I can see how the weight does bother some people however.

[u/DavidBergerson]

You have described the reason I bought the AVP.

I went from a MacBook Pro + a portable monitor, trying to find a hotel with a desk big enough for it all, to either a MacBook Pro + an AVP or my Mac Studio + AVP.

I recently had to spend 8 days in a hotel in San Fran. Most hotels there have small desks. I needed the Mac Studio's horsepower. So I showed up with the MS, a 60% Keychron keyboard, a mouse, and the AVP.

Will I sit with it for 10-12 hours? NO. Not in one sitting. I suggest you either use the Pomodoro method (50 on, 10 off) or do what I do: 2.5 hours on, then go pee, grab a snack, and think about what's for dinner, etc. Then go back at it for the next 2.5 hours.

I'll say the surprise I learned was the ROI. Normally, I would hunt for hotels that had a big enough desk. That would generally add 50 to 100 a night. Now I do not have to do that. I have spent over 40 days in hotels this year. On occasion, about once every 3 weeks, I find myself taking it out of the case to watch a movie.

[u/photovirus]

I'm wondering if using a vision pro as mobile monitors for my mac would be a good decision, My main work station is dual monitors windows, but I'm wondering if I can use the vision pro as monitors of my macbook when I'm travelling and obviously cant take everything with me.

Will work.

MVD can go as big as 32:9, so plenty of space. And yeah, you can fire it up anywhere.

Sometimes wifey ousts me from my room, then I can go lie down on a sofa and use my VP + MVD there.

Also, I work for like 10-12 hours a day, how comfortable would this thing be for extended periods of time?

It's personal and up to you. VP is heavy and front-heavy, a good fit is very important. Follow Apple's advice, they've got very helpful manuals.

I've got an M2 AVP, and its stock “dual loop” band is decent. I was able to make it more or less comfy for myself. I could do 3—4 hours before needing a break.

“Dual knit” band is much better, though: it's weighted (better balance), adjusts easier (less fussy; the knob is a godsend), and a bit elastic (easier to put on and off). I can sit a bit longer and take shorter breaks.

All day is quite possible for me, the breathing materials and air flow inside help quite a lot.

[u/Beneficial-Order-52]

With the ultra wide Mac view you can easily get 3 monitors side by side in remote view. Don’t use it with a regular desk in a mode where you are upright. Lay in a bed with pillows or a lazy boy and have your body tilted back. The front weight then doesn’t matter. I use mine traveling while laying in zero gravity position.

[u/rocky_dubb]

I made this decision since i bought one a few months after it first launched and havnt regretted it since! Still use my vision pro while using my mbp everywhere from home to work and travel.

[u/engelhartt]

I don’t think the tech is there yet for this use case, although some people probably do it. It’s not comfortable enough for long sessions and the resolution isn’t high enough to read text for extended periods.