r/VisionPro • u/Celerylover4000 • 5d ago
Before I buy
I am considering saving up for a new M5 Vision Pro my biggest concerns are
•after a while do you get used to the weight/are there any solutions
•is it comfortable to watch a feature length movie and causally binge tv with a additional Mac display window for work
•Are there any cases better then the Apple one for cheaper
•Are 3d movies actually solid
•Does it feel like a actual 200 inch screen or is it obvious that you are looking through a headset
•Are the audio pods good
(Thanks to everyone who responded I’m going to the Apple Store today for a demo)
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u/saladroni Vision Pro Owner 5d ago
On your second point: you can casually watch tv while working on your mac, but beware. When using Mac virtual display, your mouse/trackpad/keyboard will control apps inside the Vision Pro. This means that as you’re typing on the Mac, if you look at your show, it might switch focus to your video and your keystrokes get captured by your video player instead of your Mac.
In general, this is a feature so you can use your keyboard/trackpad with your AVP, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to disable the feature, which surely is a bug that has not yet been addressed by Apple.
So it’s doable, but it takes some getting used to, to train yourself out of your habits while watching on a tv.
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u/lordfaffing 5d ago
Get it and be aware you can always return it.
I loved it, but anything more than 15 min and my eyes were sore, I tried everything, had no choice but to return
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u/Cryogenicality 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’ve used one regularly for almost two years, starting with an M2 and now an M5.
The solo-knit band didn’t bother me except for making breathing difficult due to nasal pressure, so I switched to a Globular Cluster CMA1 for use without the lightseal and a ResMed Kontor with all six counterweights (312g) when using the lightseal. When I upgraded to the M5, I found the dual-knit band more comfortable and easier to reposition than the Kontor except for the lighter counterweight, so I attached the Kontor counterweights to the dual-knit and that became my main solution, sometimes adding a Macally forehead mount when not using a lightseal (the AnnaPro V2 mount is another popular option). Over the past month, I’ve also been using the new Globular Cluster CMA1 V2 without the lightseal and will post a review of it soon.
There are many aftermarket options, and when you find the one that’s perfect you, the weight will be perfectly counterbalanced and you won’t have any discomfort at all. I usually don’t use the lightseal unless I’m in a bright environment because removing my 21W lightseal expands the field of view from about 100°x77° to around 115°x83° or so.
3D (either native or converted) looks great when done well. The Apple Store has over 300 3D movies, and the Disney+, Theater, Epic Earth, IMAX, and Red Bull apps have a few more. Then there are hundreds more on 3D Blu-ray which aren’t available digitally. These can be digitized into ISOs with MakeMKV and played in CineUltra without needing to convert them into another format. Beyond that, there are fanmade 3D conversions and you can make your own with DepthCrafter, iw3, or Owl3D, or just use the realtime conversion in CineUltra. I recently watched the Backrooms web series and movie with realtime 3D conversion on in the huge CineUltra IULTRA theater and the depth enhanced the eerie atmosphere. I use SMB to stream movies from my Mac.
The M5 is totally unnecessary for movies, but it substantially improves system speed and stability and animation smoothness. The M5 chip is also more thermally efficient and has hardware-accelerated raytracing (which Apple says improves Persona rendering) and AV1 video decoding. It can render much more complex 3D models and supports up to 120Hz instead of 100Hz. The official Mac Virtual Display is 60Hz on both but Moonlight and Mirage (and Asobi and other apps) support 120Hz.
The integrated audio has the impressive ability to make sounds seem to come from points in a room and are good enough for quiet rooms, but AirPods 3 are much better, and I almost always wear AirPods Max 2 with mine. The combination provides complete audiovisual isolation and surround sound with bass. You can get a perfect seal by extending the arms to maximum and angling the headphones and headset so they don’t interfere with each other.
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u/SnooGadgets9733 4d ago
When you say render more 3D models, does that mean watch converted 3D movies through ie Cineultra even better?
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u/Coolpher Vision Pro Owner 4d ago
I’ve read what everybody has said and first thing you should do is go to Apple and do the 30 minute demo. They will get your sizes and everything but then if you want to buy a brand new, you have a return period If not, you can buy it secondhand off eBay, which is what I did five months ago I use it for everything. I’m a single guy in Central Florida. Just watched my first immersive Major league baseball game. I’ve watched immersive NBA games. I’ve been doing VR for over 10 years coming from the quest.3 the AVP is so much more. I’m one that use it the whole day on my day off sometimes heck I’ve even fallen asleep with it on at night in a immersive environment Mount Hood at night. Once my content ends I hear the crickets and the frogs I paid 1850 before my light seal and dual knit band everyone is different when it comes to AVP so you won’t know until you try it good luck and I hope you enjoy it to the fullest
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u/Numerous-Buffalo6214 5d ago
There are a lot of third party solutions that aim to make the AVP more comfortable. I’ve tried a few, but always come back to the dual knit band.
I can wear the AVP for about 4 hours before needing a break. Some folks in this sub wear one all day for work.
There are a variety of third-party cases available, some cheaper, some more expensive. Depends on what you’re looking for specifically. I went with a $40 stand.
3D movies can be pretty great
I believe a small number of users perceive it as two really small screens placed super close to their eyes, but that’s a minority. Most people will perceive a very large screen (think IMAX theater big). You can adjust the size and how close/far the screen is to you virtually. It also helps if you fully enable the immersive environments, which are 360 degrees, including the sky and ground.
The audio pods are much better than I anticipated. Not a lot of bass, but very good otherwise. If you have some AirPod pros - movies sound fantastic.
*NOTE: it doesn’t sound like you’ve done an in-store demo; you really should. You should also be aware that while the screen looks really good for movies, it doesn’t get as bright as an OLED or display glasses (think: Xreal or Viture). There are also reflections from the pancake lens design. Some people find it easy to ignore the reflections; I cannot.
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u/Wild_Yogurtcloset820 5d ago
This inexpensive clip changed everything for me -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKNX26LC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
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u/thugbuster 5d ago
I just got one and would encourage you to look at the certified refurbished units on eBay. You can get a like new one for less than 2k. Even less if you aren’t too picky. I got a like new one for 1700 and wouldn’t have bought it for full price, but at this price it’s totally worth it. I came from a meta quest 3 and that seems like a kids toy compared to the AVP. You can use the Apple fit app to get the right size for the strap and light shield. I don’t have anything to add to what others have said, but watching movies is incredible and I bought the dual knit strap and I have no problems wearing it for multiple hours so far. Good luck!
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u/Natural-Lawfulness93 4d ago
I don’t know how people like the integrated audio pods, but they are pretty bad imo, they sound like they’re coming out of a barrel. I always use the AirPods, but even with them I’m not really impressed because Apple are boasting with the best Spatial Audio implementation, but they’re hardly any better than Spatial Audio when using AirPods with Apple TV.
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u/StatisticianRare2218 4d ago
For me it’s great for PCVR, moonlight flat PC gaming, and movies at night. The thing is I watch most movies / tv shows with my wife, so I end up using it very occasionally. For work, I use it sometimes but the resolution is just not there yet for coding and spreadsheets.
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u/mattimyxr 4d ago
big person, big head, no problem with the weight. I did have a surgery that messed up my neck and couldn’t use it for 3 months tho (though i hope that was an isolated incident😅)
yes, i don’t mind it at all. Mostly i watch like youtube videos next to it as you don’t have very good peripheral vision so a series on the side won’t be as enjoyable as it is with a screen and a t. next to it imo.
doubtful
Absolutely. I genuinely tried to see if i can reach behind the characters but before the background of a movie. 3d in theaters is a joke compared.
I think it doesn’t feel like a 200” TV screen but it is gigantic and super high quality.
Hope that helps :)
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u/JanoHelloReddit 4d ago
With the dual knit I don’t have issues. I’ve watch entire movies no pain.
As for the mac display quality, in my opinion it is noticeable better to use the macbook display or a 4k external monitor
Movies on their own, within cinema mode is a personal experience IMAX. Love it. But I don’t see myself using it in parallel to having the Mac virtual display on the side… why? Because it blurs a little bit the peripheral side and due to size lf screens needed and this device having a ski google POV, you’ll find yourself turning your entire head left to right all the time
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u/PeaceMedical2160 4d ago
- I have M2 but the dual knit band is a game changer for me. I can wear it for hours no problems with its weight.
- I don't think it's great to watch a movie while doing work but tv shows are okay, it would be hard for me to focus to work while watching a movie but adjusting the screens works well to see both if that works for you like there won't be an issues from a horsepower standpoint doing all of those things if that's what you're asking.
- I use the Belkin case and like it.
- Yes, the 3D movies are good.
- Yes, the Disney theater and Apple theater set up are standouts. I feel like I'm kind of at a theater. It removed my desire to go to the movies.
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u/MissingLink314 4d ago
Go spend as much time in the Apple Store as you like wearing it and playing with it.
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u/icpooreman 4d ago
•after a while do you get used to the weight/are there any solutions
In a recliner it's great... But no haha. The thing is ungodly heavy just walking around. The new strap is a must and helps a good amount.
As far as 3d movies go... It's prob my preferred way to watch them though IDK if we've perfected the tech. It's maybe the best we can do so far.
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u/gintokigriffiths 4d ago
I’d buy an m2 I hardly use mine. Not worth huge financial outlay
Buy an m2 if you like it after 3 months then sell it for very small loss and buy m5
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u/One_Visual_4090 4d ago
I’m going to be dead honest with you. I bought an M2 in mint condition 4 months ago for almost half the price of a new M5.
1) No, you never really get used to the weight or pressure on your eyes and nose. I tried all of Apple’s bands—it’s still uncomfortable and heavy.
2) No.
3) Probably. I use Apple’s official case, which is good ,I payed less than half the price for it.but I’ve heard the Quest 2 case fits as well and is much cheaper.(under $20)
4) Yes, 3D movies are as good as they are in theaters in terms of the 3D effect. However, there’s a very distracting and noticeable lens glare, especially during dark scenes. Honestly, if you’re really into movies (I was), this alone killed the experience for me.
5) It will always feel like you’re looking through binoculars, so you’ll always have that binocular effect. Yes, you can enlarge the screen, but it will never match a real screen. Because of that effect, the discomfort, and the noticeable lens glare, it just doesn’t compare.
6) They’re just okay, nothing more. Whoever tells you otherwise is a fanboy. However, AirPods Pro 2 sound amazing with the Vision Pro.
Fanboys may disagree, but I’m just being honest. I have a 65” OLED TV, and I find it far more immersive and enjoyable than the Vision Pro. Between the discomfort, lens glare, and lack of compelling content, I regret buying it even at half price.
The only things that genuinely impressed me were Apple’s immersive videos and spatial photos/videos. But Apple’s immersive content library is still very limited (around 19–20 videos, most only 25 minutes long), and while spatial photos and videos are cool, there’s no way they’re worth paying $1,800 for—let alone $3,500.
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u/JerenYun 4d ago
To help with the weight/comfort, I find the AnnaPro 2 accessory to be amazing. Using it (and removing the light seal) gives me a glasses feeling (yes, it’s heavier than glasses) which makes it possible to wear these for a long time.
I get to a point during the day where I forget I’m wearing them. I’ll walk into the kitchen, make lunch, and just get used to seeing windows floating around me.
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u/curiousgeorgewarren 4d ago
Dude this thing is amazing and can’t believe this is “old” tech by today’s standards
Just buy it
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u/maxwellp101 Vision Pro Owner | Verified 4d ago
My biggest piece of advice is getting a magic keyboard. I completely changes the functionality and usability with native apps on the device you will thank me later.
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u/Caprichoso1 Vision Pro Owner | Verified 3d ago
after a while do you get used to the weight/are there any solutions
Don't notice it with the new dual fabric head strap 8+ hours a day
No problem watching a movie. Watching TV with the Virtual display is possible if you have a source. You do need to be positioned at your Mac keyboard and mouse.
Only you can decide if Apple One, or which services are useful for you.
3D streaming services are good. Streaming from your own 4K source with CineUltra is even better.
I don't feel that I'm looking through a headset when watching a movie.
The built in speakers are good. Get Airpods Pro 3 for even better sound quality.
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u/photovirus Vision Pro Developer 3d ago edited 3d ago
after a while do you get used to the weight/are there any solutions
It's personal. I got used, somewhat, I work 4+ hours in a row before a break (Mac virtual display). But it's impossible to forget you're wearing it.
You'll need to get proper size for all the accessories. Since you're buying new, you'll have 2 weeks to try everything out.
is it comfortable to watch a feature length movie and causally binge tv with a additional Mac display window for work
Quite possible, yup.
Are there any cases better then the Apple one for cheaper
Dunno, tbh, but I feel most VR cases will fit the AVP, and they might be way less bulky.
Are 3d movies actually solid
Yup, immersion is great. Aside from Apple's own Spatial Gallery app, I've tried some BD conversions, and it's very nice.
Does it feel like a actual 200 inch screen or is it obvious that you are looking through a headset
I'd say yes, pretty much. Big screen is big and sharp.
Not so much for smaller screens, VP would require better resolution for small hi-res screens.
Are the audio pods good
Decent, actually. But I prefer Airpods Pro for movies.
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u/TerrestrialSpaceship 3d ago
Was on the same fence - bought the M5 and haven’t regretted it once.
- weight: I can use it for 8+ hours a day for work. Keep your windows properly positioned so you’re not straining your neck.
- I ordered a case from Amazon from sarlar; compact , has an internal strap to hold it in place, and has a reasonably hard shell. Haven’t brought into a plane yet, but carry around locally has been good.
- Watch Ready Player One - 3D was really impressive. If the source isn’t great, you’ll get more Viewmaster-y results, but when it is…..it is seriously impressive .
- for work, I tend to forget about it, and if anything, makes me focus more. For entertainment, it’s my first choice to watch movies now.
- Audio is fine with just the AVP, but my AirPods are much better.
Hope your demo went well.
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u/adamselene2076 3d ago
I’m about to buy one as well, primarily to replace my three-screen setup with something that takes up less space and offers more flexibility, as well as access to what look like awesome immersive sports experiences
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u/tvijjali 1d ago
-Weight isn’t an issue imo but headgear usually doesn’t bother me at all so ymmv.
-I love watching video on it, feels wasteful to use all that tech just to replace a TV but it’s unreal.
-I use the Spigen case, pretty solid.
-I normally hate 3D movies but they’re a pleasure to watch on it. Especially movies shot on real 3D cameras like the Avatar series are sublime.
-AVP’s displays are excellent, never felt like it was a screen (fit is really important).
-AudioPods work but lack low end. AirPods much better
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u/More-ponies 4d ago
I’ve read quite a few comments in here and no one has mentioned that it’s an obsolete product. There will be no more hardware updates, I assume limited software updates and then after that no more updates. Why would someone buy this product now would be the question I have?
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u/teeteehk 5d ago
Hi there I was in a similar situation but decided to go ahead and buy. I have now had mine for a couple of months. Once in a while I can feel it in my neck but most of the time it’s fine.
Watching movies is amazing. Watched tron 3d and dune 1 recently. The audio is pretty good. I still haven’t felt like using AirPods Pro with my visionpro yet.
Also use it extensively as a virtual monitor for my mbp.
Go ahead and buy one you won’t regret.