Wow, the 20" viewing angle really does suck!!

[bluedoggiant]

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa70/bluedoggiant/DSC00381.jpg

I know, it isnt the best picture, but i literally stood right next to the 24" iMac, barely looking at the screen, and the colors were perfect, the 20", however, the grey/white backround on the imac turned yellow, and i wasnt looking at it from a strong angle!! its the first time ive actually realized it, i knew about it, but never really seen it sooo bad!!

[clin86]

yea that really does look too good. but hows the difference when you straight at it?

[NoRights]

Ok, first off, photos will never accurately show you the quality of a display. They just won't. There's too many variables in color changes of the conditions from when you're taking a pic with a camera. The most it will do is show you contrast differences of screens directly side by side from straight on. When it comes to buying electronics, always base your opinions on what you see with your eyes when you see a model in person. As for that 20" color, it looks to me like it's reflecting the color back from the counter it's sitting on. There's nothing exceptionally freaky about that

[harcosparky]

What do you think you angle from the 20" was?

What do you think your angle from the 24" was?

It would be interesting to see a pic of both the 20" and 24" from the same extreme angle. Of course with both having the same screen displayed as well.

[vincebio]

Ok, first off, photos will never accurately show you the quality of a display. They just won't. There's too many variables in color changes of the conditions from when you're taking a pic with a camera. The most it will do is show you contrast differences of screens directly side by side from straight on. When it comes to buying electronics, always base your opinions on what you see with your eyes when you see a model in person. As for that 20" color, it looks to me like it's reflecting the color back from the counter it's sitting on. There's nothing exceptionally freaky about that

erm...so why is the 24" scrteen not reflecting it too then??
the angle the 20" screen is at can only reflect from above, and the last time i was in an apple store, there wasnt any tables above the screen...

sorry, but this is exactly what i noticed yesterday in the glasgow store...

the 20" screens are awful for veiwing angles....really poor. not sure what panels they are using, but the 24" is waaaay better and crystal clear in comparison

out of interest, i testing about 10 different panels in store from the LCD test that was posted http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/

1 out of 5 24" screens was a bit dodgy....but im afraid that 4 out of 5 20" screens was poor...

glad i bought a 24"!

[heehee]

You are going to use the monitor that way? Why does it even matter? :confused:

[gorby]

We can all agree on one thing-- reflections suck ;)

[harcosparky]

Let's be realistic - you cannot compare the 20" and 24" from THAT picture.

First the angles are different, secondly there is no way to confirm settings on both displays as to background color was the same. As to the 20" reflecting the table, well no I doubt it could do that ..... but what kind of display was setup in front of the computers?

I have been in several Apple Store and walked down the display aisles where they have 20" and 24" units set up side by side. I've never seen anything like that.

I feel confident that had I witnessed such a GLARING difference between the two I would have remembered it.

[bluedoggiant]

You are going to use the monitor that way? Why does it even matter? :confused:

Well, when showing someone something, family gatherings, etc.

We can all agree on one thing-- reflections suck ;)

You don't notice them unless you look for it.

erm...so why is the 24" scrteen not reflecting it too then??
the angle the 20" screen is at can only reflect from above, and the last time i was in an apple store, there wasnt any tables above the screen...

sorry, but this is exactly what i noticed yesterday in the glasgow store...

the 20" screens are awful for veiwing angles....really poor. not sure what panels they are using, but the 24" is waaaay better and crystal clear in comparison

out of interest, i testing about 10 different panels in store from the LCD test that was posted http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/

1 out of 5 24" screens was a bit dodgy....but im afraid that 4 out of 5 20" screens was poor...

glad i bought a 24"!

24" imacs use IPS displays, 20" uses TN, the old 20" imacs however used IPS.

What do you think you angle from the 20" was?

What do you think your angle from the 24" was?

It would be interesting to see a pic of both the 20" and 24" from the same extreme angle. Of course with both having the same screen displayed as well.

Quite clear, the 24" was much better. I also saw the 20" from the same angle if you want to argue, but i didnt bother taking a pic, this is good enough.

Ok, first off, photos will never accurately show you the quality of a display. They just won't. There's too many variables in color changes of the conditions from when you're taking a pic with a camera. The most it will do is show you contrast differences of screens directly side by side from straight on. When it comes to buying electronics, always base your opinions on what you see with your eyes when you see a model in person. As for that 20" color, it looks to me like it's reflecting the color back from the counter it's sitting on. There's nothing exceptionally freaky about that

they're both on wood tables, with white ceilings, and right in front of them is a black wall, this is at best buy, and it looks the same as how i saw it, so the picture is accurate.

[NoRights]

erm...so why is the 24" scrteen not reflecting it too then?? Because the 24" is being viewed from a different angle. That's also why it's reflecting more from the ceiling lights than the 20" is as well. Try taking this exact same shot from the opposite side, the 24" will most likely reflect the same amount of color as that 20"

the angle the 20" screen is at can only reflect from above, and the last time i was in an apple store, there wasnt any tables above the screen...sorry, but this is exactly what i noticed yesterday in the glasgow store... You've never sat a monitor on a colored table and had the color reflect back on you? Because it's pretty obvious that's what's happening in that photo. Look, you can even see the wood grain being mirrored back
they're both on wood tables, with white ceilings, and right in front of them is a black wall, this is at best buy, and it looks the same as how i saw it, so the picture is accurate.Yes, the picture is accurate in showing you the effects of a glossy display reflecting objects back ;)

[Applespider]

I didn't realise quite how much worse the viewing angles were until I bought Mum a 20" last weekend.

I have a 24" and if I happen to be standing in front of it rather than sitting, there's not a substantial difference. I was standing in above Mum's last weekend while setting it up and you could see a shape around the mouse arrow when you looked at it. It's fine from the front view but the top/side angles are significantly poorer.

[clin86]

whats the difference between isp and tn displays?
btw anyone know what the 20inch cinema displays use?

[CBAviator]

Because the 24" is being viewed from a different angle. That's also why it's reflecting more from the ceiling lights than the 20" is as well. Try taking this exact same shot from the opposite side, the 24" will most likely reflect the same amount of color as that 20"
You've never sat a monitor on a colored table and had the color reflect back on you? Because it's pretty obvious that's what's happening in that photo. Look, you can even see the wood grain being mirrored back
Yes, the picture is accurate in showing you the effects of a glossy display reflecting objects back ;)

Have you ever seen these in person? I have and the photo is relatively accurate...the 20" displays definitely turn yellow at various angles. And no, this FLAT surface can't be reflecting two different angles (it's physics). Even if there was ambient "yellow" light reflecting off the table, you wouldn't see it like this. Look at the reflection and you'll notice that it's reflecting objects more distant in the room and not the table.

Most will agree that this is what the TN panel looks like at this angle.

[decksnap]

Ok, first off, photos will never accurately show you the quality of a display. They just won't. There's too many variables in color changes of the conditions from when you're taking a pic with a camera. The most it will do is show you contrast differences of screens directly side by side from straight on. When it comes to buying electronics, always base your opinions on what you see with your eyes when you see a model in person. As for that 20" color, it looks to me like it's reflecting the color back from the counter it's sitting on. There's nothing exceptionally freaky about that


I'm sorry but this picture shows exactly what a TN panel does- turn to crap when you move away from dead center. It's not reflecting the counter. That doesn't even make sense.

[NoRights]

Have you ever seen these in person? Yes, I have seen the new iMacs in person. And no, this FLAT surface can't be reflecting two different angles (it's physics). Even if there was ambient "yellow" light reflecting off the table, you wouldn't see it like this. Look at the reflection and you'll notice that it's reflecting objects more distant in the room and not the table. So you're teaching me physics now? :rolleyes: Just because you're seeing lights and objects across from the screen reflecting back it doesn't make it an impossibility for any other light to bounce off it. Sheesh. If you pointed a flashlight at the screen up from the table I guarantee you it'd reflect back. The presence of light from one angle does not negate the presence of light from another. It's pretty obvious from the photo that there are overhead lamps above the tables. That's light shining straight down onto the wood and bouncing up to the screen. And that screen's color looks suspiciously like the wood on the table it's sitting on. But whatever. Your mind's made up. :p

[bluedoggiant]

whats the difference between isp and tn displays?
btw anyone know what the 20inch cinema displays use?

ACD's...

[daneoni]

whats the difference between isp and tn displays?
btw anyone know what the 20inch cinema displays use?

Basically the SIPS are superior to TN displays there's a thread explaining the differences on this site somewhere. Also 20" Cinema Displays (ACDs) use SIPS panels

[Leon Kowalski]

whats the difference between isp and tn displays?

Executive Summary:

- TN film = CHEAP

- S-IPS = GOOD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#Types

btw anyone know what the 20inch cinema displays use?

The 20" Cinema Display uses an LG.Philips LM201W01 (S-IPS, 8-bit).
BTW, that's exactly the same panel as my 20" white C2D iMac.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheLooby/White20IMacScreenPhotos

...newer ain't always better,

LK

[G-Force]

ACD's...
Apple Cinema Displays use Apple Cinema Displays? :confused:

Don't you mean they use S-IPS panels?

[Sir Tony]

Guys we need to stop arguing, some of the 20" Aluminum iMac screens suck big time. I own one of them and yes it is as bad as depicted in the first post, it color shift really bad from left to right, brightness gradient from top to bottom. Thank god I color correct my photo with numbers instead of with my eyes. Every time I goto my local Apple store I cringe when I look at, yes some are that bad. I know we all love Apple, but sometimes they do mess up!

[bluedoggiant]

Executive Summary:

- TN film = CHEAP

- S-IPS = GOOD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#Types



The 20" Cinema Display uses an LG.Philips LM201W01 (S-IPS, 8-bit).
BTW, that's exactly the same panel as my 20" white C2D iMac.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheLooby/White20IMacScreenPhotos

...newer ain't always better,

LK

How do you know which display you have??

TN is film??? is that why the 20"ers are sooooooo (etc.) thin?

[brop52]

It does yellow from non center angles, but unless you are doing photo editing on a south by northeast angle what does it matter? I never really noticed this white-yellow change until seeing this post. If you need a better monitor then buy the 24" at a higher price. I haven't actually seen the 24" so I don't know what happens to it.

[Leon Kowalski]

How do you know which display you have??

SwitchResX (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/8355/switchresx) > Export DDC

TN is film???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#Types

LK

[Airwaven]

I own the 20" and i must say that once you get the computer into a room with a different light source other than florescent light there is a big difference. Not only that but the computer is at a higher view angle that is pointing up at the lights, where as in your home it will be pointing at you. The 20" is an amazing computer just as the 24" and some people have been have problems with the 24" screen.

[trip1ex]

The 24" screens are better, but the picture isn't a good comparison.

I'm sure the 20" screen would look much better if you shot it at the same angle as the 24".

I was at BestBuy last night, and was actually checking for the screen difference. It certainly was pretty close to me.

[inkswamp]

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa70/bluedoggiant/DSC00381.jpg

I know, it isnt the best picture, but i literally stood right next to the 24" iMac, barely looking at the screen, and the colors were perfect, the 20", however, the grey/white backround on the imac turned yellow, and i wasnt looking at it from a strong angle!! its the first time ive actually realized it, i knew about it, but never really seen it sooo bad!!

Right, and look at all that reflection and glare that Apple apologists claim don't exist. Gee, you must have Photoshopped that, right? ;)

It's really sad that Apple chose to hobble a good computer with such a sucky monitor. If Apple just doesn't care about the display quality anymore, they should discontinue the iMacs, replace them with a line of headless machines and let consumers buy monitors from companies that actually care.

And shame on those of you asking "why would you ever look at the screen from that angle?" There's no reason the display on my 6-year-old G4 iMac should provide a better quality image than a new one. That's inexcusable. I can view my iMac's screen from any angle and get virtually no distortion. We always brag about how Apple's machines/OS cater to the user, not the other way around. When the users have to adjust their expectations and manner of working to make up for shortcomings in the computer, then Apple is doing something wrong. No excuses.

[bluedoggiant]

Right, and look at all that reflection and glare that Apple apologists claim don't exist. Gee, you must have Photoshopped that, right? ;)

It's really sad that Apple chose to hobble a good computer with such a sucky monitor. If Apple just doesn't care about the display quality anymore, they should discontinue the iMacs, replace them with a line of headless machines and let consumers buy monitors from companies that actually care.

And shame on those of you asking "why would you ever look at the screen from that angle?" There's no reason the display on my 6-year-old G4 iMac should provide a better quality image than a new one. That's inexcusable. I can view my iMac's screen from any angle and get virtually no distortion. We always brag about how Apple's machines/OS cater to the user, not the other way around. When the users have to adjust their expectations and manner of working to make up for shortcomings in the computer, then Apple is doing something wrong. No excuses.

no photoshop, just a quick pic from my phone

[Leon Kowalski]

And shame on those of you asking "why would you ever look at the screen from that angle?"

Make that double shame. Those who ask haven't been studying The Fanboi Bible:

................http://www.apple.com/imac/technology/display.html

...............http://lh6.google.com/TheLooby/Rya7KRV6gvI/AAAAAAAAAlg/YvwBiMrHeBs/s800/v2.jpg

...of course, that's "consumer grade" wondorous enjoyment,

LK

[nout72]

Right, and look at all that reflection and glare that Apple apologists claim don't exist. Gee, you must have Photoshopped that, right? ;)

It's really sad that Apple chose to hobble a good computer with such a sucky monitor. If Apple just doesn't care about the display quality anymore, they should discontinue the iMacs, replace them with a line of headless machines and let consumers buy monitors from companies that actually care.

And shame on those of you asking "why would you ever look at the screen from that angle?" There's no reason the display on my 6-year-old G4 iMac should provide a better quality image than a new one. That's inexcusable. I can view my iMac's screen from any angle and get virtually no distortion. We always brag about how Apple's machines/OS cater to the user, not the other way around. When the users have to adjust their expectations and manner of working to make up for shortcomings in the computer, then Apple is doing something wrong. No excuses.

Sure, my iMac Bondi has a better viewing angle as well, but honestly there is absolutely no need for me to look at my 20 inch alu iMac from extreme viewing angles, why would I want to look at it from the sides if sitting in front of it is much more comfortable?

Yes, there are screens with better viewing angles.
Yes, clearly the previous iMacs had better screens.
But I don't give a *****, 99% of the time I sit in front of it.

Am I an Apple apologist when I claim loving the gloss finnish of my alu iMac?
Am I an Apple apologist when in practice, at my house the glare appears to be a non-issue?

[bluedoggiant]

Make that double shame. Those who ask haven't been studying The Fanboi Bible:

................http://www.apple.com/imac/technology/display.html

...............http://lh6.google.com/TheLooby/Rya7KRV6gvI/AAAAAAAAAlg/YvwBiMrHeBs/s800/v2.jpg

...of course, that's "consumer grade" wondorous enjoyment,

LK

HAHA!!! theres a right and wrong in there, the right is that the 24" is breathtaking, because its big and nicer (IMO), and because it has a bigger viewing angle.

the wrong is the fact that they say "from every seat in the house". for the 24" imac, thats almost true, for the 20", no way.

[Zwhaler]

We can all agree on one thing-- reflections suck ;)

Yup, I don't like the glossy screen either. I'm glad I got a matte one back when I could, but it seems like Apple is really pushing these glossy screens out there so my next computer will likely be one. :(

[hexonxonx]

There is no yellow tint on the 20" iMac that I bought yesterday. I even looked at the store when I was looking at the displays at Bestbuy where I got mine.
Not sure why it looks like the 20" has it in that photo but the displays are very nice.

[brop52]

Did you look on the crazy angle shown in the photo? Make sure you have a white page on the screen for the best result.

[stainlessliquid]

Whats sad is that horizontal viewing angles arent even close to being as bad as the vertical viewing angles. Someone should take a picture of it while standing above it. Its great how the picture INVERTS to a negative at an extreme enough angle.

http://picasaweb.google.com/molmac22/IMacDisplayProblem/photo#5133159360105408226

Look at the difference in the photos, and thats as straight on as you can get when looking at it. Adjust your head slightly higher or lower and the pictures would change even more. This is a physical property of TN displays, 100% of 20" aluminum imacs do this along with any other TN lcd, its scientifically impossible for them not to.

People who doubt the yellowness in the picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA-BsbS4e9w

[Mac Addict]

I bought the 20" & disliked the screen. The bottom was washed out, and the yellow tint glowed across the menu bars. I work with photographs so this was a downgrade from my 20" CD screen.

What did I do? Boxed it up the next day, took it back to the Apple store and paid the $300 for a 24". Now I'm satisfied, and had a good excuse for the wife to support the upgrade

[bluedoggiant]

Whats sad is that horizontal viewing angles arent even close to being as bad as the vertical viewing angles. Someone should take a picture of it while standing above it. Its great how the picture INVERTS to a negative at an extreme enough angle.

http://picasaweb.google.com/molmac22/IMacDisplayProblem/photo#5133159360105408226

Look at the difference in the photos, and thats as straight on as you can get when looking at it. Adjust your head slightly higher or lower and the pictures would change even more. This is a physical property of TN displays, 100% of 20" aluminum imacs do this along with any other TN lcd, its scientifically impossible for them not to.

People who doubt the yellowness in the picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA-BsbS4e9w

Wow, when he stood up and took the video from above, i mean, wow, i sometimes use my 24"er from that angle!! so, glad ive got the 24"

I bought the 20" & disliked the screen. The bottom was washed out, and the yellow tint glowed across the menu bars. I work with photographs so this was a downgrade from my 20" CD screen.

What did I do? Boxed it up the next day, took it back to the Apple store and paid the $300 for a 24". Now I'm satisfied, and had a good excuse for the wife to support the upgrade

Sorry, a little off topic, but why is it that men always have to ask their wives before buying a new computer, car, or tv? im not sure, im 14, and dont see how they can get mad.

[hexonxonx]

Whats sad is that horizontal viewing angles arent even close to being as bad as the vertical viewing angles. Someone should take a picture of it while standing above it. Its great how the picture INVERTS to a negative at an extreme enough angle.

http://picasaweb.google.com/molmac22/IMacDisplayProblem/photo#5133159360105408226

Look at the difference in the photos, and thats as straight on as you can get when looking at it. Adjust your head slightly higher or lower and the pictures would change even more. This is a physical property of TN displays, 100% of 20" aluminum imacs do this along with any other TN lcd, its scientifically impossible for them not to.

People who doubt the yellowness in the picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA-BsbS4e9w
I simply can't believe that people are concerned about this. It's a non issue simply for the fact that no one views a screen at those angles.

When I was at BedtBuy last night, I saw no difference in the screen quality between the 20" and 24" iMacs.

[stainlessliquid]

You dont view the screen at the same angle as this picture? http://picasaweb.google.com/molmac22/IMacDisplayProblem/photo#5133159360105408226

What if you want to show somebody something on screen? Theyd have to kneel down to your eye level before its possible to tell what they are looking at.

I think people have the right to complain when Apple downgrades the LCD of the 20" model without also downgrading the price. The LCD in the 20" is about as bad as you can get, yes its acceptable for casual use but its still very very bad compared to what else is available. People who do any kind of visual work whether hobby or professional will suffer from TN displays. It doesnt make sense why they went with the worst possible LCD technology when PVA is barely more expensive and is extremely better quality.

[brop52]

Let's see the comparison with a 24" at those angles.

[ryannel2003]

Wow, when he stood up and took the video from above, i mean, wow, i sometimes use my 24"er from that angle!! so, glad ive got the 24"



Sorry, a little off topic, but why is it that men always have to ask their wives before buying a new computer, car, or tv? im not sure, im 14, and dont see how they can get mad.

If the wife isn't happy... ain't nobody happy. :D

Not that I would know or anything, it's just what I heard! :rolleyes:

[bluedoggiant]

I simply can't believe that people are concerned about this. It's a non issue simply for the fact that no one views a screen at those angles.

When I was at BedtBuy last night, I saw no difference in the screen quality between the 20" and 24" iMacs.



You dont view the screen at the same angle as this picture? http://picasaweb.google.com/molmac22/IMacDisplayProblem/photo#5133159360105408226

What if you want to show somebody something on screen? Theyd have to kneel down to your eye level before its possible to tell what they are looking at.

I think people have the right to complain when Apple downgrades the LCD of the 20" model without also downgrading the price. The LCD in the 20" is about as bad as you can get, yes its acceptable for casual use but its still very very bad compared to what else is available. People who do any kind of visual work whether hobby or professional will suffer from TN displays. It doesnt make sense why they went with the worst possible LCD technology when PVA is barely more expensive and is extremely better quality.

I do, but in the video, he stood up and took a shot of the 20" from above, sometimes, i use my imac like that, from that same angle, just a feeling that i get to lazy to sit :rolleyes:, i know, i know:p

Let's see the comparison with a 24" at those angles.

I literally put my head to the side of imac, and damn, there was little, if no color disortion or change on the screen, the viewing angle is perfect, i may be wrong though, i guess its the display you have, i dont know what i have.

[Leon Kowalski]

Let's see the comparison with a 24" at those angles.
Here are some off-axis photos of a previous-generation 20" white iMac.
It has an S-IPS display very similar to the 24" ALU iMac (and all ACDs).

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheLooby/White20IMacScreenPhotos

The 24" ALU iMacs have (had?) some problems with backlight brightness
uniformity, but the viewing angles and color uniformity are excellent --
as good as any LCD panel on the market.

LK

[inkswamp]

I do, but in the video, he stood up and took a shot of the 20" from above, sometimes, i use my imac like that, from that same angle, just a feeling that i get to lazy to sit :rolleyes:, i know, i know:p

It's not uncommon for people to view monitors from a standing position, both at home and at the workplace. Have you ever stopped someone passing by in your home to show them something on your display? Should they have to crouch down to get a decent view?

In any case, if Apple is going to charge its users a premium, they need to make sure the quality of their hardware justifies it. To me, it looks like there are far too many issues with the displays. Apple either needs to rectify this immediately or cut prices.

I literally put my head to the side of imac, and damn, there was little, if no color disortion or change on the screen, the viewing angle is perfect, i may be wrong though, i guess its the display you have, i dont know what i have.

There appear to be inconsistencies in display quality and some people are going to experience it and some are not. Further, some users are less demanding and simply won't care.

I can view the display on my 6-year-old iMac G4 from just about any angle or position and there is almost no distortion of the image, certainly far less than is being reported about the new iMacs. I don't understand how Apple let the display quality slip so badly that they are being outperformed by hardware produced 6 years ago. There's really no excuse for that.

[decksnap]

It's pretty cut and dry. The TN panels ALL have this trait. Anyway saying otherwise either doesn't actually have an aluminum iMac, or is kidding themselves. Your old screen doesn't because it was a higher quality screen. Not as bright, but not TN.

It's not exactly a quality 'slip'- it's a conscious decision to use a lower quality panel.

[Mac Addict]

It's pretty cut and dry. The TN panels ALL have this trait. Anyway saying otherwise either doesn't actually have an aluminum iMac, or is kidding themselves. Your old screen doesn't because it was a higher quality screen. Not as bright, but not TN.

It's not exactly a quality 'slip'- it's a conscious decision to use a lower quality panel.

You hit the nail on the head. Call it bickering or whatever you like, the quality different going from a 20" CD to a 20" C2D should not go down and it did. Do I and others have the right call out Apple on this... hell ya we do.

[Jimmdean]

This is pretty much a non-issue. 99% of iMac buyers aren't going to notice and/or care. Now, if you happen to be in that small minority, treat it like any other computer - if it doesn't meet your needs, buy something else.

[Mac Addict]

This is pretty much a non-issue. 99% of iMac buyers aren't going to notice and/or care. Now, if you happen to be in that small minority, treat it like any other computer - if it doesn't meet your needs, buy something else.

You're right, and I did... got the 24"

[Leon Kowalski]

This is pretty much a non-issue. 99% of iMac buyers aren't going to notice and/or care.

I noticed. I cared. Cared enough to return two ALU iMacs (a 20" and a 24")
for refunds. Traded up to a 20" white C2D -- with a high-quality display.

Does that make me an iMac buyer? ...an iMac non-buyer?

...or three iMac buyers?

LK

[ravenvii]

Just curious, but on a similar vein... is the MacBook displays TN, and the MacBook Pro displays S-IPS? Just wondering, because the MacBook I owned (first generation) had a horrible viewing angle, and it bothers me especially when watching DVDs. However the MacBook Pro I got last year has a great viewing angle, and viewing DVDs on it has been great. I once blamed the glossy display for this, but is it actually because of the difference between a TN and a S-IPS display?

[decksnap]

Just curious, but on a similar vein... is the MacBook displays TN, and the MacBook Pro displays S-IPS? Just wondering, because the MacBook I owned (first generation) had a horrible viewing angle, and it bothers me especially when watching DVDs. However the MacBook Pro I got last year has a great viewing angle, and viewing DVDs on it has been great. I once blamed the glossy display for this, but is it actually because of the difference between a TN and a S-IPS display?

Yes. The Macbook screen is TN. It's also the worst screen I've ever seen. You can't really watch video on it.

[VoodooDaddy]

This thread is funny. It reminds me of ppl that claim to be able to hear a difference in 192kb mp3s and 320kb mp3.

Anyway, I currently have a mac mini and a 19" Samsung LCD. Just yesterday I bought a 20" iMac from the Apple refurb store, then I come here and see nothing but complaining about the 20" display. Im thinking "is it really that bad?"

Then I see the comments in this thread about the yellowing effect if you look at the screen from the side. Well, I just so happened to stand to the side of my Samsung and it does the exact same thing! But guess what? Ive had this LCD for about a year and a half and have never noticed it before today. Why? Because when I use it I sit IN FRONT of it. I dont try to use it at some crazy angles that some of you claim to.

Anyway, after feeling a bit put off for getting the 20", seeing that my current monitor does the exact same thing and I never noticed before, Im confident I wont notice on the new iMac either. And for what its worth my desk cant handle the 24, not enough room. Plus I bought wife a new macbook yesterday also, so my wallet cant handle it (the 24) either. :)

[brop52]

Goes to show you that some people are a bit obsessive and like to create problems when it wouldn't affect their working on the computer unless someone pointed it out.

[nout72]

Well I can imagine when you're coming from a previous generation 20 inch iMac the new alu iMac could be disappointing, especially to those who demand color accuracy.
The gradient, though not uncommon with TN panels, definitely is not what you'de expect from an Apple product, the previous iMac's LCD panel was better in this respect.

The viewing angle is worse as well.
The 20 inch alu iMac isn't a computer for watching photos and movies with more than 2 friends, it is best used for one person at a time...though the viewing angle is not THAT bad as some suggest on this forum.
Watching the screen from a standing position results in some wash-out, less contrast and paler colors, but the content remains viewable, you can read text without problems and let's be honest, you're not gonna stand for hours, do you?

Apart form the poorer viewing angle and the gradient, in comparison with the white 20 inch iMac, the screen as a whole (while sitting in front of it), with its gorgeous gloss finish and deep saturated colors, I honestly like better than the white iMac's matt screen.

[weckart]

And shame on those of you asking "why would you ever look at the screen from that angle?" There's no reason the display on my 6-year-old G4 iMac should provide a better quality image than a new one. .

I can think of an obvious one. This iMac will cost you less than your 6 year old G4 iMac did at the time.

Just curious, but on a similar vein... is the MacBook displays TN, and the MacBook Pro displays S-IPS? Just wondering, because the MacBook I owned (first generation) had a horrible viewing angle, and it bothers me especially when watching DVDs. However the MacBook Pro I got last year has a great viewing angle, and viewing DVDs on it has been great. I once blamed the glossy display for this, but is it actually because of the difference between a TN and a S-IPS display?

Yes. The Macbook screen is TN. It's also the worst screen I've ever seen. You can't really watch video on it.

All laptop screens are TN. Some are obviously better than others. I don't know of any current manufacturer that uses S-IPS displays in its notebooks, although I suppose some must exist. BTW, the Macbook screens are really not that bad in its price class. You clearly never owned an iBook - those were pretty bad.