Are the screens really that bad?

[JB x]

So I just looked at my brother's previous gen macbook and I thought the display was pretty good. Not as good as the pro but a lot brighter. I am hearing that the alum macbook's screen is so bad that it is almost unwatchable to watch movies. Is this true?

[iOrlando]

its not true......screen is good..and alot better than previous white macbooks....

buy it.its good.

[ChazDaSpaz]

If you liked the old MacBook's screen then you should like the new MacBook's screen. It's either the same or slightly clearer. Go for it if you want it.

[hogfaninga]

its not true......screen is good..and alot better than previous white macbooks....

buy it.its good.

It isn't a lot better than the previous gen's screen. This has been beaten to death and most agree it is basically a wash (tie). The new one is brighter, but I don't think the blacks show up as well as the previous gen.. Yes I have looked at them side by side with numerous ones. Hopefully one day Apple will put in good screens in the Macbook. Doubt it though.

I will most likely will buy the new 2.4 Macbook in January, but it won't be because the screen is awesome because it isn't.

[sangosimo]

the screen are not bad as long as you looking at is straight on. If you shift your head left or right the viewing angles become worse.

[JB x]

How but the macbook pro? I heard the screens are a lot better. I watch a lot of movies so this will be pretty important.

[hogfaninga]

How but the macbook pro? I heard the screens are a lot better. I watch a lot of movies so this will be pretty important.

I'm still serious considering getting the 2.4 Pro, but the portability of it isn't nearly as good as the reg Macbook which is a major thing for me . Of course the Pro's screen is much better, but it costs $400+ more also (yes you get more than a better screen for that $400, but if you don't use those additional things then it is worthless to you anyways).

The best way to find out the answers to your questions about the screen isn't to ask this forum. Everyone is biased including me. Just go to an Apple Store or anywhere they sell them side by side. Then make up your own mind.

[LaMerVipere]

I just got my MacBook today and I think the screen is just fine. I am coming from having previously owned a iBook, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and a current generation iMac.

The colors seem adequate enough and the screen's viewing angles—while nothing to write home about—seem on par with just about every other LCD I've seen in a laptop prior.

It's much brighter than previous MacBook screens thanks to the backlight and really (especially as a second computer) it seems hard to find any complaints.

[tubbymac]

Macbook on left, Pro on right:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/10/IMG_4649.jpg

Air on left, Aluminum Macbook in center, Whitebook on right:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/10/mbcomparison.jpg

If you liked how the screen on the whitebooks looked, you'll probably like how the screen looks on the new aluminum Macbook; that is, until you get your eyes checked, get some glasses, and are able to see properly. I'm serious.

[BlackLight]

my screen is awesome its soo bright that i have the brightness half way..

[JB x]

I looked at apple.com and I found a refurb macbook pro for $1349. So now my question is new macbook or refurb mbp. You guys seem have good answers so I might as well as you guys on this thread rather that creating a new one. I could get the alum. mbp if I really need to though but its a little too much. If its the old macbook pro, should I get matte or glossy for viewing movies.

BTW you guys respond really quick lol. Refreshed it once and had two replies already.

[JB x]

Macbook on left, Pro on right:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/10/IMG_4649.jpg

Air on left, Aluminum Macbook in center, Whitebook on right:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/10/mbcomparison.jpg

If you liked how the screen on the whitebooks looked, you'll probably like how the screen looks on the new aluminum Macbook; that is, until you get your eyes checked, get some glasses, and are able to see properly. I'm serious.

Wow, the macbook looks horrible on that second picture. Didn't look like that on my brother's.

[Roadking]

the screen is not that great for watching movies but not so bad for other applications.

I wish it was better but I can live with it.

[Primejimbo]

The screen works for me, I don't mind it and I like it more than my old one. You also can't go off of a picture, you just have to see one in person.

[ribbonthecat]

The real problem is the viewing angles. If you watch your movies with the computer straight in front of you, it will perfectly fine, if watching a movie on a 13 inch screen is your definition of fine.

[mac jones]

My Macbook unibody screen is very pleasant.

I had a real problem with it at first cuz it's not very good for movies but I don't watch movies on it now so it's great

That picture afew posts above says it all. I have also an AIR (but not the old Macbook) and that's about the gist of it with movie viewing.

Notice how the blacks of the head look lightish on the two Macbooks on the right. The Air is much better
at rendering blacks , (and so is the Macbook pro). the problem manifests as sort of a 'negative' effect (like a photo negative)
-very disconcerting.

Like evryone has been saying-cheap panels. But I think the old Macbook was worse :D


If you watch a lot of movies better to go to a store with a disk and check ti out.

I really like the macbook despite this issue.

[Vulcan]

It's a love hate type thing. Go into the Apple Store and check them out side by side.

[VSMacOne]

I can watch movies on it just fine.. I'm not a fanboi, and I know the quality of the screens is not the best out there, but i just went through the first 2 seasons of 24 in a couple of days, and had no problem watching them on my MB...
but the best thing to do is go see for yourself in a store... pictures don't really give you the best idea..

[CalMin]

It's not that bad, but it's clearly inferior to Macbook Pro or MacBook Air screens. I had a rev A. Air that I replaced with the MacBook and there is a difference which is annoying only when I think about it. BUT, I rarely think about it and for most daily tasks it's just fine.

I would think twice if you were a graphics pro and depended on it for your living (but then you'd be looking at the Pro if you were, right?). For the rest of us it's a pretty damn nice display.

[alphaod]

(but then you'd be looking at the Pro if you were, right?).

No, you'd be looking for an external monitor that supported 8-bit color and was an IPS panel. ;)

[mac jones]

Just buy it.

You won't be disappointed.

[99MustangGTman]

I haven't had a MB before my new MBA, but I think the screen looks fine, I have no complaints other than having to tilt the screen every now and then to get the right picture.

[daneoni]

Was bad enough to drive me to a MBP Classic

[clyde2801]

Narrow viewing angle, inability to display blacks and other dark colors. Still better than whitebooks, dark display ability can be mitigated somewhat by downloading a color profile you can find in these forums. Otherwise, the LED display is bright, crisp and great.

Check out the displays yourself and see if they're acceptable to you. Go to the apple page and pull up the last steve jobs keynote. If you can tell the difference between steve's shirt and the black background, you'll be all right.

If the people at the applestore tell you the display is just the same as the pro's, only smaller, tell them they're full of $%*@. Don't believe them; Apple's always put cheaper screens in their entry level portables; check out the difference between any ibook and any powerbook. The uni MB's come the closest, but still not quite there.

If your value is on portability and price, get the MB, and download a color profile from this forum. Good luck!

[clyde2801]

It's a love hate type thing. Go into the Apple Store and check them out side by side.

The ones at my applestore are secured to the tables. Not so in Pittsburgh?

[Molopo]

Frankly, best buy > apple store if you want to see macbooks up close and next to each other. They can literally be stacked next to each other, on top of each other; etc.

[Vulcan]

The ones at my applestore are secured to the tables. Not so in Pittsburgh?

Against the side wall, the MacBooks are at the front, and the Pros follow.

I'd assume some stores will allow you to unlock them and move it over if you are supervised and say why?

[Ryffie]

If you're going to watch a lot of movies then don't get the macbook, but for everything else the screen is perfectly ok.

[VSMacOne]

If you're going to watch a lot of movies then don't get the macbook, but for everything else the screen is perfectly ok.

I watch loads of movies and the screen really doesn't bother me...

[HLdan]

The Macbooks screen ARE that bad for movie watching. If most of the movie is well lit up then it won't be bad but when dark scenes come up it's horrible. If you have lower standards it's fine.

[MacJenn]

The screen in the reg Macbook is a joke. If you are buying the 2.4 reg Macbook, don't. Buy the much better 2.4 Macbook Pro for $350 more. I did and it was a great decision. The 2.4 Macbook is a ripoff at $1599 when you can get the Pro model for only $350 more---I have seen it less than that recently.

[VSMacOne]

I'm watching Wanted right now, and not a problem in the world..
But you know what?! Don't listen to ANY OF US on here, just go try it out yourself.. There's no other way to tell if it'll work for you or not. No matter what any of us think, you are the only one who can decide what's what.
Go to the store, take a DVD with you and give it a shot..

[mac jones]

I just tried watching a movie again as I posted above that I was having big issues with this and the results is that it is ok (I guess)

You just have to adjust the LCD just right as it tends to was out either above or below.

But it's definitely doable.

(just an update)

Note( I downloaded a movie with iTunes. If you have a fast connection it's great)

[gotzaiPhone]

I'm watching Wanted right now, and not a problem in the world..
But you know what?! Don't listen to ANY OF US on here, just go try it out yourself.. There's no other way to tell if it'll work for you or not. No matter what any of us think, you are the only one who can decide what's what.
Go to the store, take a DVD with you and give it a shot..

agreed. look at it on your own and decide for your self.

I have no problem at all and this screen is better than my HP notebook. There is a limited viewing angle, but I am used to that with my HP and my toughbook at work. So for me, this was a big improvement. Also too, if I was going to the macbook pro, I felt I should then just get a desktop as a 15 inch notebook is pretty big, too big for my travel needs.

[danimal99]

Not everyone lives within reasonable distance of an Apple Store, and/or the nearest Best Buy's don't carry Apple computers. Some of us have to rely on word of mouth and reviews.

[SteveMobs]

yeah I can't seem to find what all of the fuss is about. I actually like the look of glass a lot better than matte. And then there's the LEDs and the rich colors. If you can just go to your local Apple store, that place is always super lit up. If you do look at it from a different angle, you'll see a reflection, but whatever.

[Molopo]

Honestly I'm so used to glossy screens that the glass doesn't bother me at all. Some people have different tastes, but you'll more than likely get used to it. If you can't handle that, then don't get a macbook.

[danimal99]

My Acer laptop has a really glossy screen, and apart from being able to see my goofy mug like I'm looking in a mirror before Vista boots up, I don't have a problem with it. :)

However, I don't have any viewing angles issues with it at all. I'm going to be getting a MB after Xmas and before next semester starts, and I'm becoming kind of concerned about that after reading all these threads and viewing photos people have taken and such. I don't have the luxury of going down to the local Apple Store and seeing one for myself.

[VSMacOne]

I would advise you to read a few professional reviews online and take into consideration what people say on these forums, but I would be weary of the pictures... They don't really do the screens justice.
Maybe you'll get your hands on one before you buy...

[tubbymac]

My Acer laptop has a really glossy screen, and apart from being able to see my goofy mug like I'm looking in a mirror before Vista boots up, I don't have a problem with it. :)

However, I don't have any viewing angles issues with it at all. I'm going to be getting a MB after Xmas and before next semester starts, and I'm becoming kind of concerned about that after reading all these threads and viewing photos people have taken and such. I don't have the luxury of going down to the local Apple Store and seeing one for myself.

Don't worry too much about it. The screenshots I linked are worst case scenarios while watching movies with lots of black and high contrast areas. If you're not gonna watch a lot of movies on it, and if you're not going to be doing a lot of work on it that demands high color accuracy, you'll be fine. For standard web surfing, email, garageband, etc, it's vibrant and useable.

The only thing the Macbook doesn't do well is dark movies and professional color work. Both of those are solved with an external monitor.

[Roller]

Don't worry too much about it. The screenshots I linked are worst case scenarios while watching movies with lots of black and high contrast areas. If you're not gonna watch a lot of movies on it, and if you're not going to be doing a lot of work on it that demands high color accuracy, you'll be fine. For standard web surfing, email, garageband, etc, it's vibrant and useable.

The only thing the Macbook doesn't do well is dark movies and professional color work. Both of those are solved with an external monitor.

I think that says it very well. The MB screen is fine for many everyday tasks, especially ones that require it to display text on a white background (email, writing). You have to be mindful of the viewing angle for anything with a lot of color, but that's usually easy to solve.

[ruku]

i have the whitebook and to me it seems a total disappointment. i was not expecting to feel so let down even after reading others comments about it but i really believe that the macbook line is given a very low level screen and you can see it when sitting next to just about any other laptop. the old ibook i was given last year has nicer colours than the macbook even if the viewing angles are terrible. i really liked the glossy computers before i got this one and thought the whiners were just oversensitive but i have reconsidered. the worst thing is your left with a feeling that you have been targeted as an upgrade candidate and purposefully given a joke of a screen. if only it was the habit of computer manufacturers to sell all models with a barebones option so that we could choose our own components the mac scene would be pretty different. as it is i will probably cave and go the pro way eventually.

[Jiten]

No, you'd be looking for an external monitor that supported 8-bit color and was an IPS panel. ;)

I know some professional photographers who prefer the small Macbook for the portability and simply plug their systems to a nice color calibrated external monitor when they need to do color sensitive adjustments and editing.

[sangosimo]

I see people do that for the space extra pixels are nice and 1280x800 is really small.

[NC MacGuy]

I think the phrase "that bad" is very subjective. Some may think it perfectly fine. Others think it horrid. Myself, I wasn't happy with it. I expected Apple to put in an above average panel in an otherwise above average laptop.

Again, it is subjective. I have been used to MBA & MBP's. Since they redid the whole computer, I thought the display would be updated too (beyond the LED backlight.)

[donster28]

I just bought the Alum MB 2.0. I totally agree with the screen being slightly inferior (I have the MBP Core2Duo Late 2007).

One thing I noticed is that the top and bottom of the screen can't be viewed corrrectly at all times. I can tilt the screen back and forth to get optimal "blacks" for each but everytime, one is slightly brighter than the other or will exhibit a "negative" effect (top bar especially). There is no middle ground.

I have calibrated mine to make it slightly darker and it did some good but never eliminated the problem.

Are your screens the same as mine?...or should I take my MB back to the Apple Store?

To try this, watch a widescreen movie that shows the top and bottom black bars (you'll find it difficult to detemine this with a movie in the 1:85 format because it occupies the entire widescreen).

Also, I don't recommend watching regular DVDs on the MB but can wholeheartedly recommend High Definition content...they look amazing besides the viewing angle problem I stated above. :)

[NC MacGuy]

I just bought the Alum MB 2.0. I totally agree with the screen being slightly inferior (I have the MBP Core2Duo Late 2007).

One thing I noticed is that the top and bottom of the screen can't be viewed corrrectly at all times. I can tilt the screen back and forth to get optimal "blacks" for each but everytime, one or the other is slightly brighter than the other or the other will exhibit a "negative" effect. There is no middle ground.

I have calibrated mine to make it slightly darker and it did some good but never eliminated the problem.

Are your screens the same as mine?...or should I take my MB back to the Apple Store?

To try this, watch a widescreen movie that shows the top and bottom black bars (you'll find it difficult to detemine this with a movie in the 1:85 format-occupies the entire widescreen).

Also, I don't recommend watching regular DVDs on the MB can wholeheartedly recommend High Definition content...they look amazing besides the viewing angle problem I stated above. :)

I'm pretty sure they're all the same. Unfortunately. :mad:

[dcorban]

Macbook on left, Pro on right:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/10/IMG_4649.jpg

Air on left, Aluminum Macbook in center, Whitebook on right:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/10/mbcomparison.jpg

If you liked how the screen on the whitebooks looked, you'll probably like how the screen looks on the new aluminum Macbook; that is, until you get your eyes checked, get some glasses, and are able to see properly. I'm serious.

I'm not sure how these pictures were taken, but anyone who uses these pictures to base an opinion with will be wrong.

I have the new aluminum 2.0Ghz and I literally have to go either 160 degrees to the side or about 45 degrees up or down to have the screens look that bad while playing a DVD. No one watches movies at those angles.

[Jiten]

Most low end and midrange PC notebooks like my friend's Toshiba Tecra or my own cheap Dell (around >1k range) seem to have similar quality screens to the Macbook. The 1,200 US price for the Macbook screen is pretty much in line with that (especially when there is an Educational discount). I'm not so sure about the screen for the 2.4 model however. I'm that of the opinion that it should be better for 1,500 USD.

But honestly its not that bad. I have been trying the calibration profiles I got from the other threads on the demo Machines on the Apple stores I visit and it improves the color of the screen (not the view angels though unfortunately) a ton.

[hogfaninga]

Most low end and midrange PC notebooks like my friend's Toshiba Tecra or my own cheap Dell (around >1k range) seem to have similar quality screens to the Macbook. The 1,200 US price for the Macbook screen is pretty much in line with that (especially when there is an Educational discount). I'm not so sure about the screen for the 2.4 model however. I'm that of the opinion that it should be better for 1,500 USD.

But honestly its not that bad. I have been trying the calibration profiles I got from the other threads on the demo Machines on the Apple stores I visit and it improves the color of the screen (not the view angels though unfortunately) a ton.


The 2.0 and 2.4 Macbook's have the same screens.

[iOrlando]

if you are going to watch alot of movies....

1) cinema display
2) apple tv.


I wouldnt want to watch movies on 13 inch screen while seating in the same room as a much larger tv...


if traveling..i understand...

[NC MacGuy]

if you are going to watch alot of movies....

1) cinema display
2) apple tv.


I wouldnt want to watch movies on 13 inch screen while seating in the same room as a much larger tv...


if traveling..i understand...

Being totally honest, I'd much rather watch a movie on my touch than the MB when traveling.

[mac jones]

The Macbook is fine for movies.

I was wrong about it when I said a few months ago that it was bad for movies, in that I didn't realize that you have to just carefully adjust the vertical angle in order to get a good picture. The vertical range is not good but after you adjust it it's ok.

Having a very narrow range is of course undesirable, but in the past i've had notebooks that you could never get right and found yourself always adjusting the screen.

The Macbook is not like that. I'ts ok.

[marmiteturkey]

Agree with everything written so far - brighter, clearer screen, with a narrower viewing angle. My old macbook screen had concentric rings of brightness from either the light source or a slight ripple in the screen, wasn't sure what. This one has a perfectly, beautifully even screen, more even than my last-edition macbook pro and my 20in cinema display - as long as you get the angle right! Otherwise it's negative blacks all over the place.

[MacJenn]

Agree with everything written so far - brighter, clearer screen, with a narrower viewing angle. My old macbook screen had concentric rings of brightness from either the light source or a slight ripple in the screen, wasn't sure what. This one has a perfectly, beautifully even screen, more even than my last-edition macbook pro and my 20in cinema display - as long as you get the angle right! Otherwise it's negative blacks all over the place.


I know a good Optometrist for you. They will give you a discount also.

[therealdt]

Being totally honest, I'd much rather watch a movie on my touch than the MB when traveling.


Are you serious?

I've watched more than a few movies on my iPod Touch and must say I'm impressed. I don't plan on watching a lot of movies on the WMB when it arrives, I just hope movies are much better looking on it versus the iPod Touch