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Is the LED worth it for 17" mbp?
- Thread starter krandall
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LED-backlit screens are generally brighter and have better viewing angles than fluorescent backlit screens. The LED option is a higher-resolution screen (more desktop real estate). I'd say go for it. Regular (matte) vs. glossy is a personal preference, though. Glossy screens look prettier, but they're a lot more prone to glare than matte screens. I personally prefer matte screens.
Not a 17" owner here, but I do own a matte and I'm very happy with my decision. I know that everyone has their own opinion, but I think glossy only has its own specific uses and matte is just overall better for the average user.
The matte screen has a definite and perfectly-judged sheen to it and is beautiful to look at, as well as being better to work with if you do any kind of image editing/retouching.
Choosing the gloss screen seems to me as daft as taking out some clear boot polish and shining it up on the screen. It's a fad that might make shoot-em-up games look more "dynamic" by over-emphasising the reds of all the blood splatters and exploding heads, but that's about it.
I'd say the 17" LED matte high res screen is a very significant and highly worthwhile improvement over both the standard 17" screen and the 15" LED screens.
But if you go the gloss route, you might as well just stick with the standard screen.
Choosing the gloss screen seems to me as daft as taking out some clear boot polish and shining it up on the screen. It's a fad that might make shoot-em-up games look more "dynamic" by over-emphasising the reds of all the blood splatters and exploding heads, but that's about it.
I'd say the 17" LED matte high res screen is a very significant and highly worthwhile improvement over both the standard 17" screen and the 15" LED screens.
But if you go the gloss route, you might as well just stick with the standard screen.
It is worth it. I have the hi res gloss and have no problems with glare. I use inside and outside. I don't understand why the people that picked matte try to beat down glossy screens all the time. The glossy screen has ben a joy to use for me. It's just a decision you will have to make. Go to the store and check them out.
I think it's a tough choice between the 15" and 17" for different reasons. But if you are going to get the 17" anyway, get the hi-res LED. It's got the best screen I've ever seen on an Apple laptop for brightness and color accuracy. The default color profile is a bit washed out, but once you calibrate it it is stunning. You can also find color profiles here if you don't want to get color calibration hardware (I've posted profiles for one brand of the matte hi-res).
As far as matte or glossy it's a personal choice. Generally I would prefer glossy but the Apple retail stores only sell a configuration with the hi-res matte and I didn't want to custom order. If you are going to do photography, I'd recommend the matte, otherwise probably the glossy but it's really a personal decision.
As far as matte or glossy it's a personal choice. Generally I would prefer glossy but the Apple retail stores only sell a configuration with the hi-res matte and I didn't want to custom order. If you are going to do photography, I'd recommend the matte, otherwise probably the glossy but it's really a personal decision.
Fair enough if you are happy with the glossy, I'm pleased the choice was there for you. But I think the users of matte screens are a bit more vocal and agitated about this because they see their options dwindling like with glossy-only iMacs and Macbooks. I've even heard fears expressed that the next Apple Cinema Displays might be glossy only! I don't believe that for a minute, but the fact it's even being talked about is a sign of the times.
So long as a choice is available, then all's happy and nice for everyone, whatever their choice.
. . . IMHO it's a no-brainer: the 1920x1200 option is cheap, gives you noticeable extra battery-life [because of the LED backlighting], & allows easy-peasy display mirroring to affordable 24/27" 1920x1200 external displays.
I went for the matte for anti-glare & accuracy, despite the appeal of the glossy for video playback, & BTW thanks to bcaslis for his profiles.
I went for the matte for anti-glare & accuracy, despite the appeal of the glossy for video playback, & BTW thanks to bcaslis for his profiles.
I have a 17in LED Glossy Hi Res--no complaints, works great.
sadly, I fear the OP's question is fated to the vicissitudes of the almost religious Matte vs Glossy debate.
One thing not mentioned here is that if you have any chance of doing so, get to an apple store and look at the units yourself (call ahead first to see what they have on display)--don't just listen to us!
sadly, I fear the OP's question is fated to the vicissitudes of the almost religious Matte vs Glossy debate.
One thing not mentioned here is that if you have any chance of doing so, get to an apple store and look at the units yourself (call ahead first to see what they have on display)--don't just listen to us!