15" standard vs. 15" hi-res

[Plutonius]

I've read through most of the glossy vs. anti-glare and high resolution vs. standard resolution threads here on MacRumors and on a few other sites, and I've come to this conclusion: Even though it would be a strain on maintaining extra parts and supplies, it makes more sense for Apple to offer all configurable options for the MacBook Pro line. As it is, people are tossing and turning about what's in their budget and what their needs will require. Here are what I see as beneficial options:
13": 1280x800 (until a higher resolution is released), glossy or anti-glare.
15": 1440x900, glossy or anti-glare / 1680x1050, glossy or anti-glare
17": 1920x1200, glossy or anti-glare

It stands to reason that an anti-glare option should be available for a portable line of computers where lighting environments are constantly changing without the user's control. Some people are fine with glossy on the go, and some aren't. So, for a "professional" line of computers, it makes sense to me to have the ability for customers to be able to customize their machine to suit their desires and needs. As it is, I see that many people (including myself) are in the position of conforming their needs to the current available options. As I said, I realize that it would put strain on Apple to maintain so many different displays, but I think this would solve a lot of people's dilemmas and allow for more customer satisfaction because no one would be forced to compromise.

Until more configurable options are integrated, I'll continue to watch from the sidelines. I hate to make such a big deal about the display to the point that it is make or break for me buying the machine, but I refuse to pay this much money for a computer with a screen that doesn't suit me... after all, I'll be looking at it every time I use the computer. In this scenario, it doesn't matter whether you fall into the glossy or anti-glare camp, no need to argue, compromise, or spend more money than a budget will allow because everyone can just get what they want and move forward with enjoying their computers. Isn't that the point, anyway?

I just sent feedback to Apple requesting these configurable options with a list of similar reasons that I noted above. If you think it would help, you might want to do the same. http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

Good post. I really like the matte screen but the font is just too tiny for me to get.

The tiny font issue is solved when Apple ever gets resolution independence into OSX.

 

[jnpy!$4g3cwk]

I've read through most of the glossy vs. anti-glare and high resolution vs. standard resolution threads here on MacRumors and on a few other sites, and I've come to this conclusion: Even though it would be a strain on maintaining extra parts and supplies, it makes more sense for Apple to offer all configurable options for the MacBook Pro line. As it is, people are tossing and turning about what's in their budget and what their needs will require. Here are what I see as beneficial options:
13": 1280x800 (until a higher resolution is released), glossy or anti-glare.
15": 1440x900, glossy or anti-glare / 1680x1050, glossy or anti-glare
17": 1920x1200, glossy or anti-glare

No argument, really, but, I am surprised that glossy seems to be a preference for a significant number of people. In my case, once I tried anti-glare, there was no going back.

 

[Pikkuroope]

Isn't it possible to change the resolution to that 1440x900, from display settings? So what's the problem with bigger res?

 

[Lord Cauldron]

So after weeks and weeks trying to decide between the standard and hi res 15" model, I finally came to a decision. Since this evening I'm the proud owner of the standard res model. Coming from a 15" 1280 * 800 Windows machine, I'm really liking the new, slightly higher, resolution. For me the standard res is just fine for this screensize. Overall, I'm very happy.

I got the machine at a discount: €1470. Normal retail price is €1749, so personally I think this was a great deal. In the next couple of days I'll try to adjust to OS X. If you have some tips for a former Windows user to make a comfortable adjustment to OS X, please share them.

 

[deus ex machina]

It would seem that it is great that Apple has given its users a choice in resolution. Working distance is perhaps more critical in the selection process.

I prefer using either a 24" or 30" monitor for doing serious Photoshop work. Thankfully, I can plug in when necessary.

 

[kolax]

Good post. I really like the matte screen but the font is just too tiny for me to get.

The tiny font issue is solved when Apple ever gets resolution independence into OSX.

Well, kind of. We need a full resolution independent web too. The OS to upscale for higher PPI screens is great, but it can't do much to the web. You can increase the font for a website, but that means that the layout will end up a bit screwed up. Alternatively, you can scale the whole website up, so the fonts and layout (tables, graphics, etc) all get scaled up. Layout wise it looks fine, but the graphics get all pixelated.

Isn't it possible to change the resolution to that 1440x900, from display settings? So what's the problem with bigger res?

I admire your ignorance LCD's only look good at their native resolution. Lowering an LCD's resolution down from it's native will make things blurry/not sharp.