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Apple to Utilize Anti-Reflective Glass in Next-Generation iMac?
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The original G5 iMacs and if I remember correctly early generation Intel iMacs innards could be accessed via the rear of the computer. Then Apple came up with the current design that requires removing the LCD to access the inside.
Complete idiocy on the part of Apple designers.
Oh, could it really be true
?? I vote this the happiest Mac rumour of the year!
A few people seem to be confusing anti-reflective glass with the current 'anti-glare' screens you can get as an option for MacBook Pros. The reason they have that 'bezel' is because there is no arbitrary sheet of glass (with painted bezel) in front of the display, so it needs something to hide/protect the edges. That is very different to putting a sheet of glass in front of the display, whether it be highly reflective or not.
I would have actually listed this as the only benefit of the glass covered displaysthe fact that you can touch them and easily clean them. With the naked matte displays, you really shouldn't touch them at all, but unfortunately some people do. (I'm forever telling my kids to keep their fingers away from the Mac screensit's the iOS generation after all!) Maybe the reason you don't have to clean the matte screens as much is because those users are conscious of not wanting to damage them, or perhaps partly because you can't see the oily finger smudges as clearly. I'm reminded of people who say they don't like timber floors because they are harder to keep clean than carpet. Wrong! They are easier to keep clean, but carpet hides the dirt better so you're not aware of the dust your house is accumulating.
Nice post, although I have only quoted a small part of it. I think it's hard to calculate the full impact of the iMac's glossy screen on sales, since Apple are attracting new customers all the time mostly due to the iPod/iPhone/iPad halo effect, and many of those customers aren't even thinking about glossy vs matte when they walk into an Apple Store. But as for me, a long-time Mac user, I simply refuse to purchase any Mac with a highly reflective sheet of glass in front of it. The closest to a glossy screen I've purchased was a MacBook Air for my wife, because it was the best computer for her, and while the screen is glossy, the reflections aren't nearly as bad as those with the glass in front (iMac, standard config MacBook Pro, Cinema Displays). I pay extra for the 'Hi-Res Antiglare' option when I buy a MacBook Pro, and other than that I buy minis. That's just me, but I can't be the only one.
With the glass you use, does the artwork look absolutely sharp and crisp, or does the glass have a diffusing (light scattering) effect which makes the artwork look ever-so-slightly softer? I'm obviously out of touch with available technologies, as a number of commenters here are saying that you can remove the reflections without compromising the sharpness of the image, so I was just wondering if that was your experience too.
Thanks for the links! Sounds great.
A few people seem to be confusing anti-reflective glass with the current 'anti-glare' screens you can get as an option for MacBook Pros. The reason they have that 'bezel' is because there is no arbitrary sheet of glass (with painted bezel) in front of the display, so it needs something to hide/protect the edges. That is very different to putting a sheet of glass in front of the display, whether it be highly reflective or not.
I would have actually listed this as the only benefit of the glass covered displaysthe fact that you can touch them and easily clean them. With the naked matte displays, you really shouldn't touch them at all, but unfortunately some people do. (I'm forever telling my kids to keep their fingers away from the Mac screensit's the iOS generation after all!) Maybe the reason you don't have to clean the matte screens as much is because those users are conscious of not wanting to damage them, or perhaps partly because you can't see the oily finger smudges as clearly. I'm reminded of people who say they don't like timber floors because they are harder to keep clean than carpet. Wrong! They are easier to keep clean, but carpet hides the dirt better so you're not aware of the dust your house is accumulating.
Nice post, although I have only quoted a small part of it. I think it's hard to calculate the full impact of the iMac's glossy screen on sales, since Apple are attracting new customers all the time mostly due to the iPod/iPhone/iPad halo effect, and many of those customers aren't even thinking about glossy vs matte when they walk into an Apple Store. But as for me, a long-time Mac user, I simply refuse to purchase any Mac with a highly reflective sheet of glass in front of it. The closest to a glossy screen I've purchased was a MacBook Air for my wife, because it was the best computer for her, and while the screen is glossy, the reflections aren't nearly as bad as those with the glass in front (iMac, standard config MacBook Pro, Cinema Displays). I pay extra for the 'Hi-Res Antiglare' option when I buy a MacBook Pro, and other than that I buy minis. That's just me, but I can't be the only one.
With the glass you use, does the artwork look absolutely sharp and crisp, or does the glass have a diffusing (light scattering) effect which makes the artwork look ever-so-slightly softer? I'm obviously out of touch with available technologies, as a number of commenters here are saying that you can remove the reflections without compromising the sharpness of the image, so I was just wondering if that was your experience too.
Thanks for the links! Sounds great.
I hope this is true. I have a MBP and have been wanting to get a new computer. The mac mini isn't powerful enough because I'm going to want something that can handle CS6 and Lightroom and/or Aperature. A Mac Pro would be nice but considering how old they are and the fact that nobody really knows the future of them the Imac makes the most sense. I refuse to buy one with a glossy screen though. It's like a mirror. It's ridiculous.
What are you talking about? Our plasma TV has a glossy screen, and every other plasma I remember seeing in store has one. LCDs have traditionally had matte screens, but not all.
Btw guys, I am sure you realize that as soon as these rumors start gathering speed and a launch seems close to imminent start selling your imacs at ebay, as soon as most people realize what they 've had to suffer through and what is currently offered the reselling value of the imacs is going to go down the drain.
And while we are at it, how about some antireflective coatings for the ipads too? Isn't it high time for that as well? I guess we are caught between competing manufacturer tech, ie. the guys that can cheaply mass produce the anti reflective imac and mbp (although I think the slimmer next gen mbp might lose the glass altogether) glass can't obviously come close to corning's toughness and scratch resistance, and corning (of gorilla glass fame) can't produce anti glare films that are scratch resistant enough.
And while we are at it, how about some antireflective coatings for the ipads too? Isn't it high time for that as well? I guess we are caught between competing manufacturer tech, ie. the guys that can cheaply mass produce the anti reflective imac and mbp (although I think the slimmer next gen mbp might lose the glass altogether) glass can't obviously come close to corning's toughness and scratch resistance, and corning (of gorilla glass fame) can't produce anti glare films that are scratch resistant enough.
Thank you for those, i saw them and they are very interessting!Of course it would be better to move on, on a new tech, cause of the pixel density specially..
My '08 iMac desperately needs an upgrade. I'm eager to see the new iMacs as well as the Mac Pros. I'm wondering how the low end Mac Pro vs the top end iMac will compare.
I just finished reading that article—excellent! A must read for anyone wanting to understand the issues here. It discusses existing anti-reflective coatings, and makes the point that while they do effectively reduce reflections, they are a long way from illuminating them. It also briefly discusses emerging technologies, like the so-called 'invisible glass', and how they're still some way from becoming commercially viable.
The article also makes special mention of Apple displays for using no anti-reflective treatment whatsoever, and that this has no practical advantages 'over a properly treated anti-reflective surface'. Disgraceful really, for a company that prides itself on usability and attention to detail. Let's hope there is truth to this rumour, and that Apple starts taking the issue seriously.
Considering the amount of god-worship there is around him, there was no way he was going to leave/retire from Apple; so its a way of making light of a negative situation.
This article opened my eyes too a while back when I was researching what monitor to buy. Glad you found it helpful. I enjoy it too when technology is explained and demystified to me as objectively as possible beyond the fud and marketing speak of tech companies. And it is indeed shame to apple for just sticking glass for aesthetic purposes on the imacs with scarce regard for usability, and then waiting (for ages) until they could get some manufacturer to provide cost effective (to their margins that is...) glass panel production with some anti glare coating treatment. Basically what they did ever since the white imac is introduced unnecessary eye straining glare to their main desktop so they could look aesthetically pleasing (which is great btw, nothing against this of course) what with the glass and the aluminum.
And I can understand how there's an engineering requirement for glass on the ipad so glare there might be a necessary evil in a way since you also want scratch resistance too and a place to put your capacitative screen, but the imacs aren't touch screen and don't have to have a glass for any engineering reason whatsoever. It's simply aesthetics that terrible mar usability.
Here's the original link for anyone who missed it btw, well worth reading to be able to make informed choices:
http://www.pcmonitors.org/articles/matte-vs-glossy-monitors
Even more disgraceful is Apple's lack of a dedicated desktop display line. Apple's CCFL LCD's were top notch IPS panels (aside from the 20"), came in three sizes, and [shockingly] had cables that could reach a PowerMac! Currently, Apple offers only one stripped iMac LED LCD, 27", with cables so short Mac Pro/desktop owners have to purchase USB/Mini-Display Port extension cables (and they aren't cheap). I get it, Apple is pushing them as notebook displays, and they are going green with glass fronts instead of plastic anti-glare displays. I should be clear about this fact, Apple dismissed their dedicated previous generation CCFL LCD's for many reasons, all of which are eco-conscious related (and in the end, cheaper production wise). As it is simply a pane of glass, no coating/plastic panels are used over their displays. The previous generation CCFL LCD's all had antiglare panels that were not glass and were not eco-conscious/recyclable. In 2006, Apple acquiesced to much of GreenPeaces demands, which brought on the advent of utilizing more glass and aluminum casings (also important in cooling systems) while cutting back on plastics, mercury, and other carcinogens that produce e-waste and pollution. However, I'm sure there's a way to get an antiglare glass front panel for their displays.
However, anti-glare (as currently implemented) simply diffuses the image (not getting into specifics). Most professionals use hoods on regular displays as image editing, etc is best on an non-antiglare display as it is less pixelated and clearer. However, for the average consumer/iMac/MacBook Pro/iDevice user, this would be a beneficial option. Just give us more displays to chose from again!
/aaaaand end rant
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Not a god, just a father of four whose death doesn't really require your making-light skills.
Will never buy a glossy display
I'm also one of who-knows-how-many that refuse to buy glossy for a monitor/computer. (I'll be hanging on to my 30" ACD as long as possible!) It's not bad on a phone, but I'd even like to see a non-glare glass on the ipads. The first time I ever saw an ipad was outside and I could not see a thing without shadowing the entire display with my body. I'm always baffled when I go to an Apple store and have to move my head up-down-side-to-side to see what's on the display of every product in the store. Meanwhile those beautiful huge info/ad displays on the walls with (yep, you guessed it) non-glare screens are viewed easily and clearly from any angle in the store. Apple should break new ground and create an amazingly durable non-glare surface that is razor sharp. We all know they can, but will they? (If they want this poor sap's display dollars they better!
I'm also one of who-knows-how-many that refuse to buy glossy for a monitor/computer. (I'll be hanging on to my 30" ACD as long as possible!) It's not bad on a phone, but I'd even like to see a non-glare glass on the ipads. The first time I ever saw an ipad was outside and I could not see a thing without shadowing the entire display with my body. I'm always baffled when I go to an Apple store and have to move my head up-down-side-to-side to see what's on the display of every product in the store. Meanwhile those beautiful huge info/ad displays on the walls with (yep, you guessed it) non-glare screens are viewed easily and clearly from any angle in the store. Apple should break new ground and create an amazingly durable non-glare surface that is razor sharp. We all know they can, but will they? (If they want this poor sap's display dollars they better!
No, I do not misunderstand. I have used similar glass while working as a professional custom framer. I am saying that some people actually prefer the reflective/ glossy look, so that option should still be available. I prefer the reflective glass on an iMac, yes. I'd actually prefer the coating on an iPad or iPhone, which I use outdoors. You don't have to go down the list and multi-quote every poster just to "correct" them, especially when there is nothing to correct.
That would make my eyes so happy
I've just about had it with my super duper glare magnifiers on my iMac at home and the one at the office. I work from home more often then not just because I can turn my home office into a cave. At the office.... after about 4 hours my eyes have had it from the fluorescent crap lighting. Please Apple.... finally work with us on this one. After years of eye strain I think my eyeballs are about to pop out of their sockets .... I hate sunny days because of this damn screen. LOL
I've just about had it with my super duper glare magnifiers on my iMac at home and the one at the office. I work from home more often then not just because I can turn my home office into a cave. At the office.... after about 4 hours my eyes have had it from the fluorescent crap lighting. Please Apple.... finally work with us on this one. After years of eye strain I think my eyeballs are about to pop out of their sockets .... I hate sunny days because of this damn screen. LOL
Even more disgraceful is Apple's lack of a dedicated desktop display line. Apple's CCFL LCD's were top notch IPS panels (aside from the 20"), came in three sizes, and [shockingly] had cables that could reach a PowerMac! Currently, Apple offers only one stripped iMac LED LCD, 27", with cables so short Mac Pro/desktop owners have to purchase USB/Mini-Display Port extension cables (and they aren't cheap). I get it, Apple is pushing them as notebook displays, and they are going green with glass fronts instead of plastic anti-glare displays. I should be clear about this fact, Apple dismissed their dedicated previous generation CCFL LCD's for many reasons, all of which are eco-conscious related (and in the end, cheaper production wise). As it is simply a pane of glass, no coating/plastic panels are used over their displays. The previous generation CCFL LCD's all had antiglare panels that were not glass and were not eco-conscious/recyclable. In 2006, Apple acquiesced to much of GreenPeaces demands, which brought on the advent of utilizing more glass and aluminum casings (also important in cooling systems) while cutting back on plastics, mercury, and other carcinogens that produce e-waste and pollution. However, I'm sure there's a way to get an antiglare glass front panel for their displays.
However, anti-glare (as currently implemented) simply diffuses the image (not getting into specifics). Most professionals use hoods on regular displays as image editing, etc is best on an non-antiglare display as it is less pixelated and clearer. However, for the average consumer/iMac/MacBook Pro/iDevice user, this would be a beneficial option. Just give us more displays to chose from again!
/aaaaand end rant
They do need to offer more choices, they are maintaining extra high margins and cutting away choices all the time progressively. Simplifying the product line up is one thing, but taking away choice such as different display sizes for acds simply because they can't maintain the same margins for all panel sizes is not good.
I just want to point out though, that ccfls where dismissed industry wide (well almost industry wide) with the move to led backlit displays that allowed the products to be thinner. Apple might have spinned it in term of an eco friendly choice, but ultimately it was a thinness issue, and a more able and cheaper mass technology (led). Also the glass cover added on top of the imac screen (which already has a semi gloss plastic coating, a minimal one and marginally thinner than say the air which has to be thicker to be wiped and not damage the screen) or the macbook screen is hardly eco friendly since they are adding extra material (very recyclable but still not required). It was never a choice between a thick plastic layer or a glass layer for the macs, it was always leaving the screen as is with some ag coating (matte, semi gloss, etc.) or sticking also a glass on top. The latter choice is hardly eco friendly by adding another material too.
Finally!
Thank You Tim Cook.
Out from under the product paralyzing ego of Stevie, "You *Will* Use Glossy", Apple is free to unleash all the truly terrific engineering & design goodness that's been shelved in the past.
It's a new day at Apple, and I know droves of Mac enthusiasts are thrilled.
Thank You Tim Cook.
Out from under the product paralyzing ego of Stevie, "You *Will* Use Glossy", Apple is free to unleash all the truly terrific engineering & design goodness that's been shelved in the past.
It's a new day at Apple, and I know droves of Mac enthusiasts are thrilled.
Wait… You're saying you would actually choose to have reflections on your screen, even if the technology was available to make the anti-reflective screen equal in all other respects?
You and me both!
I have two of the 30" ACDs, and two smaller ones, 23" and 21" I think they are, and while they're not quite as sharp or as saturated as the glossy screens, I wouldn't trade them if you offered me twice the number of glass covered ones in return.If it could be placed near the RAM somewhere at the bottom that'd be great. But in all honesty, getting to it is pretty straightforward on the whole (its not a job for beginners of course) so long as you lay out all the screws properly so they go back in the right place.
But once the glass is 'sucked off' it's just a case of unscrewing the LCD and lifting it out, to get to the juicy innards. I've had to do it many times with work so I'm a dab hand at it now... You do have to be careful with dust, fluff and hairs getting lodged between the LCD and the glass. However, my own personal iMac I once owned came with a hair already supplied, so even Apple can't always ensure it's done properly. In fact there's been a number of occurrences of debris underneath the screens on these forums.
Whilst I could have easily fixed the hair problem on my iMac, I chose to take it back to the store to get a different one.
It would be more important if Apple sealed the displays properly and shielded the GPU heatsink to get rid of the grey smudge problem.