Deploying to the sandbox soon... Need help...

[MacSoljah]

A first-time post from a long-time reader… I will be deploying to the sandbox in couple of weeks and I would like to get a new MacBook Pro as my all-purpose laptop (watching movies, photo editing, doing homework for online course, etc.) before I leave. I know the “glossy vs matte” topic has been discussed here exhaustively in the past; however, I really need advice because I’m still torn between these two options.

I went to Apple store today and compared the glossy and anti-glare MBP side-by-side. I really like how the colors are a lot more vivid and deep in the glossy MBP, and I think I’ll enjoy watching movies on it during my free time in the desert. However, I also get into photography and photo editing; great way to past time and document my experience there . I always use my laptop indoor even here in the US, and I usually use it in a dark room (no lights on or I have the blackout curtain blocking the daylight). I've never used a glossy screen before so I don't know how long I could stand the glare. How reflective is the glossy screen in a dark room? Will I still see my face reflection on the screen? Also, can you calibrate the color in the glossy MBP? How often do you have to do it?

Should I get a glossy or matte MBP? Please advice… Thanks!

 

[MacSoljah]

Awww man... I'm not feeling any love here

 

[anne-sol]

How reflective is the glossy screen in a dark room? Will I still see my face reflection on the screen? Also, can you calibrate the color in the glossy MBP? How often do you have to do it?

Should I get a glossy or matte MBP? Please advice… Thanks!

It's pretty reflective. You'll be able to see your face on a darker background. It's much more bearable when the page background is white. But, see, I noticed it when I turned on the MBP, but I hadn't noticed my reflection until you asked. I really like glossy screens, and didn't want a silver bezel, so I'm a little biased.

 

[splitpea]

I always use my laptop indoor even here in the US, and I usually use it in a dark room (no lights on or I have the blackout curtain blocking the daylight). I've never used a glossy screen before so I don't know how long I could stand the glare. How reflective is the glossy screen in a dark room? Will I still see my face reflection on the screen?

If there are any light sources behind you, it will reflect them like a mirror. Ditto for reflections of your face if there are light sources in front of you. If you're truly in a dark room, though, you won't have to worry about reflections, and if the light sources are dim enough you can pump up the brightness to drown them out (although I find that making the screen too bright indoors can be headache-inducing).

Also, can you calibrate the color in the glossy MBP? How often do you have to do it?

Yes, and just once.

 

[MacSoljah]

Thanks guys! Now, I'm feeling some love

I'm actually leaning more towards getting a glossy MBP but I'd like to make an informed decision before I pull the trigger. I also like the black bezel around the glossy screen and I've read that it's a lot easier to clean. The last couple of times that I deployed with my PB G4, I had to clean my screen almost everyday because of the pervasiveness of the dust in the desert air, and it was harder to clean on the edges.

Anyone else here who was in the same predicament as me? Which one did you buy, glossy or matte? What were your deciding factors?

 

[riotgear]

My wife was deployed to Iraq and I got her a MB right before she left. She never complained about the glossy screen, but that computer looked like utter crap when she came home. Sand everwhere! She worked in a field hospital, so the sun wasn't a problem.

I prefer glossy over matte as long as I am not outside.

 

[Bombermac]

Anyone else here who was in the same predicament as me? Which one did you buy, glossy or matte? What were your deciding factors?

Only in a slightly similar situation to yours--I'm going on R&R soon, and I'm hoping that the 13" MBP I ordered will get delivered in time for me to pick it up when I'm back in the States. Since it's a 13", I don't have the option of going for anti-glare instead of glossy, but portability and battery life were the biggest factors for me, so that's the route I'm going. Also, I barely ever do photo editing. I'll be using my MBP for writing, Skyping, web-surfing and productivity (can't wait to start using OmniFocus for Mac again).

The laptop I'm using right now is an HP Pavilion dv2000 with a glossy screen. In my quarters, it doesn't give me any problems at all. Then again, I've got a trash bag over the window to keep the light out, the screen is angled away from the artificial light in the room. I remember using this near a window back in the States, though, and it was really hard to see the screen. I don't think it was so much the glare I had a problem with as it was the sunlight drowning out the light from the LCD screen. I'm sure the glare didn't help matters, though.

Back home, we've got a 24" iMac on a desk perpendicular to a window. It's a great system, but it's very hard to see with the blinds open during the day. At night, however, it's perfect.

Not sure if that helped at all, but that's my two cents. I'd venture to guess that if you already like Macs, you'll probably be happy with either.

Good luck with your choice, and stay safe.

 

[MacSoljah]

Yes, and just once.

Sweet!

I have another concern -- As far as I understand, calibration should be performed for GPU+monitor combination. Now, new MacBook Pros are going to switch automatically between two GPUs. How will this affect MacBook Pro screen calibration?

 

[Mark Booth]

If every MacBook Pro screen option was the same price, which screen would you get?

Once you know that, you'll know which one to buy.

Mark

 

[SPNarwhal]

:|

oh whimsical mark booth.

it doesn't sound like the 50 dollar difference is a concern of his,
or at least not really a factor in his decision.