All the retina MBP's I tried have very dim screens. On maximum brightness, it's not as bright as my 2010 MBP Anti-Glare MBP. Is this a known issue with the new retina screen?
I believe Anandtech stated in his review that the screens were about 10% dimmer. That is probably to be expected as the smaller pixels, by nature, let in less light. But in everyday use, it is fine. Yes, I also have a 17" MBP with the Anti-glare screen and I don't need to turn the brightness nearly as high. Currently, I am using my screen at about 55% brightness in my home during the daytime with slight overcast skye.
I wouldnt say they are very dim, they are more dim but not enough to call an issue. I dont even use mine at max brightness all that much.
I believe that people have posted pictures of 2 rMBPs on full brightness and one was much dimmer than the other so I think there is some variation depending on the individual screen.
They're both too dim but the LG is even dimmer than the Samsung. I suspect Apple restricts the maximum brightness so that when reviewers review the units, they will report excellent battery life with brightness set to maximum.
I doubt Apple would do this. It's the smaller pixels that are at the cause of this. The retina iPad 3 needed 2 light bars instead of 1 on the iPad 2s with the low resolution display to achieve acceptable brightness levels. I have both and the iPad2 is still brighter than the 3 at maximum brightness. LCDs work like little shutters on a window. The larger the pixel, the more light gets through. But when you have a higher resolution screen, the pixels are increased and have to be made smaller so less light comes through.
The maximum brightness on my 15" rMBP is blinding. In a room with low light, it is especially noticeable.
difference I just got a new rMBP. (this was my third try, first LG had IR and 2nd LG had low brightness) this new one, is a samsung, and has pretty much the same brightness as my 2008 matte MBP. I run it about 2-3 clicks from top and top brightness is TOO bright. So, IMHO there IS a difference and it is most likely vendor specific.
In the evening, under all incandescent lights, I always run mine 2-3 clicks less than half, when surfing sites like MR with white backgrounds. During the day, by an open window, I set it at half. Samsung screen.