Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Glossy Factor

A

asmallchild

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 25, 2007
205
0
Finally decided on a MBP.

Was torn between which color MB initially (since it really would be more than enough to fill my needs) but ultimately decided to ditch this idea because the white is rumored to discolour easily and the black is rumored to pick up fingerprints at will.

Thought about the MBA briefly but really disliked the idea of having a non-user replacable battery as I intend to use this system over the next (hopefully) 5 years. (I've found I'm rather harsh in terms of treating laptop batteries and would at least like the option to replace it)

So finally decided to go with a $2000MBP (after education discount)

My question is, what's the difference between the glossy and the regular screen? Could anyone give a recommendation as to which one they prefer?
 
I chose the matte screen, because I am frequently in less than optimum light conditions when I travel. Also I have glossy on my iMac so I wanted something different on the MBP. Movies look better on glossy, but Matte is very popular.

Best thing is to head into an Apple store if you can and look at them side by side.
 
I personally would get the matte screen because it is less strain on your eyes, doesn't reflect everything in the room, and doesn't have glare problems from light sources. Although some people like the more saturated look of the glossy screens better. You really should just go to an Apple store and try out a glossy and a matte screen though, you may find you will like the more saturated glossy screen and don't mind the reflections, or vice-versa.
 
There are ten dozen other threads about people torn between the matte and glossy screens, so you have plenty to read on both sides if you want to do a little digging.

Personally, I chose the matte.
 
yeah just do a search and you'll find several results. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/452925/ is one of them.

Also at the moment, the mattes are shipping faster than the glossy. I'm sure Apple will catch up though. I changed my 17'' high-res order from a glossy to a matte on the 12th and today it is prepared for shipment. I ordered my glossy on March 1st and ship date was march 24th. Also got free priority shipping and a free apple remote for my wait :D
 
i can tell you that my buddies 17" hi-res glossy looks fabulous but at certain times i really hate it when i find myself fighting the glare if there is a window behind me or something and if I were to choose I would pick the matte because they both are going to look great its just that I think the pros out weigh the cons
 
I had a hard time making this same decision when I bought my new MBP. Ultimately, I chose matte after trying both in the store. I like the looks of the glossy display, but the reflections are horrible, and just not good for my purposes.

I would strongly urge you to go the store yourself and check out which will work best for you. You can also search these forums for what other people think.
 
I love the glossy screen.

However, when I plug it into my matte external monitor, switching between Matte and Glossy is annoying (seems as if the matte has better contrast).

Also, in certain lighting conditions, there is a minor reflection of the room behind you.

In the end however, when sitting with your MacBook, no ext. monitors, in an average lit room, you will find the glossy is much better looking than the matte.

It's really just a matter of preference.
 
asmallchild said:
Thought about the MBA briefly but really disliked the idea of having a non-user replacable battery as I intend to use this system over the next (hopefully) 5 years. (I've found I'm rather harsh in terms of treating laptop batteries and would at least like the option to replace it)?
Click to expand...

Just a heads up: Apple would replace a MBA battery for the same price you'd buy a macbook pro battery...
 
I have found that comparing them side by side is the best option. The glossy or matte debate is a very subjective topic. It all depends on your personal preference.
 
Had the glossy for a few days. It's liveable, but still too much glare for my tastes.
 
i personally love my glossy screen mbp (penryn), its amazing.

glares yes every now and then but its NOT a big deal AT ALL


i like the colors it produces and the depth it has


and i dont do any photo editing or IT stuff on this its just surfing the net and listening to music
 
I like glossy, during the day sometimes I see a reflection, but at night the with the lights on (low) in my room it appears to be matte. It personal preference, pick the one YOU will be happy with.
 
I chose Matte, for photography and design work. I love this screen its just right I'll recommend it.
What are you going to do on the MBP?
best thing to do is check them both out at the Apple Store. Cant really go wrong with either screen.
 
i wouldn't really recommend checking the displays in the apple store.
they're deceiving.
for one, most of the displays have hi-res LED already.
yup! here in new england that's the case,
when i opened my newly purchased penryn..
( did a lot of exchanges prior, that's why i want to open it there!)
i maxed out the brightness and put it side by side with the 15 displays..
to my surprise, my MBP was dimmer, only to fine out the displays have hi res

and the lighting at the stores are overwhelmingly bright!:mad:
 
Well... Matte renders more realistic color & contrast. Glossy looks flashy and is really fitting for the aesthetic shine of os x. If you are someone that needs the MBP for photo work, I'd go with the Matte. If you don't have a vested interest in color, go with the glossy, it looks cooler. Personally I got the matte because I do animation/film/photo stuff, but I've played with the glossy at the apple store and its totally beautiful. Soooo there you go.

w.
 
I'm glad I went glossy.

I think people make this a bigger deal than it is. My old 12" PB is matte. My new 15" is glossy. I can't really compare the two because the new one is much brighter. But it is very sharp and most of the time you cannot see any reflection. In fact, I've not yet encountered in a week of having it any time when I couldn't see the screen or I found it to be annoying.

But it's great for watching movies and it's lovely and bright.
 
markrivers said:
i wouldn't really recommend checking the displays in the apple store.
they're deceiving.
for one, most of the displays have hi-res LED already.
yup! here in new england that's the case,
when i opened my newly purchased penryn..
( did a lot of exchanges prior, that's why i want to open it there!)
i maxed out the brightness and put it side by side with the 15 displays..
to my surprise, my MBP was dimmer, only to fine out the displays have hi res

and the lighting at the stores are overwhelmingly bright!:mad:
Click to expand...

I assume you have a 17in? I think for 15in the store would be a good place to make a comparison. I don't think they have a hi-res LED in any model other than the 17in.
 
sjb said:
I assume you have a 17in? I think for 15in the store would be a good place to make a comparison. I don't think they have a hi-res LED in any model other than the 17in.
Click to expand...


no i have the 15 2.4 Ghz.

apple stores have been doing this eversince. ( here in new england)
for example, august 07 when the MB have only 1G RAM standard..
all the displays have a 2GB on them,
making them run faster compared to their " stock" counter parts
that's why when my buddy bought his MB, he thought his MB was slow since it has only 1 GB.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back