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aaronw1986

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Oct 31, 2006
2,622
10
I'm about to pull the trigger on a MBP. Having some last minute issues about the screen. I have always been leaning towards glossy. People with glossy, can I get some reassurance? Especially if anyone has noticed increased strain due to glossy or something. Thanks!
 
I'm about to pull the trigger on a MBP. Having some last minute issues about the screen. I have always been leaning towards glossy. People with glossy, can I get some reassurance? Especially if anyone has noticed increased strain due to glossy or something. Thanks!

I think it has alot to do with each persons own eye sight. Some say non-glossy is easier on their eyes whie other say the glossy is. I know for me glossy makes my eyes less tired when using for long periods of time and has much better color vibrance. I have the non-glossy on my new Dell e1705 which has a 17" screen but I can not use for very long as the non-glossy screen finish just kills my eyes. Of course the glossy finish has its cons as well such as reflections from light sources, etc. However thoses can easily be remedied by simply adjusting your viewing angle or shifting positions in front of the screen. In the end you should choose between them based on YOUR eye sight and opinions on what is nicer / easier for your own viewing. You can do this by using a friends laptop or visiting one of the big chain stores and looking at their display models.
 
Yeah, the best way to know this is to actually look at the product. I personally like glossy, but a lot of people would argue why matte is better (no glare, more accurate color production, etc). Glossy would give you more vibrant colors, but that is also debatable. It all comes down to preference.
 
Just follow your heart. That's what I do :D

(but seriously, nothing can replace going [even if it's not an Apple store--not all of us have escaped our small-town swamps yet] and comparing glossy/matte yourself)

And as seriously, once you get it, commit to it. You like it. You can convince yourself anything is awesome, and :apple: makes it even easier.
 
People with glossy, can I get some reassurance? Especially if anyone has noticed increased strain due to glossy or something. Thanks!

I just experienced this rather tough decision myself. After a side-by-side comparison in the store, which offers less-than-ideal lighting conditions, I went with glossy. My eyesight isn't the greatest and I found that the extra sharpness offered by the glossy screen made it easier for me to focus on small text and fine detail. It also had ever-so-slightly better contrast and richer color.

On the other hand, it wasn't an easy choice. The new matte screen is a lot better than the previous one. I always felt the MBPs had a somewhat dull/grainy look to them. But the 15.4" matte I evaluated today was smooth, bright, and crisp.

Please note that this only applies to the new 15.4" displays. I didn't take the time to look at the 17" model.
 
IMO glossy is better in general. I have a glossy Sony Vaio laptop so i guess thats why i like it. Whenever i see the two in the store the matte just reminds me of an old laptop and isn't crisp at all. It's kind of faded. The glossy screens are so rich, and sharp. Things just look better.
 
I just experienced this rather tough decision myself. After a side-by-side comparison in the store, which offers less-than-ideal lighting conditions, I went with glossy. My eyesight isn't the greatest and I found that the extra sharpness offered by the glossy screen made it easier for me to focus on small text and fine detail. It also had ever-so-slightly better contrast and richer color.


On the other hand, it wasn't an easy choice. The new matte screen is a lot better than the previous one. I always felt the MBPs had a somewhat dull/grainy look to them. But the 15.4" matte I evaluated today was smooth, bright, and crisp.

Please note that this only applies to the new 15.4" displays. I didn't take the time to look at the 17" model.


Lucky for me, our official Apple store opens here in SLO, CA tomorrow! This means I should be able to go and check them out. I am leaning towards glossy, but it's not like I can be on it for hours in the store to really get a feel.
 
I have the 15" glossy LED model. I'm taking it back tomorrow for an exchange for the same thing. (no worries :))

Excellent display.. Mine just had a backlight bleeding flaw.
 
I have the 15" glossy LED model. I'm taking it back tomorrow for an exchange for the same thing. (no worries :))

Excellent display.. Mine just had a backlight bleeding flaw.

This worries me, as mine will be BTO. I want to 7200rpm drive.
 
I thought glossy was a stupid pc type marketing junket, until I had to buy a glossy Compaq for a school project. It looked great in the store but I was sceptical about the reflections remaining a monor issue for any length of time.

I find I can work for longer with smaller fonts and I don't need my glasses and feel less strain.

The reflections still don't worry me. I am pretty easy going and simply adjust the screen slightly or move a bit. I'm sure if you let the reflections worry you a bit they will gang up and really beat you up.

I say go for it, it you find you don't like it after a while you can probably find someone to swap. Maybe there's a market for antiglare stick-ons for converting MBPs out there!
 
I thought glossy was a stupid pc type marketing junket, until I had to buy a glossy Compaq for a school project. It looked great in the store but I was sceptical about the reflections remaining a monor issue for any length of time.

I find I can work for longer with smaller fonts and I don't need my glasses and feel less strain.

The reflections still don't worry me. I am pretty easy going and simply adjust the screen slightly or move a bit. I'm sure if you let the reflections worry you a bit they will gang up and really beat you up.

I say go for it, it you find you don't like it after a while you can probably find someone to swap. Maybe there's a market for antiglare stick-ons for converting MBPs out there!

I have personally found the exact same thing with the glossy screens being much easier on my eyes. I can no longer even use my other laptops with Non-glossy for any extended amount of time.
 
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