If you're NOT after more of the "the new MBPs have screens that are too glossy" discussions around here, then the only thing I can say is this:
Based on some basic physics/optics, glossy displays will probably show you a sharper image. Perhaps it's not very perceptible to users, but if we're only talking about physics, the difference definitely exists. To use an analogy, a glossy screen has a smoother surface (on a microscopic scale) and that's why light that reflects off a smooth surface will mostly reflect at the same angle (at the angle of incidence). A matte surface is always a bit more grainy, so when light reflects, it's not all going to reflect at the same angle. Instead, you'll see a completely incoherent image, as the reflection won't represent any particular item behind you. Things reflects, but the reflection is just a blur, and it doesn't hurt your eyes.
The light coming from the display, which must pass through the matte surface before reaching your eyes, will scatter at all sorts of angles when it encounters the "bumpy" matte surface. Your eyes will detect some of these scattered photons, and so images may appear more blurred. It should also have a slightly lower contrast, since the scattered photons that your eyes detect will be essentially noise. That's how it works in photography, x-ray imaging, CT imaging, etc ---- scattered light/photons usually result in lower contrast.
Again, whether a difference in sharpness or contrast is high enough to be detectable is another question entirely. The difference may be so small that it doesn't matter, but in terms of physics, I think the difference does exist. However, what
MATTERS is reality!!! If it's too small to be perceptable, then don't worry.
I don't know if the difference is small enough though.
However, in my opinion as a user, I'd choose a
MATTE display.
Both displays are going to be sharp and have good contrast. The matte would be good in all work environments, while the glossy screens are only good in SOME conditions. That's not good enough, IMO.
