Glossy vs Anti-Glare

[aznguyen316]

I finally got my AG i7 in today and damn it is amazing! I feel like I've been missing out on this beautiful screen. I love the resolution, it's perfect for 15.4" and I don't know why people say colors don't "pop" or text looks blurry. Everything looks sharp, colors look great and vibrant. So glad I decided to move away from the 13" line and go for the 15" with AG. Well worth it.

Also I didn't think the no glass would make a difference, but wow it does in terms of weight. Lifting the lid and closing I can really tell it feels light for the size. Just an added bonus =) Now the silver bezel matches (most) of the laptop. I got nervous on the AG coming in after complaints but I have no regrets here!

 

[ovrkast]

Here goes the debate on glossy vs anti-glare! I'm a photographer and personally I chose glossy over anti-glare any day. I find that the glossy provides richer colors, and the anti-glare is a bit dimmer and washed out. I don't sit in front of my computer every single day on photo-editing, but rather the occasional online surfing, and listening to music doesn't require anti-glare qualities. The day to day tasks I run are just purely more "pretty" to look at on a glossy screen. I know...I know...anti-glare provides more accurate colors for photography. Glossy has too much glare outdoors...seriously? How many of you all actually sit outside doing work all day, or is it more of the rare occasion? Most of us use our Macs indoors, and even under certain lighting I still find the glossy screens more attractive than the anti-glare 🙄

If you are going to do any true "photo-processing", then you'll want a dedicated monitor that you can calibrate accurately over a laptop screen. It all boils down to preference! There's no rhyme or reason on what is the best choice.

 

[calibrad]

A picture for comparison...

 

[WardC]

I'm not bothered by glare, it's just the glossy doesn't seem to have as good whites and brightness as the AG. Right now I have the glossy hires in a maxed out machine so I'm not sure what I'm going to do. The matte display on previous models I always felt was lacking but this new AG is really very very good.

I will agree, the first generation MacBook Pros (they were CCFL), and the Santa Rosas (which were LED-backlit) were nowhere nearly as good as the 2010/2011 Antiglare displays. The hi-res antiglare display I have on my 15.4" 2010-model MBP is simply the most stunning display I have ever seen on a notebook.

It is far better than the LED Antiglare of the 2007 models. I even think the 2010/2011 hi-res antiglares are better than the 2008/2009 models. The panels used on the 2010 and 2011 model hi-res antiglare 15" MacBook Pros are the same displays, and they are simply excellent. Crisp, vivid color, very accurate, razor sharp, very, very bright. Everything about it is wonderful.

This antiglare display is as good as my 23" Cinema Display, which is excellent.

 

[zenio]

Whenever I got my first Mac back in 2007, the options were Glossy or Matte. You could pick either one with no price difference. I chose Matte and was very satisfied with my decision.

I plan on purchasing a new MBP soon, but I'm probably going with glossy just because paying $150 pains me too much (although the higher resolution would be very nice).

Apple goes to great lengths to show the industry how to gouge customers.

 

[JoJoCal19]

The extreme arguments on both sides are WILDLY inaccurate. Absolutely insanely inaccurate, on both sides. People seem to think their personal opinion, is fact, with respect to these screens. The FACT is that both are slightly affected with different things. The glossy has a very slight reflection, and in extreme conditions, it's like a mirror. The antiglare is far from drab, dusty, or colorless. It is vibrant, beautiful, and accurate. Is it slightly less "popping" than the glossy? Yes. But drab? Hardly...

It's a personal preference. I hope no one that comes through here looking for advice buys the ********* stuff about either screen. Both are beautiful, neither has remotely near the drawbacks the other side claim. Period. Different doesn't mean better, or worse. It means you'll like one thing, someone else might like another. Try it for yourself, buy what makes you happy, and don't try to justify a choice with lies about another.

Someone who gets it. After playing with both extensively in the Apple store the Glossy isn't super reflective and the Anti-Glare isn't drab or dull. In the end, I love both panels. I think I'm leaning towards the AG for color reproduction.

 

[HBOC]

Glossy has already won. Visit your local Apple store and see for yourself.

Have I said that I HATE glossy? You must not use your MBP for anything but watch youtube or use the internet?

 

[entatlrg]

Not necessarily true. I've already posted about it, but I use my glossy outdoors on our patio, and in various lighting conditions. The only time there is a noticeable reflection, is when it's either turned off, or very dim (VERY dim). The only way it's a problem, is if I have it in an improper position relative to my eyes. It's not difficult, uncomfortable, and it doesn't strain the eyes in the slightest.

The two biggest extremes people seem to post is that the glossy reflects so bad it's impossible to use anywhere but a dark room, and that the antiglare has dull color/appearance compared to glossy and everything looks bad on it. Having both (well, our AG is a 2010), neither is true. If one wants to nitpick, the glossy does reflect a bit if you point a light straight at it, or tilt it so it's directly under the sun. And the antiglare may have a "bit" less "pop" to it. But neither are as bad as some extremes either side proclaims them to be, not by a longshot.

Oh yes, what I wrote is true. I stand by my words and encourage others to do similar tests and post back their results.

 

[eaf7s]

Although I have without question always been a proponent of AG (my last MBP was matte and I just adored it), for me it was always more of an aesthetic preference--I simply preferred looking at an antiglare screen to a glossy.

However, when I went for the new MBP, I decided on a 13", which left me with no such option (even if it did, I actually dislike the hi-res screens. I leave hi-res for my external). Having had my glossy for two days and using it in everything from a completely black room to a large lab with sunlight pouring in...I love it! I still miss my matte, but not NEARLY to the extent that I thought I would. I *only* noticed reflection in the lab, and even then it was only when I was actively paying attention to it. Turning up the brightness made it a nonissue.

The black bezel is extremely sleek, the display just looks...good...it's sharp; the colors are gorgeous and no light leak issues with this one like I had with my AG. Were the option there, I may still revert to AG but honestly...I am very happy and impressed with this! I feel like a lot of glossy-haters on here are exaggerating the hell out of the issue. Maybe further use will change my mind but so far, so good!

 

[iZero]

Oh yes, what I wrote is true. I stand by my words and encourage others to do similar tests and post back their results.

I wasn't trying to imply you were lying or something, I hope I didn't come across that way? 🙂 I was just simply saying that in my experience, as with many others, even one just posted, you have to be actively looking for a reflection to really notice it. Unless conditions are extreme, and then, I admit, it you're purposefully pointing lights and sunshine directly on it, of course it reflects to a degree it's hard to use. I use mine on our patio every morning and afternoon (barring rain or something of course 😛 ) and it's never an issue, at all. Nor at the office with lights all around. Or in bed with the lamp right behind my head. It just doesn't happen to me. If i TRY to, I can force it to become a mirror. If I dim it nearly black and point it straight into the light.

So in effect, it's not necessarily true that they are just a mirror for everybody. True for your tests, maybe. That's why I didn't say it's absolutely not true. Just not in every case. It doesn't happen to me. Or to many others. I wasn't calling you a liar or anything. Maybe I use mine differently than you used yours.

I stand by what I say too. The extreme examples on both sides are wildly inaccurate. Laughably so. My glossy isn't a mirror, it's perfectly useable outside, inside, anywhere. Does it reflect? Yes minimally, you have to actually want to pay attention to it, to notice, and it has to be in very bright conditions with a very dim screen, and a light directly, purposefully aimed at it. My AG isn't dull, faded, lifeless, dusty, or anything else the glossy fanboys claim. It's beautiful, brilliant (even more so in some cases, like with white coloring on the screen), and yes, it doesn't reflect at all. It's just sad to see either side make wild claims that might tragically misinform a person looking to buy. Everyone needs to try one for themselves and decide in the store.

The black bezel is extremely sleek, the display just looks...good...it's sharp; the colors are gorgeous and no light leak issues with this one like I had with my AG. Were the option there, I may still revert to AG but honestly...I am very happy and impressed with this! I feel like a lot of glossy-haters on here are exaggerating the hell out of the issue. Maybe further use will change my mind but so far, so good!

They definitely exaggerate like crazy. But to be fair, the AG haters exaggerate the hell out of the claims of dull colors and faded appearance of the AG too... I don't get it.

 

[eaf7s]

They definitely exaggerate like crazy. But to be fair, the AG haters exaggerate the hell out of the claims of dull colors and faded appearance of the AG too... I don't get it.

Exactly! At the end of the day, you can't really go wrong with Apple's current displays...imho the best on the market for a meeting of sleekness, specs & pure functionality. Instead of bitching about how one is better/worse than the other, maybe we should just be happy that we've got two awesome options of which one is sure to cater to our personal preference 🙂

 

[0Bytes]

I have a 2010 MBA and am getting a 2001 MBP but like many am on the fence on res and glare options.

If anyone here has both a 2010 MBA and a 2011 MBP (HR, glossy) can you provide an opinion on the readability and glare/reflections between the 2? I've had them side by side at the Apple store but it's just not real life, for me anyway so difficult to make a judgement. The pixels seem to be about the same size and I'm guessing any glare should be about the same, but would appreciate some feedback.

Thanks!

 

[0Bytes]

Sorry, comparing the 13 inch MBA to the 15 inch MBP (HR, glossy).

 

[Moyank24]

Not really entirely accurate.... Again, outdoors, indoors, in any light condition, I've never had a problem with reflections. Never unless I hold it at a weird angle, or a position that's way off anyway, or unless I have it off/extremely dim. Then it's like a mirror, yes. But then I guess the sun in my sky, and the lights in my rooms, are different from many, apparently😛 And the folks that prefer AG (and I have one also) don't know "better" they simply prefer something different than a person that prefers glossy.




Wrong. It's his opinion, and he is entitled to it. Not everyone likes the same thing. The extreme arguments on both sides are WILDLY inaccurate. Absolutely insanely inaccurate, on both sides. People seem to think their personal opinion, is fact, with respect to these screens. The FACT is that both are slightly affected with different things. The glossy has a very slight reflection, and in extreme conditions, it's like a mirror. The antiglare is far from drab, dusty, or colorless. It is vibrant, beautiful, and accurate. Is it slightly less "popping" than the glossy? Yes. But drab? Hardly...

It's a personal preference. I hope no one that comes through here looking for advice buys the ********* stuff about either screen. Both are beautiful, neither has remotely near the drawbacks the other side claim. Period. Different doesn't mean better, or worse. It means you'll like one thing, someone else might like another. Try it for yourself, buy what makes you happy, and don't try to justify a choice with lies about another.

I have to agree with you there. I got my new 13" MBP about a week and a half ago (coming from a BlackBook) and after reading this and other threads, I really was expecting the worst. I thought I would be looking into a mirror the entire time I was on the computer.

Though I can definitely tell a difference between my new screen and the screen on my old BlackBook, there really is no glare. So I agree when you say the bit about extreme conditions. I haven't encountered any yet. I can hold my hand in front of the screen and there isn't even a hint of reflection.

So, like all things on here, take what everyone says with a grain of salt. We all live in different places, with different lighting (😉), and use our Mac's in different ways.

 

[whooleytoo]

IMO, the lighting isn't the most important factor when it comes to reflections on the screen - it's the on-screen image.

If you're looking at a bright image, you'll only be vaguely aware of the reflection unless there's very bright sunlight. But if you're looking at a dark image, you're looking at a mirror in just about any lighting conditions. Maybe my problem isn't the lighting, but I'm just not good-looking enough! 😉

 

[Andeavor]

I actually notice the mirror effect quite frequently during every fade out when watching TV shows and movies, then all I see is my serious expression while viewing the material. It's actually a quite interesting way of self-observation showing you what you look like while on the computer.

 

[bcaslis]

I have a 2010 MBA and am getting a 2001 MBP but like many am on the fence on res and glare options.

If anyone here has both a 2010 MBA and a 2011 MBP (HR, glossy) can you provide an opinion on the readability and glare/reflections between the 2? I've had them side by side at the Apple store but it's just not real life, for me anyway so difficult to make a judgement. The pixels seem to be about the same size and I'm guessing any glare should be about the same, but would appreciate some feedback.

Thanks!

I've had both. You will see more reflections with the MBP glossy since it's the glass that reflects the most. The text and button size is about the same. If you are the type of person that is bothered by reflections get the HR AG. I will say that I think the glossy with the black border is very sleek looking. However the 2011 15" HR AG is really the finest LCD I've ever seen in an Apple laptop. If you can live without the black border I'd recommend the 15" HR AG.

 

[Kauai]

I actually notice the mirror effect quite frequently during every fade out when watching TV shows and movies, then all I see is my serious expression while viewing the material. It's actually a quite interesting way of self-observation showing you what you look like while on the computer.

Haha - this made me laugh, cause it's true. 😛

 

[SamIchi]

I actually notice the mirror effect quite frequently during every fade out when watching TV shows and movies, then all I see is my serious expression while viewing the material. It's actually a quite interesting way of self-observation showing you what you look like while on the computer.

Reminds me of a thread where people thought that the "facetime" camera on the macbooks are watching you 24/7. 😀

 

[tim100]

these glossy vs ag turn out the same, ag wins. i wonder about % ag sales. my guess maybe 10%.

 

[adrian1480]

AG all the way.

accurate color reproduction is happy color reproduction.

 

[iAmLegend]

AG all the way.

accurate color reproduction is happy color reproduction.

Enjoy your accuracy while glossy owners enjoy vibrant colors 😀

Seriously...look at that cr@p. And I hate to burst your antiglare bubbles, but there are sources of light that make antiglare useless

Haha..the glossy is actually more visible in that lighting.

My advice to potential macbook pro buyers...get the glossy and buy a removable antiglare screen for the few times you might need it.

 

[Kebabselector]

Enjoy your accuracy while glossy owners enjoy vibrant colours

We will thanks, you enjoy your choice.

Haha..the glossy is actually more visible in that lighting.

Do you often view screens from desk level?

My advice to potential macbook pro buyers...get the glossy and buy a removable antiglare screen for the few times you might need it.

My advice, make a decision based on what you see and your needs.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

My advice to potential macbook pro buyers...get the glossy and buy a removable antiglare screen for the few times you might need it.

I humbly don't think that's a good suggestion. 😱

Having applied quite a number of those anti-glare screen protectors for various electronic gadgets that I've owned, I will say from my experience that to be able to get the best results from those screen protectors, it is best to apply it the first time & get it right. The reason is that if you don't, then it is simply "unusable" after that, no matter if the company, who make your screen protector, insists that their screen protectors are "re-usable." 🙁

For best results:
a) If one wants anti-glare, buy the MBP with an anti-glare screen.
b) If one wants glossy, buy the MBP with a glossy screen.

I wouldn't comment more on anti-glare or glossy, this is 100% subjective IMHO. I urge people to read all the comments in this thread with a grain of salt & just go with the choice, whichever one suits you the best. The screen choice you choose is the one you're going to live with for the duration of your MBP ownership, so it just makes sense to choose what you want or what suits you the best. 🙂

Good luck. 🙂

 

[MultiMediaWill]

Enjoy your accuracy while glossy owners enjoy vibrant colors 😀

Seriously...look at that cr@p. And I hate to burst your antiglare bubbles, but there are sources of light that make antiglare useless

Haha..the glossy is actually more visible in that lighting.

My advice to potential macbook pro buyers...get the glossy and buy a removable antiglare screen for the few times you might need it.

AG looks bad in that picture because the brightness is at the lowest. If you put the brightness mid-high on the AG you could easily read they text. If you did the same on the glossy, it would make only a minor difference.