Glossy vs. Matte - let's settle it w/a vote!

[rijiMacDij]

Ditto Sopranino

I thought I'd be a Glossy Hater until I had to use one.

I was forced into buying a Wintel Lappy for school and the cheapest thing I could find with XP Pro installed was a shelf stock demo Compaq Presario V6000. It runs, that should be ran, a 15.4 WS @ 1280x800 (I think). It doesn't run since I introduced it to Stones Green Ginger Wine via the track pad!

Things looked far crisper and cleaner in the store next to a matte screen. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try glossy as I only needed XP Pro for a few weeks and would be happy to offload it if I didn't like the glossy after all.

Six weeks later, after using the glossy side by side with numerous different matte screens, I can only say I'm thrilled with the glossy clarity and the occasional reflection can be neutralised with the slightest adjustment to screen angle.

The difference is so staggering I can read smaller fonts and don't have to wear my glasses if I use the glossy all day. I frequently spend 12+ hours per day in front of monitors doing a even split of graphics and text based work.

I also think it's a mind-over-matter situation: If you don't stress over the occasional reflection you tend to look straight through them, if you let them bother you they will beat you into a frenzy every time.

 

[travistaylor]

I have used a matte screen plenty of times, and I love them!

My girlfriend has had a Toshiba with a glossy screen for about a year now, and I absolutely despise the screen. Not only does it reflect light, but if you are sitting in a fairly well-lit area, you can see your own reflection if the screen is showing black. I am not sure if the Apple glossy screens are the same way, but I can't stand hers!

Not to mention the fact that the glossy screen, to me, seems like it shows finger prints and dirt much worse. It's as if every fingerprint is visible. I absolutely can't stand it.

Keep in mind, however, that I have not ever seen a glossy MBP. I have used a MacBook, and it didn't seem near as bad as the Toshiba screen, but that was probably because of its smaller size.

 

[rijiMacDij]

Not to mention the fact that the glossy screen, to me, seems like it shows finger prints and dirt much worse. It's as if every fingerprint is visible. I absolutely can't stand it.

I have to agree that the fingerprint issue is a complete pain in the butt, however, once you give in, the fingerprints do cancel out the reflections nicely

 

[PDE]

I thought I'd be a Glossy Hater until I had to use one.

I was forced into buying a Wintel Lappy for school and the cheapest thing I could find with XP Pro installed was a shelf stock demo Compaq Presario V6000. It runs, that should be ran, a 15.4 WS @ 1280x800 (I think). It doesn't run since I introduced it to Stones Green Ginger Wine via the track pad!

Things looked far crisper and cleaner in the store next to a matte screen. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try glossy as I only needed XP Pro for a few weeks and would be happy to offload it if I didn't like the glossy after all.

Six weeks later, after using the glossy side by side with numerous different matte screens, I can only say I'm thrilled with the glossy clarity and the occasional reflection can be neutralised with the slightest adjustment to screen angle.

The difference is so staggering I can read smaller fonts and don't have to wear my glasses if I use the glossy all day. I frequently spend 12+ hours per day in front of monitors doing a even split of graphics and text based work.

I also think it's a mind-over-matter situation: If you don't stress over the occasional reflection you tend to look straight through them, if you let them bother you they will beat you into a frenzy every time.

I thin the problem is that you see straight through them, but your eyes don't. In other words, your brain gets used to it but your eyes get tired. Mine do with my macbook, but not with the new LED display.

 

[Nereo]

.

well said, well said. lmao

for the record, i use matte, but to each his own...

 

[iamth3g]

Then could anyone see the outlining of the LED on the glossy screen? You know, when the screen is powered up, could anyone see the LED shining out on the edges of the screen?

 

[eluk]

I went with matte and am happy with my choice.

 

[shipdestroyer]

Matte, but I didn't really have a choice.

 

[SpaceJello]

I have to agree that the fingerprint issue is a complete pain in the butt, however, once you give in, the fingerprints do cancel out the reflections nicely

See this is what I don't get, why in the world would you have fingerprints on your screen in the first place. I know many people, including myself, literally screams at people who even TOUCH our laptop screen with their finger. If they want to point at something, point from a distance!!! I only was told that human oils damage the LCD screen... i dont think its really 100% true but nonetheless, its a good practic if you don't want finger prints.

 

[mkgm1]

I've had a Sony Vaio laptop for the last 4 years, with a glossy screen. It's the best screen I have ever used. The viewing angle is incredible. The sharpness and clarity is brilliant. It's probably the best thing about this aging laptop. So for me, no contest - my next laptop will be a glossy SR MBP.

You only notice the smudges when the computer is off...so it's not a problem at all.

As for reflections - all you have to do is tilt the screen, or close the blinds...not a big deal for me.

 

[Ludde]

I find glossy to be easier on the eyes than my previous matte screen.

 

[HoosierInFL]

Both Apple stores in my area are sold out of the new glossy MBP's. They had plenty of matte's but no glossy's.

 

[wako]

another vote up for the glossy screen!


I recently purchased a SR MPB and at the store I was able to compare the two. I found the Glossy screens have a "richer" color that that of the matte. Although the glossy does have reflections, it really doesnt bother me because my lighting condition in where I will be using it it wont be a problem, and as Im usually looking at what is being displayed by the screen, not the reflections coming off the screen ;P

 

[Pim]

Before this laptop I'm using right now (being replaced my the new MBP which is being shipped the day after tomorrow), I had a glossy Sony Vaio (K215M or something) and the screen was just excellent. Never again I've witnessed such rich colours on matte screen. Okay, it reflects alot, especially when you dim the backlight, but when the back is fully lit, you won't have any problems.

And just before you boot up your laptop, you can fix your hair! It's a great mirror.

 

[Atomic-Ed]

another vote up for the glossy screen!


I recently purchased a SR MPB and at the store I was able to compare the two. I found the Glossy screens have a "richer" color that that of the matte. Although the glossy does have reflections, it really doesnt bother me because my lighting condition in where I will be using it it wont be a problem, and as Im usually looking at what is being displayed by the screen, not the reflections coming off the screen ;P

I just came back from the Apple store and found the exact same thing when comparing the two. Glad I ordered the glossy because I prefere it over the non.

 

[anothermacaddic]

Go glossy if you like a perfect look. Go matte if you want something rugged.

 

[Atomic-Ed]

Go glossy if you like a perfect look. Go matte if you want something rugged.

What do you mean by a perfect look? I have not heard that description before and curoius what you mean? I am getting the glossy so I am excited about that.

 

[Digital Skunk]

I prefer Glossy displays.

Good man

Matte.

Glossy looks nice at first glance, and then you keep looking, and you realize how tiresome it gets.

I don't get how something like a glossy screen gets tiresome... does a matte screen get tiresome?

I find glossy to be easier on the eyes than my previous matte screen.

I find the glossy screens just plain brighter and easier to see than the mattes especially when you see them right next to each other in any lighting situation. My 15" screen is noticably brighter than my co-worker's 17"

I just came back from the Apple store and found the exact same thing when comparing the two. Glad I ordered the glossy because I prefere it over the non.

I was very ANTI-GLOSSY when I went to the Apple Store then saw a 17" matte sitting next to a 15" glossy and fell in love with the glossy screens... the blacks are blacker and colors are much more saturated. The screen is brighter and it is easier to clean and see in almost every lighting situation. The reflection thing is over rated and not something I would ever worry about when buying my next book or recommending a glossy screen to someone else... I have never had a reflection problem... very happy with my decision.

 

[Atomic-Ed]

Good man



I don't get how something like a glossy screen gets tiresome... does a matte screen get tiresome?



I find the glossy screens just plain brighter and easier to see than the mattes especially when you see them right next to each other in any lighting situation. My 15" screen is noticably brighter than my co-worker's 17"



I was very ANTI-GLOSSY when I went to the Apple Store then saw a 17" matte sitting next to a 15" glossy and fell in love with the glossy screens... the blacks are blacker and colors are much more saturated. The screen is brighter and it is easier to clean and see in almost every lighting situation. The reflection thing is over rated and not something I would ever worry about when buying my next book or recommending a glossy screen to someone else... I have never had a reflection problem... very happy with my decision.

I pretty much came to the same conclusion seeing the glossy screens over the non glossy ones awhile back in the pc world. Thats why when I ordered my MBP, I chose glossy. Can I ask why you were anti-glossy in the beginning? Was it because of a poor quality display you had seen prior or was it just because you felt the reflections would be bad? Seem like alot of people have an initial anti-glossy feeling but I am curious as to why that is. When I first heard about glossy screens coming out my first thoughts were I can't wait to see what they look like. I did not have an initial opinion other than wonder how much it may reflect things. When I finally saw one first hand I was sold right away and decided my next laptop would be a glossy one.

 

[PDE]

I pretty much came to the same conclusion seeing the glossy screens over the non glossy ones awhile back in the pc world. Thats why when I ordered my MBP, I chose glossy. Can I ask why you were anti-glossy in the beginning? Was it because of a poor quality display you had seen prior or was it just because you felt the reflections would be bad? Seem like alot of people have an initial anti-glossy feeling but I am curious as to why that is. When I first heard about glossy screens coming out my first thoughts were I can't wait to see what they look like. I did not have an initial opinion other than wonder how much it may reflect things. When I finally saw one first hand I was sold right away and decided my next laptop would be a glossy one.

I've owned and used both glossy and anti-glare. To me, it's just more convenient with anti-glare when I use the laptop in different locations where I want to be able to just open the display and start using it, without having to consider lighting around me. I found that I got used to the glare in the glossy but that my eyes did not and were frequently sore. the matte of the previous MBPs was grainy and had a strange shimmer that also caused soreness in my eyes. The matte 17" MBP of the previous generation I found to be the most comfortable display to use - the most gentle on my eyes. The current matte 15" LED is also very good to my eyes and no glare ever. Another factor is whether one likes one's own image - after my morning bathroom mirror rituals, I prefer not to see myself again until the evening. The glossy forced me to confront myself - literally - all the time and that was quite distracting.

 

[synth3tik]

If your going to be using your laptop to do anything with graphics you need matte. If you want to look at and show people pictures of your nephew at his second birthday party then you want glossy.


my $.02

 

[Atomic-Ed]

I've owned and used both glossy and anti-glare. To me, it's just more convenient with anti-glare when I use the laptop in different locations where I want to be able to just open the display and start using it, without having to consider lighting around me. I found that I got used to the glare in the glossy but that my eyes did not and were frequently sore. the matte of the previous MBPs was grainy and had a strange shimmer that also caused soreness in my eyes. The matte 17" MBP of the previous generation I found to be the most comfortable display to use - the most gentle on my eyes. The current matte 15" LED is also very good to my eyes and no glare ever. Another factor is whether one likes one's own image - after my morning bathroom mirror rituals, I prefer not to see myself again until the evening. The glossy forced me to confront myself - literally - all the time and that was quite distracting.

LOL!!! That was funny about the morning ritual thing. I have been using non glossy screens fro many years and as I got older my eyes really do not do well with them for long periods of time. I get the tired eyes thing now and when setting up some glossy laptops for people, (HP) I used them for hours without a hint of eye strain. I knew I had to go glossy next machine which is what I did. Not to mention that the colors and whites looked so much better to me personally. I really think this boils down to a personal preference and an individual persons eyesight. Either way I like both really just now I prefer the glossy. The worst looking screens I have ever worked with that were non glossy were Dells. I do not know what panels they are using but my gosh they are just terrible. The anti glalre coating is so bad it looks like you staring through a dirty car windshield. The colors are the drabbest I ever witnessed and light bleeding finishes off the whole experience with a thought running through your head about how they got ripped if they paid more than $5.00 for this panel. Even their higher end precision models are not very good. They do have a true life or something like that which is glossy but I have never seen it first hand yet.

 

[PDE]

The worst looking screens I have ever worked with that were non glossy were Dells. I do not know what panels they are using but my gosh they are just terrible. The anti glalre coating is so bad it looks like you staring through a dirty car windshield. The colors are the drabbest I ever witnessed and light bleeding finishes off the whole experience with a thought running through your head about how they got ripped if they paid more than $5.00 for this panel.

It sounds like Apple was buying the LCDs Dell rejected for its MBPs. Seriously, what you describe sounds much like the previous MBP LCDs, especially the matte ones. Staring through a dirty car windshield...yes, that's it!

 

[iW00t]

I've owned and used both glossy and anti-glare. To me, it's just more convenient with anti-glare when I use the laptop in different locations where I want to be able to just open the display and start using it, without having to consider lighting around me. I found that I got used to the glare in the glossy but that my eyes did not and were frequently sore. the matte of the previous MBPs was grainy and had a strange shimmer that also caused soreness in my eyes. The matte 17" MBP of the previous generation I found to be the most comfortable display to use - the most gentle on my eyes. The current matte 15" LED is also very good to my eyes and no glare ever. Another factor is whether one likes one's own image - after my morning bathroom mirror rituals, I prefer not to see myself again until the evening. The glossy forced me to confront myself - literally - all the time and that was quite distracting.

I thought you said the new 15" matte screens are not grainy?!

 

[Atomic-Ed]

It sounds like Apple was buying the LCDs Dell rejected for its MBPs. Seriously, what you describe sounds much like the previous MBP LCDs, especially the matte ones. Staring through a dirty car windshield...yes, that's it!

Yes, the dirty windshield is the best way I can describe it. After about 30 minutes you feel like ripping your eyes right our their sockets with your fingers. I just can not understand any laptop maker scrimping on the screen which is the key component of its use.
I do not believe there are many panel manufacturers out there either and it is quite possible dell and apple were being supplied by the same manufacturer. The new LED ones I saw today were pretty much breathtaking comparatively and I will be one happy camper if mine comes in looking as good as the ones in the store I saw.