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Last minute call, matte or glossy? Some other questions too.
- Thread starter MBAir
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Here are some really good comparison photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8049080@N03/3401860645/in/set-72157616096712771/
I ordered mine matte, as I am a Graphic designer and it's what I'm used to. The pictures on this site speak for themselves, and should help anyone trying to make the decision.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8049080@N03/3401860645/in/set-72157616096712771/
I ordered mine matte, as I am a Graphic designer and it's what I'm used to. The pictures on this site speak for themselves, and should help anyone trying to make the decision.
Umm.. The 24 LED Cinema display IS an H-IPS screen.....
Yes I know. But if I had time, I would find you the article about that. They were unable manually and with calibration hardware to have accurate colours for designing on this screen.
Here's what I don't get. If you're paying at least 2000 USD for a computer, you can afford a 15 USD FW800->FW400 adaptor. Yes, its a little annoying but it's definitely not a showstopper. Maybe people should argue for one being included?
For me, the glossy screen IS a dealbreaker. It doesn't bother some people and hey, great for them. Some people prefer it. Great for them. It annoys the ever living crap out of me and I hate using glossy screens, period. I am not buying this generation 15 MBP for this reason and this reason alone.
Really, I would go in a buy a 15" MBP right now if the screen were available in matte. And no, the 3rd party screen conversion for $200 or a stick on glare screen doesn't cut it for me. For $2800 for a computer, I should be able to select if I want a matte screen.
I'll never use a matte screen.
I love my SUPER GLASSY GLOSSY AWESOME monitor.
If I ever have the choice between matte and glossy, I'll alway go with glossy.
Reflections are not a problem at all for me and my glossy screen.
I use it at home in very bright rooms with open windows...
I bring it to school and use it in many places there...
It works like a charm!
(just my counter effort against the glossy haters)
I love my SUPER GLASSY GLOSSY AWESOME monitor.
If I ever have the choice between matte and glossy, I'll alway go with glossy.
Reflections are not a problem at all for me and my glossy screen.
I use it at home in very bright rooms with open windows...
I bring it to school and use it in many places there...
It works like a charm!
(just my counter effort against the glossy haters)
I love my matte awesome monitor.
If I ever have a choice between matte and glassy, I'll always go with matte.
Reflections are not a problem for me and my matte screen.
I use it at home in very bright rooms with open windows...
I bring it to work and clients and use it in many places there...
It works like a charm!
(just my counter efort against the matte haters)
So there - that proves and resolves - ummmm - very little. It is a matter of choice.
Is it really necessary to re-post basically the same exact thing you made three posts earlier?
Everyone interested, ignore fab5freddy. He doesn't know what he's talking about. Glossy is superior. Stay away from matte unless you like a faded, washed-out, bland, bleached, blurry picture.
If you like crisp, bright, vivid colors and deep, dark blacks, get a glossy!
(See? I can make ridiculous posts too!)
Why does it matter what the "other guy" prefers? This ain't politics. Glossy or matte or anti-glare, or whatever... is just a hardware specification. Why is it so important to you glossy fans, or you matte fans, to try so hard to convince each other who is right? I like red. You like brown. He likes yellow. She likes blue.
Imaginary scenario: Apple only offers one color. They used to offer more. Some people liked the old color, and hate the only choice offered now. Some people like the color offered now, and ridicule the people who don't like it. The people who don't like the only color available today voice their displeasure, because they, too... want to love their Macs. The people who happen to like the only color offered (lucky them) treat the other Mac users like they're some kind of idiots, or whiners. The Mac fans who don't like the only color available today are not supposed to have an opinion, but simply take something they don't like, or give up their favorite platform.
Sure, it's a silly example, but what's the difference between that and this dumb fight between fans of glossy and fans of matte. I imagine if glossy were eliminated, then we'd have the same exact thing, only reversed. Think about it. We all have our individual preferences, based on choices we once had available. Whenever a choice, or option is eliminated, somebody's going to be upset. That's normal. What isn't very becoming is when people who have what they want can't just leave it alone, but have to then jump on the folks who are unhappy. It's very schoolyard punk. Why not be happy, and also sympathetic at the same time? We're all Mac users, basically, so we should actually be on the same side as far as the big picture goes, right. I want options for both camps (matte and glossy) to be available, because I don't like seeing the split in the Mac camp. Our numbers aren't big enough yet in the scheme of things to be dividing ourselves.
Mac OSX users, stick together... don't alienate each other. Or Bill Gates and Steve Balmer will win in the end... that's the more important reality here.
Imaginary scenario: Apple only offers one color. They used to offer more. Some people liked the old color, and hate the only choice offered now. Some people like the color offered now, and ridicule the people who don't like it. The people who don't like the only color available today voice their displeasure, because they, too... want to love their Macs. The people who happen to like the only color offered (lucky them) treat the other Mac users like they're some kind of idiots, or whiners. The Mac fans who don't like the only color available today are not supposed to have an opinion, but simply take something they don't like, or give up their favorite platform.
Sure, it's a silly example, but what's the difference between that and this dumb fight between fans of glossy and fans of matte. I imagine if glossy were eliminated, then we'd have the same exact thing, only reversed. Think about it. We all have our individual preferences, based on choices we once had available. Whenever a choice, or option is eliminated, somebody's going to be upset. That's normal. What isn't very becoming is when people who have what they want can't just leave it alone, but have to then jump on the folks who are unhappy. It's very schoolyard punk. Why not be happy, and also sympathetic at the same time? We're all Mac users, basically, so we should actually be on the same side as far as the big picture goes, right. I want options for both camps (matte and glossy) to be available, because I don't like seeing the split in the Mac camp. Our numbers aren't big enough yet in the scheme of things to be dividing ourselves.
Mac OSX users, stick together... don't alienate each other. Or Bill Gates and Steve Balmer will win in the end... that's the more important reality here.
This is confusing, I'm not able to decide which to get. That review of the AG screen pdxflint posted is pretty darn good. And thanks for the photos DooDaaDame, cannot believe that you were taking pics of the photo on the screen, the colors look GREAT! Amazing!
The issue I'm EDIT: *not* in the states at the moment, gonna stay overseas for a while. And it's funny over here; the so called "Apple Store" is more like a crappy reseller store with crazy mark ups. They actually still have the old 17" on stand, not even a single unibody one. Well, I haven't seen the glossy nor the matte in person yet, that's why I'm having a hard time deciding which one to order.
PS. regarding the resale value, you think that glossy would hold its value better than the matte? This is not which is better, but more popular.
The issue I'm EDIT: *not* in the states at the moment, gonna stay overseas for a while. And it's funny over here; the so called "Apple Store" is more like a crappy reseller store with crazy mark ups. They actually still have the old 17" on stand, not even a single unibody one. Well, I haven't seen the glossy nor the matte in person yet, that's why I'm having a hard time deciding which one to order.
PS. regarding the resale value, you think that glossy would hold its value better than the matte? This is not which is better, but more popular.
boy, you were comparing it to the macbook! It's a freakin macbook which has lower quality screen. Well, about the reflections.. I agree it's very annoying, but my 17" UMBP doesn't have those wash-outs even when viewed from different angle.
That's ridiculous. I would pay more because I prefer matte, and like the look better. There is no one which worth more than the other.
To the OP, just go for the one (matte/glossy) that is more relevant to you - as usual. There isn't one which is better than the other, only one that is right for each individual.
Photos of Screens
Thank you for your kind words, I did not take the pictures, just found them in a search when I was trying to make my own decision. I was not aware it was a Macbook/VS/Macbook Pro, but the photos aren't about pixels, it's about glare, which I think the photos clearly illustrate. Having said that, I do like the glossy screen, and if I didn't have to work outdoors and in a highly reflective environment, I would consider the glossy.
I find both to be an attractive device. I am simply stating my preference for my situation. I will be getting a glossy display for my home use as I intend to get it tricked out for touch screen, and think the video playback under darkened room conditions would be awesome!
As far as resale, I think both will do equally as well, the glossy because it is so sexy, the matte because their aren't going to be as many ordered, making them more rare for those who really want them.
(Edited for grammar)
Thank you for your kind words, I did not take the pictures, just found them in a search when I was trying to make my own decision. I was not aware it was a Macbook/VS/Macbook Pro, but the photos aren't about pixels, it's about glare, which I think the photos clearly illustrate. Having said that, I do like the glossy screen, and if I didn't have to work outdoors and in a highly reflective environment, I would consider the glossy.
I find both to be an attractive device. I am simply stating my preference for my situation. I will be getting a glossy display for my home use as I intend to get it tricked out for touch screen, and think the video playback under darkened room conditions would be awesome!
As far as resale, I think both will do equally as well, the glossy because it is so sexy, the matte because their aren't going to be as many ordered, making them more rare for those who really want them.
(Edited for grammar)
They might if they were comparing a glossy MBP to a matte MBP, but they're comparing a glossy MB, which has a vastly inferior screen - the "washout" shown on there has absolutely nothing to do with the glossy screen and everything to do with the inferior screen in the MB vs the MBP.
I am not a big Matte fan, but after seeing the 17" Matte in person, I say go for it because it is amazing.
Another issue with the glossy screen is that it is really "glassy" and has another layer of glass which makes the glare morse than a normal glossy screen (which I like). The Air's screen is also amazing, but keep in mind a glossy MBP is really a "glassy" one which has even more glare than a normal glossy screen.
If it is only indoors and will not be subject to direct outside light hitting it, then the glossy will be great.
Another issue with the glossy screen is that it is really "glassy" and has another layer of glass which makes the glare morse than a normal glossy screen (which I like). The Air's screen is also amazing, but keep in mind a glossy MBP is really a "glassy" one which has even more glare than a normal glossy screen.
If it is only indoors and will not be subject to direct outside light hitting it, then the glossy will be great.
My take on it....
I agree with most of the posters here that the decision is based on personal preference. But, for me it came down to where I planned on using this machine.
I really like the look of the glossy screen. If I intended to use this machine always indoors then I might have gone in that direction.
I specifically selected the PBP17 because it's light weight (for the size and performance) and it has great battery life....so I could use it outdoors. I know I'm already going to be fighting the sun so I might as well get a little advantage with a matte screen.
My point is, consider your environment and it might help you in selecting.
Good Luck
I agree with most of the posters here that the decision is based on personal preference. But, for me it came down to where I planned on using this machine.
I really like the look of the glossy screen. If I intended to use this machine always indoors then I might have gone in that direction.
I specifically selected the PBP17 because it's light weight (for the size and performance) and it has great battery life....so I could use it outdoors. I know I'm already going to be fighting the sun so I might as well get a little advantage with a matte screen.
My point is, consider your environment and it might help you in selecting.
Good Luck
Interestingly enough, I just today got a 'new' (used) mbp to replace my mb mainly because I needed more screen real estate. What I didn't know when I bought this (ebay) was that it is matte! So, I've gone from glossy, both on my mb and imac to matte. Colors don't look as 'nice' on the matte, it's true, they are a tad washed out compared to the glossy, but I have to say that I prefer the matte so much more. No more moving the display around because the light it hitting it in a way that blinds me, no more seeing myself on the screen (unless I'm in photo booth!). Matte is the winner IMHO.
I really love the LED matte displays in the last generation penryn MBP's. I should have never sold mine! Too bad I did because I was looking to upgrade to the new unibody but as soon as they were announced with no matte I was immediately turned off.
I want a MBP again but I wont go back until I can get matte (in the 15")
I just purchased a new 17" MacBook Pro (with all upgraded specs) at the beginning of the month with a matte screen. As a photographer, I really feel that the matte screen is a solid investment over the glossy screen. I would highly recommend the matte screen over the glossy due to better viewing conditions under various levels of lighting.
I think you need to go to the Apple store and look at both side by side. This is a personal preference. About half are going to say glossy and half matte. Nobody knows here what your personal preference is for this issue.
I think the glossy is amazing, but I am not a graphics professional. I think the matte is amazing, and I still like the glossy too. What I do prefer is the silver bezel. I think color looks brighter and video looks stunning on the glossy display. At the same time, I think normal tasks like email, word processing, and common apps look better on the matte display.
So, if you feel the same way I do, decide based on what your common use is. If it is for work first and foremost, buy the matte. If your primary concern is video playback buy the glossy. But you may have a completely different opinion looking at each.
The color gamut is better on the glossy. The matte is essentially the same display that Apple used on previous generation matte MBPs.
Lastly, do not use the flickr images as a clear way to decide. See it in person. The flickr link shows a 17" MBP versus a 13" MB. The MB has a terribly inferior display. You need to look at two 17" MBPs side by side. One in glossy and one in matte.
Best wishes whichever route you go. They both are amazing in their own ways.
I think the glossy is amazing, but I am not a graphics professional. I think the matte is amazing, and I still like the glossy too. What I do prefer is the silver bezel. I think color looks brighter and video looks stunning on the glossy display. At the same time, I think normal tasks like email, word processing, and common apps look better on the matte display.
So, if you feel the same way I do, decide based on what your common use is. If it is for work first and foremost, buy the matte. If your primary concern is video playback buy the glossy. But you may have a completely different opinion looking at each.
The color gamut is better on the glossy. The matte is essentially the same display that Apple used on previous generation matte MBPs.
Lastly, do not use the flickr images as a clear way to decide. See it in person. The flickr link shows a 17" MBP versus a 13" MB. The MB has a terribly inferior display. You need to look at two 17" MBPs side by side. One in glossy and one in matte.
Best wishes whichever route you go. They both are amazing in their own ways.