Macbook air 2018 screen brightness

[omelet1978]

After doing some research I think this is actually an issue. I have a 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 and did a little digging and the screen brightness goes up to 424 nits vs the current 2018 Macbook Air which is 300 nits. I read a review on the Verge here:

https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/6/...-retina-keyboard-apple-features-battery-price

There is one knock on the screen, though: it doesn’t get as bright as I would like. The spec on it is a max of 300 nits, but the important thing to know is you’ll be cranking up the brightness to near 100 percent more often. I haven’t had a problem viewing this screen, even in bright rooms, but I do have a vague worry that it’s affecting my battery life to have it cranked up higher.

Any more inputs from people that actually have the new Macbook Air on this? I use my devices outside so screen brightness is important to me at least.

 

[DanUC6]

Before purchasing my Air I went to the Apple store to check this out. Honestly having a dim screen would be a big negative. I compared them side by side and honestly in real use the difference was almost impossible to tell. No it wasn’t sunlight but I jammed the brightnesss all the way up on both and couldn’t tell a difference. The review in the hot air balloon (can’t remember what paper) where she claims she couldn’t tell the difference was exactly my experience.

 

[Dave245]

It seems plenty bright enough in my opinion, although I've only used it indoors so far. I've been using it about 4 bars below the max.

How are you finding the 3rd gen keyboard?

 

[raqball]

How are you finding the 3rd gen keyboard?

Feels and sounds exactly the same to me as the 2nd gen....

 

[omelet1978]

Before purchasing my Air I went to the Apple store to check this out. Honestly having a dim screen would be a big negative. I compared them side by side and honestly in real use the difference was almost impossible to tell. No it wasn’t sunlight but I jammed the brightnesss all the way up on both and couldn’t tell a difference. The review in the hot air balloon (can’t remember what paper) where she claims she couldn’t tell the difference was exactly my experience.

What did you compare side by side to the Macbook Air 2018?

 

[raqball]

Before purchasing my Air I went to the Apple store to check this out. Honestly having a dim screen would be a big negative. I compared them side by side and honestly in real use the difference was almost impossible to tell. No it wasn’t sunlight but I jammed the brightnesss all the way up on both and couldn’t tell a difference. The review in the hot air balloon (can’t remember what paper) where she claims she couldn’t tell the difference was exactly my experience.

Brightness is night and day different between the Air and the Pro....... I am considering returning mine as I do not think this thing will cut the mustard in direct bright sunlight....

It's a very noticeable difference....

 

[lambertjohn]

just got my 2018 Air, base model, and the screen is definitely dimmer than my 2015 MBP. It's not a game-changer by any means, but I can definitely tell a difference. I have to jack this thing up to about 80% brightness to match 60% brightness with on 2015 MBP. Both 300 NITs I think. No big deal. It's still a great screen, and for the most part, I'm happy with it.

 

[DanUC6]

Feels and sounds exactly the same to me as the 2nd gen....

I actually can notice it being more quiet. Not so clacky.
[doublepost=1541694151][/doublepost]

What did you compare side by side to the Macbook Air 2018?

13 inch MacBook Pro non-touch bar.
[doublepost=1541694186][/doublepost]

Brightness is night and day different between the Air and the Pro....... I am considering returning mine as I do not think this thing will cut the mustard in direct bright sunlight....

It's a very noticeable difference....

Highly disagree.

 

[raqball]

Highly disagree.

You are pretty much the only person on the planet saying the Air's screen is just as bright as the Pro.. I am happy you don't notice a difference but everyone, including just about every review out, notices the difference..

And Apples specs also say otherwise. The Air is rated at 300 nits and the Pro at 500 nits.. Huge difference and I notice it big time..

 

[GlastoEls]

You are pretty much the only person on the planet saying the Air's screen is just as bright as the Pro.. I am happy you don't notice a difference but everyone, including just about every review out, notices the difference..

And Apples specs also say otherwise. The Air is rated at 300 nits and the Pro at 500 nits.. Huge difference and I notice it big time..

I guess my question is, for the average consumer user, is 300 bright enough?

 

[raqball]

I guess my question is, for the average consumer user, is 300 bright enough?

Indoors - Yes
Outdoors normal sunlight - Probably
Outdoors in bright sunlight - Probably not

I have a Yoga also rated at 300 nits and in bright direct sunlight, forget about it.....

 

[GlastoEls]

For what it’s worth from Gruber:

“The display is excellent even if it’s not Apple’s best. MacBook Pro displays offer 500 nits of maximum brightness; the new MacBook Air offers only 300 nits, according to Apple. MacBook Pros also offer wide color gamut (P3), and the models with the Touch Bar also offer True Tone. They also start at $1,800. Everyone who’s been waiting for a retina MacBook Air should be pleased by this display — it’s sharp, accurate, well-balanced, and more than bright enough.”

 

[Howard2k]

But to me, the display works very well.

Surely not.
Next thing you'll be suggesting that people were able to get work done in the days of VGA. We all know that was completely impossible.

Seriously, glad you're happy with it.

 

[tafb]

Before purchasing my Air I went to the Apple store to check this out. Honestly having a dim screen would be a big negative. I compared them side by side and honestly in real use the difference was almost impossible to tell. No it wasn’t sunlight but I jammed the brightnesss all the way up on both and couldn’t tell a difference. The review in the hot air balloon (can’t remember what paper) where she claims she couldn’t tell the difference was exactly my experience.

That was not my experience. I went to the Apple Store and compared the current Macbook, the nTB Macbook Pro, and the new MBA (all at highest brightness and auto dimming disabled). I opened Safari, went to Google, and then zoomed the screen so that it is all white. The MBA was substantially dimmer than the MBP (not surprising). The color differences between the MBP and MBA were more substantial than I had expected (that was somewhat surprising). What really surprised me was that the Macbook and the MBA are both supposed to be 300 nits according to Apple’s tech specs, but the MBA was noticeably dimmer than the Macbook (not substantial but noticeable). This difference appears to be confirmed by Laptopmag’s measurements too (Macbook measured at 340 nits and the new MBA measured at 234 nits -well below Apple’s 300 nits tech spec). Not sure why that’s the case. The screen dimness was a deal breaker for me (my old eyes need a little bit more brightness in a display). Waiting/hoping for an update to the nTB MBP.

 

[cynics]

I guess my question is, for the average consumer user, is 300 bright enough?

300 nits is standard. However that is if you are getting 300. I read a review earlier and their sample as tested by them was getting 234. Not sure if that was defect, battery level related or an eco setting, etc etc.

 

[omelet1978]

[doublepost=1541694151][/doublepost]
13 inch MacBook Pro non-touch bar.

Please let us know as you test it out if the brightness is an issue. I'm kind of wondering how it will fare inside but for example if the sunlight comes into the room. I had a HP Laptop at one time and even though the sunlight did not fall onto the display, the room would be brighter and the screen would become too dim. Had to return it, so that's why I'm hesitant over the MBA and the 300 nits of brightness.

 

[DanUC6]

I guess my question is, for the average consumer user, is 300 bright enough?

It’s fine. People are freaking out for nothing. It’s not a deal breaker in any sense. Is there a difference. Sure. Will it matter to 98% of people. No.
[doublepost=1541702149][/doublepost]T

For what it’s worth from Gruber:

“The display is excellent even if it’s not Apple’s best. MacBook Pro displays offer 500 nits of maximum brightness; the new MacBook Air offers only 300 nits, according to Apple. MacBook Pros also offer wide color gamut (P3), and the models with the Touch Bar also offer True Tone. They also start at $1,800. Everyone who’s been waiting for a retina MacBook Air should be pleased by this display — it’s sharp, accurate, well-balanced, and more than bright enough.”

This is what I’ve been trying to say...just not as concise.
[doublepost=1541702277][/doublepost]

[doublepost=1541694151][/doublepost]
13 inch MacBook Pro non-touch bar.

Please let us know as you test it out if the brightness is an issue. I'm kind of wondering how it will fare inside but for example if the sunlight comes into the room. I had a HP Laptop at one time and even though the sunlight did not fall onto the display, the room would be brighter and the screen would become too dim. Had to return it, so that's why I'm hesitant over the MBA and the 300 nits of brightness.

I work in an office with a large enough window. No issues. It is also not at full brightness.

 

[raqball]

That was not my experience. I went to the Apple Store and compared the current Macbook, the nTB Macbook Pro, and the new MBA (all at highest brightness and auto dimming disabled). I opened Safari, went to Google, and then zoomed the screen so that it is all white. The MBA was substantially dimmer than the MBP (not surprising). The color differences between the MBP and MBA were more substantial than I had expected (that was somewhat surprising). What really surprised me was that the Macbook and the MBA are both supposed to be 300 nits according to Apple’s tech specs, but the MBA was noticeably dimmer than the Macbook (not substantial but noticeable). This difference appears to be confirmed by Laptopmag’s measurements too (Macbook measured at 340 nits and the new MBA measured at 234 nits -well below Apple’s 300 nits tech spec). Not sure why that’s the case. The screen dimness was a deal breaker for me (my old eyes need a little bit more brightness in a display). Waiting/hoping for an update to the nTB MBP.

I am guessing mine in also under 300... I have a Yoga, also rated at 300 and the Yoga appears brighter.... Meh....

 

[blairh]

Gruber’s review was more an advertisement versus a subjective review. Other reviewers have made comments about the lower nits. I would absolutely pick the MBP nTB over the Air. If you want Touch ID or more battery life get the Air. But .27lbs and $100 gets you a superior screen.

For what it’s worth from Gruber:

“The display is excellent even if it’s not Apple’s best. MacBook Pro displays offer 500 nits of maximum brightness; the new MacBook Air offers only 300 nits, according to Apple. MacBook Pros also offer wide color gamut (P3), and the models with the Touch Bar also offer True Tone. They also start at $1,800. Everyone who’s been waiting for a retina MacBook Air should be pleased by this display — it’s sharp, accurate, well-balanced, and more than bright enough.”

 

[omelet1978]

It’s fine. People are freaking out for nothing. It’s not a deal breaker in any sense. Is there a difference. Sure. Will it matter to 98% of people. No.
[doublepost=1541702149][/doublepost]T

This is what I’ve been trying to say...just not as concise.
[doublepost=1541702277][/doublepost]
I work in an office with a large enough window. No issues. It is also not at full brightness.

So in your office with large windows at what percentage brightness are you at and if it is set at a higher brightness setting is it affecting your battery life (assuming you've had it long enough to have an idea on battery life)?

 

[Ma2k5]

Gruber’s review was more an advertisement versus a subjective review. Other reviewers have made comments about the lower nits. I would absolutely pick the MBP nTB over the Air. If you want Touch ID or more battery life get the Air. But .27lbs and $100 gets you a superior screen.

I’m always a little weary about pre-release reviews. Apple selects who gets the review machines and although I’m sure the reviewers try to be balanced, they all know that if the review is overly negative, they may find that they no longer are chosen next time - which has a huge revenue impact I presume so there is added pressure from the top on the reviewers.

I found a lot of the early HomePod reviews/hands on very very suspicious.

 

[glycerine00]

I've been reading up on here as I was interested in the Air, but there seem to be a few things that would bug me.

Would you say the screen is visibly brighter than the 2014 Air?

I had a rMBP 2013, but dropped it one too many times That screen was perfect though. I am using a 2014 Air right now but even full brightness is not enough for me indoors, it annoys me. I fear it's something I won't get used too.

 

[DanUC6]

So in your office with large windows at what percentage brightness are you at and if it is set at a higher brightness setting is it affecting your battery life (assuming you've had it long enough to have an idea on battery life)?

So out of 16 I usually have it at 13-15 setting. I haven't had it long enough to determine the affect on battery life at different levels. I have used this all day at those levels.

 

[blairh]

I’m always a little weary about pre-release reviews. Apple selects who gets the review machines and although I’m sure the reviewers try to be balanced, they all know that if the review is overly negative, they may find that they no longer are chosen next time - which has a huge revenue impact I presume so there is added pressure from the top on the reviewers.

I found a lot of the early HomePod reviews/hands on very very suspicious.

Gruber’s reviews always tend to be more positive than reality IMO. I don’t find him to be totally subjective in reviews.

I just went to the Apple store and compared them side by side. The MBA is even more noticeably dim in person. I absolutely would recommend the MBP nTB over the Air. Not even a question. You would need to value Touch ID or that extra hour of battery to get it over the nTB IMO.

 

[pnd4pnd]

So for me to get any decent battery life out of my 2016 tbMBP I had to have the screen dimmed by 50% or more. So dimmer wont bother me if I get great battery life. The 2016 MBP sucked from day 1.