Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Matte or Glossy? The price you pay for reducing reflections is lower image quality.

I just changed my order with Apple from the glossy to the matte. I used to be a die hard glossy advocate but after spending a good part of today in my college's video lab playing around with their new MBPs they got in this morning, I decided that I wanted the matte and the biggest deciding factor for me was just how bright the screen was. It really boils down to personal preference and the current displays Apple sports in their new MBPs, I just had to get the matte.

Worked out well for me too. I ordered my new MPB on March 1st,
mbpdate.jpg


When I just called to have it changed to the matte version and questioned the long delay between my order date and ship date, the apple guy was very helpful and refunded my shipping charge and also threw in a free apple remote without me even requesting anything.

neworder.jpg


On top of that, I may end up getting it at the same time or even sooner than if I would have waited out my glossy order even though this is considered a new order as of March 12th. He quoted me a 7-10 business day ship time for the 17'' his res matte screens and a 4-5 week ship time for the new orderd glossys. Either way, I'm pretty happy now and two thumbs up for Apple support.
 
I just had to have a glossy screen and I really like how rich the colors are, and deep the blacks appear to be. Here in the Sunshine state we have blinds that you close to cut out the glare. Since the time change last weekend, I have to close my window blinds @ 4:30. Kidding aside.

I bought my MBP week or so ago and love it, I bought it mainly for video and photo editing and replace my PC desktop. I wanted to get your opinion on a external monitor. The one I have my eyes on is this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001236
I'd like to hear you guys/gals opinion.

One last question, are monitors made for apple better? Even on NewEgg they seem quite expense.
 
A matte screen is no more color accurate than a glossy screen. If you want it to be color accurate, buy a calibrator to calibrate the screen.

I was freaking out about this 2 weeks ago, and realized that it isn't as big of a deal as it seems. I have been on a glossy 17 inch windows laptop, and have never really had any big problems with the screen. People say automatically that if you do design work, then get the matte, but I don't think thats true. I was just accepted to a design school in Los Angeles called Art Center, and produced all my portfolio work on a glossy screen laptop. I also won 2 Addy Awards for package design created on a glossy screen.

I work with a few guys that have 17 inch matte screen mbp's, and they are beautiful. Up until a few days ago, i was ready to cancel my order and get a matte screen instead, but if I have been using a glossy screen for 2 years to do graphic design work and had no trouble what so ever, why change.

My 2 cents.
 
the glossy screen is more durable, a matte screen is much more flimsy this alone is a good reason to go glossy for me at least... but I can see both sides of the argument.
 
wolfattack said:
A matte screen is no more color accurate than a glossy screen. If you want it to be color accurate, buy a calibrator to calibrate the screen.

I was freaking out about this 2 weeks ago, and realized that it isn't as big of a deal as it seems. I have been on a glossy 17 inch windows laptop, and have never really had any big problems with the screen. People say automatically that if you do design work, then get the matte, but I don't think thats true. I was just accepted to a design school in Los Angeles called Art Center, and produced all my portfolio work on a glossy screen laptop. I also won 2 Addy Awards for package design created on a glossy screen.

I work with a few guys that have 17 inch matte screen mbp's, and they are beautiful. Up until a few days ago, i was ready to cancel my order and get a matte screen instead, but if I have been using a glossy screen for 2 years to do graphic design work and had no trouble what so ever, why change.

My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Well said!!
 
MagnumJoe said:
I just had to have a glossy screen and I really like how rich the colors are, and deep the blacks appear to be. Here in the Sunshine state we have blinds that you close to cut out the glare. Since the time change last weekend, I have to close my window blinds @ 4:30. Kidding aside.

I bought my MBP week or so ago and love it, I bought it mainly for video and photo editing and replace my PC desktop. I wanted to get your opinion on a external monitor. The one I have my eyes on is this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001236
I'd like to hear you guys/gals opinion.

One last question, are monitors made for apple better? Even on NewEgg they seem quite expense.
Click to expand...

The monitors from Apple are MUCH better--they are some of the best ones out there. A slightly cheaper (but still very good) alternative is a Dell Ultrasharp LCD like this:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&sku=320-4688
There is no way to tell what kind of panel they are using in that display, but I assume it is one of the "good" ones based on the viewing angle. A vertical viewing angle of 178 degrees vertical almost always indicates one of the "good" types of panels (IPS, PVA, MVA) rather than a cheaper TN panel.
Here's an explanation of LCD panel types:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#TN_.2B_film

If I get a new monitor, I will probably get the Dell because I have a 17" Ultrasharp and it is great. An ACD would be nice, but they are too expensive for me.
 
m85476585 said:
The monitors from Apple are MUCH better--they are some of the best ones out there. A slightly cheaper (but still very good) alternative is a Dell Ultrasharp LCD like this:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&sku=320-4688
There is no way to tell what kind of panel they are using in that display, but I assume it is one of the "good" ones based on the viewing angle. A vertical viewing angle of 178 degrees vertical almost always indicates one of the "good" types of panels (IPS, PVA, MVA) rather than a cheaper TN panel.
Here's an explanation of LCD panel types:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD#TN_.2B_film

If I get a new monitor, I will probably get the Dell because I have a 17" Ultrasharp and it is great. An ACD would be nice, but they are too expensive for me.
Click to expand...

m85476585

Thank you for your reply. Last year our company bought 30, 19" monitors from dell to accommodate the laptops we ordered. I'm the System Admin and I didn't get any complains about the laptops, but some users were frustrated with the external monitor. Our graphics department refuse to use them, and are using 24 HP, not sure of the model number but they are about 2 years old. So I'm a bit shy from Dell.

So what is the best external monitor under 400.00 to use with a MBP?
 
this is a debate that will never end. period. basically it comes down to what you need it for.. I am a designer, and i would rather not look at my reflection when i am balls deep in detail in a important project, so i choose matte, for someone who is a movie / gamer might want to go for glossy for that tv effect. I would have to say that glossy seems more pure/ more tv esc light the hi defs we see on the shelfs. but i am glad with what i chose.


***I hate Dell... they wanna be Apple so bad.
 
MagnumJoe said:
m85476585

Thank you for your reply. Last year our company bought 30, 19" monitors from dell to accommodate the laptops we ordered. I'm the System Admin and I didn't get any complains about the laptops, but some users were frustrated with the external monitor. Our graphics department refuse to use them, and are using 24 HP, not sure of the model number but they are about 2 years old. So I'm a bit shy from Dell.

So what is the best external monitor under 400.00 to use with a MBP?
Click to expand...

You could always dig around for an Apple Studio Display. They aren't widescreen, but they still have great quality.
 
MagnumJoe said:
m85476585

Thank you for your reply. Last year our company bought 30, 19" monitors from dell to accommodate the laptops we ordered. I'm the System Admin and I didn't get any complains about the laptops, but some users were frustrated with the external monitor. Our graphics department refuse to use them, and are using 24 HP, not sure of the model number but they are about 2 years old. So I'm a bit shy from Dell.

So what is the best external monitor under 400.00 to use with a MBP?
Click to expand...

Do you know if they were Ultrasharp or regular Dell monitors? There is a BIG difference in quality. The regular (non-Ultrasharp) monitors are no better than an average (cheap) LCD.
 
m85476585 said:
Do you know if they were Ultrasharp or regular Dell monitors? There is a BIG difference in quality. The regular (non-Ultrasharp) monitors are no better than an average (cheap) LCD.
Click to expand...

I'm 99 percent sure they were not Ultasharp, that explains it and thank you for clearing that up.
 
I didn't have the chance to choose (neither compare side by side) because I ordered online from amazon (still waiting :D). To be honest, I was hoping for a glossy since it is the trend, but after reading some of the posts it seems that my arriving screen will not dissapoint me. I don't know why apple makes the default for MBP matte while MB,MBA all glossy :confused:
 
rezonat0r said:
:rolleyes:

If you like glare, you want the glossy.
If you like over-saturated, fakey colors, you want the glossy.
If you want a display that is more difficult to calibrate, you want the glossy.
If you couldn't care less about seeing images realistically, you want the glossy.
Click to expand...

agreed!
 
I just don't get this whole glossy screen fad. For decades display and accessory manufacturers have tried to sell us anti-glare coatings, clip-on screens, and other crap like that. Now everybody wants glare? I don't see how glossy "looks" better to anybody, when all it does is make everything look dripping wet, like you just pulled the contents of your screen out of a swimming pool. Digital hair gel is what it is...

I feel like the old man shaking his head at rock music or hip-hop in disgust.
 
rezonat0r said:
:rolleyes:

If you like glare, you want the glossy.
If you like over-saturated, fakey colors, you want the glossy.
If you want a display that is more difficult to calibrate, you want the glossy.
If you couldn't care less about seeing images realistically, you want the glossy.
Click to expand...

The thing is we are all looking at your "realistic" images on glossy screens if you want everyone else to see your images realistically your going to have to do them on a glossy.
 
katejones said:
The thing is we are all looking at your "realistic" images on glossy screens if you want everyone else to see your images realistically your going to have to do them on a glossy.
Click to expand...

No.

First of all, glossy screens are in the minority, as evidenced by Apple stores only stocking the matte high-res displays.

Second, you don't mix music for people with horribly EQ'd speakers. You mix for people with accurate systems. Same goes for graphics.
 
I think this issue has been exaggerated quite a bit. Go to a damn apple store and look at each one next to each other. The difference in colors, saturation, and contrast are not that different.

Also, i'd like to remind all you glossy haters, flat does not mean correct. People just assume that if its ugly on a matte, and a little bit prettier on the glossy means the glossy is fooling you, don't you think there is a middle ground here?

The bottom line is, you are going to be fine on either. I can only laugh at a web designer who designs a whole site without looking at it on many different machine with different screens. And most designers go through multiple versions, print proofs before settling on what looks best, and by working this way, your eyes will be able to adjust for any difference in the screen and prints if there is any. Most designers who are about to have thousands of magazines, brochures, posters, annual reports, or business cards offset printed most likely will be working off of a pantone swatch anyway.

Last but not least, if you are doing some serious color precision work, you shouldn't be going by a damn laptop screen anyway, buy a nice lcd screen for when you are doing this kind of work.

Flip a coin, have your friend choose for you. The bottom line is, if you are having this much trouble deciding on the screen (I did too), either way, you are probably going to say "I should have bought the other one".

I purchased a 17 inch, hi-res glossy MBP a few days after the penryn ones were released. I can assure you that I will have no problem what so ever color correcting photos and doing all sorts of design crap, plus, i don't know who can honestly say the glossy screens aren't beautiful looking.
 
wolfattack said:
I think this issue has been exaggerated quite a bit. Go to a damn apple store and look at each one next to each other. The difference in colors, saturation, and contrast are not that different.

Also, i'd like to remind all you glossy haters, flat does not mean correct. People just assume that if its ugly on a matte, and a little bit prettier on the glossy means the glossy is fooling you, don't you think there is a middle ground here?

The bottom line is, you are going to be fine on either. I can only laugh at a web designer who designs a whole site without looking at it on many different machine with different screens. And most designers go through multiple versions, print proofs before settling on what looks best, and by working this way, your eyes will be able to adjust for any difference in the screen and prints if there is any. Most designers who are about to have thousands of magazines, brochures, posters, annual reports, or business cards offset printed most likely will be working off of a pantone swatch anyway.

Last but not least, if you are doing some serious color precision work, you shouldn't be going by a damn laptop screen anyway, buy a nice lcd screen for when you are doing this kind of work.

Flip a coin, have your friend choose for you. The bottom line is, if you are having this much trouble deciding on the screen (I did too), either way, you are probably going to say "I should have bought the other one".

I purchased a 17 inch, hi-res glossy MBP a few days after the penryn ones were released. I can assure you that I will have no problem what so ever color correcting photos and doing all sorts of design crap, plus, i don't know who can honestly say the glossy screens aren't beautiful looking.
Click to expand...

I just came form apple retail store, and I saw MBP matte with MB glossy (I know this is not the best way to compare). Actually I didn't care a lot about the differences, neither looks superior to me, both are good in their way. As you said probably whatever screen I choose I will say "I should have bought the other one":D.
 
rezonat0r said:
:rolleyes:

If you like glare, you want the glossy.
If you like over-saturated, fakey colors, you want the glossy.
If you want a display that is more difficult to calibrate, you want the glossy.
If you couldn't care less about seeing images realistically, you want the glossy.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more .. :)
 
I have two Matte MBP machines (older merom and the new penryn), a friend of mine has the SR MBP w/ glossy...i must say i am GLAD to have matte. Yes things 'jump' at you more, but in the long run, i prefer matte. Cant stand reflections, and the colors just dont look right to me. Now when I put my almost 2 year old merom mbp next to my new penryn and the screen quality is totally different, being the penryn is better (obviously should be).

I had an old NEC 17inch glossy monitor a couple years ago, granted they are better now, i couldnt stand the glare and working in front of it hours upon hours coding something and walk away with a headache...just not for me!
 
I have the new glossy screen moving over from my old matte. I have to say I love it. The glare is OVERSTATED. If you look at any black screen with a big light source in the room you are in, reflections are going to show but that's the same on your TV! When I opened the box on my new glossy MBP this week and turned it on I thought "What did I worry about?"

I don't personally think that the industry move to glossy screens was a backward one. If so, why would they do it? Surely it is more expensive?
 
Anandtech says:

"I still end up preferring the glossy screen but I don't use these things outside that often. If I were still using them outside on campus I might have to opt for the matte screen instead."

Both glossy and matte screens have their own merits and demerits, but living in a country where it is hot and sunny all year round, matte is better for me.
 
wolfattack said:
The bottom line is, you are going to be fine on either. I can only laugh at a web designer who designs a whole site without looking at it on many different machine with different screens. And most designers go through multiple versions, print proofs before settling on what looks best, and by working this way, your eyes will be able to adjust for any difference in the screen and prints if there is any. Most designers who are about to have thousands of magazines, brochures, posters, annual reports, or business cards offset printed most likely will be working off of a pantone swatch anyway.

Last but not least, if you are doing some serious color precision work, you shouldn't be going by a damn laptop screen anyway, buy a nice lcd screen for when you are doing this kind of work.
Click to expand...

thank you! i couldn't have said it better. this whole debate about glossy vs matte is really really pathetic. i've told people before that if you're serious about work/color precision, why are you using a laptop screen as your main screen or why haven't you properly calibrated your screen???

it really doesn't make sense especially all these people who SWEAR by matte say they're professional designers/photographers. if you're good and truly professional, it doesn't matter what kind of screen you use because you would have taken your time calibrating it and checking printer's proofs.

also thank you again for bringing up production work (proofs, color swatches, etc.). who in their right mind would release something just by judging in from a screen (obviously from people here... a laptop screen for that matter). this goes for interactive designers as well. you always have to keep in mind that what looks good/bad in your screen will be different from someone else's screen but you seriously can't say that by just using a matte screen will make your work look that much better without testing it on glossy or vice versa. it's like saying 'well i coded it just for internet explorer and it works so it should work with firefox' without even checking first. that's just asking for trouble.

please please please just give the matte vs glossy screen a rest. i own a matte lcd for my pc and i got glossy for my mbp and guess what, with proper calibration they both look fantastic. and don't give me the whole 'but glossy has more glare' argument. if you want to work under direct light/sunlight, be my guess but don't blame a screen for that.

i'm a print designer btw and well my mac at work is glossy, but i won't tell you what to get. be independent for once!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back