Returning Hi-Res Antiglare

[thirty7alpha]

Hi-res was not for me, either

I completely understand. I originally ordered a hi-res MBP, but returned it and received my standard res 15" yesterday. No comparison. You cannot adjust the resolution of a high-res machine without it looking horrible, in my opinion.

 

[mastaofdisasta]

It can also be caused by using LED backlighting. Did your previous laptop had a display with LED backlight?

Negative. Before I made the mac jump, I had an HP DV4, which had a CCFL backlight I believe (I think that's what it's called), but this laptop is my first LED backlight display.

 

[nikhsub1]

Negative. Before I made the mac jump, I had an HP DV4, which had a CCFL backlight I believe (I think that's what it's called), but this laptop is my first LED backlight display.

I dunno if that is the cause. I have a 2007 MBP 17" hires antiglare that I just replaced with another 17" hires antiglare (just got it 2 days ago). Anyway, the 2007 does not have LED lit screen. The new machine's screen is MUCH more vivid and brighter almost too bright but causes no strain whatsoever. OP, what is your age (if you don't mind) because I would bet it has to do with the resolution... And when you change from the native res things will look fuzzy and create strain. If I were you I would check out the 1440 x 900 15" and see if it works better for you. Also, for me, the glass screen creates strain on my eyes because of all the reflections - Antiglare is the only screen that I will use.

If you have a Apple store near you go there and spend some time with the lower res 15" and I bet you will be much happier.

 

[bigjobby]

and it makes you wonder when some people are asking for super-duper hi-res screens which I think is madness.

 

[LunaC]

and it makes you wonder when some people are asking for super-duper hi-res screens which I think is madness.

Higher rez, while preserving the same dimensions of the output is always better.

High rez without the proper scaling is probably approaching the limit of usability with the majority of peoples eyes.

the IP4 vs 3gs proves the former, optically you cannot complain.

 

[mastaofdisasta]

OP, what is your age (if you don't mind) because I would bet it has to do with the resolution...

Not at all, I am 22 years old. And as I mentioned before, I don't have any vision problems at all. This is the first issue that I came across in recent memory that I had any kind of issue with my vision. And it's a shame too because I really do like the anti-glare screen. I think I am going to stop by at the Apple store tomorrow and spend some time with the standard res screen and determine whether I should make the switch. I am hoping that over time that my eyes can adjust the hi-res screen till then, but then again its straining my eyes as I type this.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

If you have a Apple store near you go there and spend some time with the lower res 15" and I bet you will be much happier.

You don't even have to go to an Apple store to look at the standard res (1440x900) screens on the MBPs. BestBuy, Frys' Electronics, MicroCenter, etc. all have the standard 15" MBPs in stock for demo purposes.

 

[greytmom]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Mobile/8C148)

Try a pair of cheap, mild reading glasses from the local pharmacy. If that helps, it's the resolution. If not, then monkey with the brightness settings and also with your room lighting.

 

[greytmom]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Mobile/8C148)

Also, you say you have no vision problems... But have you had an eye exam in the last year or two? Eyesight does change over time.

 

[mark28]

Negative. Before I made the mac jump, I had an HP DV4, which had a CCFL backlight I believe (I think that's what it's called), but this laptop is my first LED backlight display.

Some people have problems with displays that have LED backlighting. Try using a standard Macbook Pro in the Apple store and see if you don't get these problems. If you still have problems, then it's the LED backlighting. Then it's best to get a non-Apple laptop that has CCFL backlighting.

 

[Miss Terri]

I sure hope resolution independence comes to Lion. Otherwise, the high-res screens are not useful for me, as I read print all day and it just gets too small. Oh sure, it's readable, but it's tiring over a long period of time. And I don't need glasses for day-to-day life/reading (non-computer).

This wouldn't be as much of an issue, but I also really dislike glossy screens, and right now the only way to get anti-glare is to go with the high-res screens

I was even considering "downgrading" from my 2010 13" MBP to a 2009 15" model, just because that's the last time you could get "normal res" and anti-glare together. But they are around $1500, which just seems a bit too annoying for an older Core2Duo machine when a brand new 13" (which is all I really need) is so much less.

Speaking of which, can any of you res experts answer me this:

Looking at print/words/menus, etc. How would the actual size of a letter or word on a 13-er with 1280 x 800 vs. a 15" with 1440 x 900 screen compare? In other words, with both screens at native resolution, and the same document on both screens, would letters/words be larger on the 13" or the 15" or would they be the same.

I've seen screenshots of both, but from those I can't really tell.

Thanks,
Miss Terri

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

This wouldn't be as much of an issue, but I also really dislike glossy screens, and right now the only way to get anti-glare is to go with the high-res screens

I was even considering "downgrading" from my 2010 13" MBP to a 2009 15" model, just because that's the last time you could get "normal res" and anti-glare together. But they are around $1500, which just seems a bit too annoying for an older Core2Duo machine when a brand new 13" (which is all I really need) is so much less.

You can always consider getting the latest 15" MBP with the standard res (1440x900) glossy screen & put on the PowerSupport Anti-glare screen protector film. I have one on my early 2009 15" MBP (those first unibodies do not offer any other res or anti-glare/glossy screens) & IMHO, it works great & is very close to a native matte screen. Not only that, I get to have a "matte" screen with a black screen bezel.

 

[Miss Terri]

Well that's interesting. I looked up the Power Support screen film a few weeks ago, and it did not seem to get very good reviews. In fact, they were more negative than positive. But you say you like yours, so maybe I should reconsider.

I also notice that photodon has a new one that is supposed to have a less deleterious effect on the view quality, in exchange for a bit less "matte-ness." Aaand, I read that Moshi has one. Have not checked into the latter two.

I'd still rather have a "real" anti-glare screen, but I will check into these products again.

Miss Terri

 

[vsighi]

THIS IS THE SIGN OF YOPU GOING BLIND...

 

[DewGuy1999]

I sure hope resolution independence comes to Lion. Otherwise, the high-res screens are not useful for me, as I read print all day and it just gets too small. Oh sure, it's readable, but it's tiring over a long period of time. And I don't need glasses for day-to-day life/reading (non-computer).

This wouldn't be as much of an issue, but I also really dislike glossy screens, and right now the only way to get anti-glare is to go with the high-res screens

I was even considering "downgrading" from my 2010 13" MBP to a 2009 15" model, just because that's the last time you could get "normal res" and anti-glare together. But they are around $1500, which just seems a bit too annoying for an older Core2Duo machine when a brand new 13" (which is all I really need) is so much less.

Speaking of which, can any of you res experts answer me this:

Looking at print/words/menus, etc. How would the actual size of a letter or word on a 13-er with 1280 x 800 vs. a 15" with 1440 x 900 screen compare? In other words, with both screens at native resolution, and the same document on both screens, would letters/words be larger on the 13" or the 15" or would they be the same.

I've seen screenshots of both, but from those I can't really tell.

Thanks,
Miss Terri

1280 x 800 - 13.3" - 16:10 - 113.49 ppi - 0.2238mm - MacBook Pro 13.3"
1440 x 900 - 15.4" - 16:10 - 110.27 ppi - 0.2303mm - MacBook Pro 15.4"

It would be slightly smaller on a 13.3" display.

 

[darkus]

Dont listen to some of the crazys on this forum who would say that the eyesight of an otherwise healthy 22 year old is the problem...

Reading through this thread it sounds like you may have sensitivity to the LED displays apple uses, which is a small but common group of people. If this is the case, you may get similar headaches with other new apple products such as iMacs and you may have to either use an external monitor or go to an older CCFL macbook pro or get out of the Apple game for the time being. Ive switched to an external monitor to hold me over until one day hopefully Apple addresses this issue.

 

[Miss Terri]

1280 x 800 - 13.3" - 16:10 - 113.49 ppi - 0.2238mm - MacBook Pro 13.3"
1440 x 900 - 15.4" - 16:10 - 110.27 ppi - 0.2303mm - MacBook Pro 15.4"

It would be slightly smaller on a 13.3" display.

Thank you so much! I knew there would be a way to figure it out, but I was not sure how. This perfectly answers my question, and tells me that a 15" "regular resolution" screen would be very similar to my MBP 13-er.

Now if they would just make the 13" in anti-glare (without forcing higher resolution on everyone at the same time ), I would not have to go back to a 2009 model 15-er which is older and larger than I really want or need.

But, good to know

Thanks again,
Miss Terri

 

[DewGuy1999]

Thank you so much! I knew there would be a way to figure it out, but I was not sure how. This perfectly answers my question, and tells me that a 15" "regular resolution" screen would be very similar to my MBP 13-er.

Now if they would just make the 13" in anti-glare (without forcing higher resolution on everyone at the same time ), I would not have to go back to a 2009 model 15-er which is older and larger than I really want or need.

But, good to know

Thanks again,
Miss Terri

This site, Display PPI (Pixels Per Inch) Calculator allows you to figure out all this resolution stuff, comes in pretty handy when looking at monitors.

 

[brentsg]

I have all the PPI data but I'm trying to wrap my head around..

The viewing distance between my eyes and my current desktop display is around 34-36 inches. This monitor is approximately 94 PPI.

So what is the equivalent PPI when I'm using my notebook at say.. 24 inches?

Also:

17" MBP - 133ppi
15" HR MBP - 129ppi
15" MBP - 110ppi
13" MBP - 113ppi
13" MBA - 128ppi
11" MBA - 135ppi

24" ACD - 94ppi
27" ACD - 109ppi
iPad - 132ppi
12" PB - 106ppi

If my math is correct..

 

[DewGuy1999]

I have all the PPI data but I'm trying to wrap my head around..

The viewing distance between my eyes and my current desktop display is around 34-36 inches. This monitor is approximately 94 PPI.

So what is the equivalent PPI when I'm using my notebook at say.. 24 inches?

I'm no math wiz, but I'd say proportionally it would be about 126 ppi. Here's my reasoning, the notebook would be used at approximately 2/3rds of the distance that the desktop was used, so the display could have a 1/3rd higher resolution. Since the laptop is closer the resolution could be higher. I hope that makes some sense.

 

[brentsg]

I'm no math wiz, but I'd say proportionally it would be about 126 ppi. Here's my reasoning, the notebook would be used at approximately 2/3rds of the distance that the desktop was used, so the display could have a 1/3rd higher resolution. Since the laptop is closer the resolution could be higher. I hope that makes some sense.

I know there are equations for visual acuity, but I've generally used those to determine the resolution that is NEEDED to you don't see pixels. Not quite the same thing, but similar.

 

[Miss Terri]

17" MBP - 133ppi
15" HR MBP - 129ppi
15" MBP - 110ppi
13" MBP - 113ppi
13" MBA - 128ppi
11" MBA - 135ppi

This explains why my 14" iBook is so relaxing to read on. The (very handy!) calculator shows it to be 91ppi vs. my MBP's 113ppi I mean, I knew why, basically, but had not quantified it.

Also shows I probably won't be picking up an 11" MBA for lightweight travel purposes.. shame (of course I will check one out in person anyway).

Lord help me if Apple keep going higher res without bringing in resolution independence

BTW, for those who might be interested, I noticed that TechRestore will change out a glass/glossy MBP 13" screen for a matte one with a black bezel (no glass) for $199. The price alone I could live with, but I hate the idea of sending my baby out for surgery without me

 

[mastaofdisasta]

Thanks for all of your responses and input. After using the computer more and some thought and analysis, I am leaning towards keeping the hi-res screen. I took the advice from one of the forum posters with the genius idea of lowering the brightness, and surprisingly that has eased my eyes a bit. Plus after some additional use, I think my eyes are starting to adjust. The screen is becoming less and less of a burden the more time I use it. The problem hasn't alleviated completely yet, but I am optimistic. I am still going to check out the standard res and make a final decision there.

I don't think the fact that it has to do with the LED backlight is an issue for me personally. When I used my brother's macbook pro (the recently released 13 inch), I can use it very comfortably. It wasn't till I received mine when I got the eye strain issue. It might have to do with the large resolution increase that I am probably not used to. (the computer I had before was a 14 inch HP laptop with a 1280 X 800 resolution.) That's just my theory.

In regards to the resolution independence feature, based on the 10 minutes of hard core research I did on google, it looks like they are going to implement the feature in their upcoming Mac OS release. I did e-mail Steve Jobs just in case. If he e-mails me back, I'll get back to you guys.

 

[gramps416]

ok.
when you are reading text, cant you just adjust the size of the text? I do it all the time depending on what I am working on. A simple ctrl + scroll. Problem solved. Also other osx components can be made larger in the settings. There are obviously some items that cant be changed.

I am old(er) and I would like to say that if you have 20/20 vision, good on you, get what you think looks best for you. I used to have 20/20, and it has gotten slightly worse over time. The question you have to ask is, how to do you think your vision will be in 3 or 5 years from now?

The real reason why I want anti glare, is I work with a desklamp so that I can make hand notes, and other various tasks that is done at a desk. I tried a macbook with a glossy screen on my desk. It is very uncomfortable. I don't know if you can simulate that in an apple store.

For an extra $140 its too much $. it makes me interested in 3rd party anti glare screens if they are good. are there any better ones that PowerSupport screens? (i saw a price on their website for $35)

-g

 

[Sgt.Meow]

Can't you just...

Lower the resolution?

(I can't stand "anti glare" it makes my head dizzy and it makes the colour more dull for some odd reason.)

I just came back from an apple store, there's no option on display settings to lower the res to exactly 1440x900 on a 15" hi res model, only options I saw were some werid 14## x ### (stretch / no stretch) option, none of them look as crisp as on the low res model. I asked a Genius about this and they said they don't know why either... It's the same aspect ratio, why hi res model can't lower to exactly to the 1440x900? Driver issue??