The Matte Versus Glossy Issue: Feedback Please

As I count down the remaining 3 weeks before I get my new MBP and my iBook goes into retirement I have been considering options for configuration. Everything is fairly easy to decide except what I originally thought is the smallest issue: Glossy or Matte.

So I am looking for feedback on peoples experiences with using glossy vs matte for painting and for use in a wide range of situations including oudoors both night and day.

It is easy for people to say look at them side by side in the store. Unfortunately it appears Apple and resellers seem to have a policy of only putting Matte MBP displays on display.

Someone said "The MacBook is glossy, have a look at one beside a MBP." So I walz in to the shop all excited and the salesman said for security reasons he could not move the MacBooks around next to the MBP's, but then he pulled out his personal 18 month old MacBook and set it up but also told me it is not a fair test because the MacBook screens are so inferior to the MBP. Also, even though he would allow this comparison test there was no way we would be able to look at any of the computers in the sun (security).

His usage of his laptop is completely different to mine so he couldn't talk about graphics programs, or working outdoors both of which are habits of mine as an artist. I live in Photoshop and Painter, and do web design.

I have to admit to loving bright rich color, love contrast, hate pastel tones and soft colors. I have always disliked the matte surfaces of non reflective glass for framing pictures, and love the look of my glass flat screen CRT that faces some big windows, and gets occasional direct sun in mid winter.

eMac G4 + iBook 12 inch G3 (10.3.9 on both) + iPod 5th Generation 60 GB, PowerPC G4 1 GHz 1 GB SDRAM + (iBook) PowerPC G3 500 MHz 384 MHz SDRAM

Posted on Jan 10, 2008 6:45 AM

67 replies

AmeliaAd

Level 1

0 points

Apr 12, 2008 4:37 PM in response to artistjoh

This is such a helpful thread! I really wasn't sure which to get but I'm leaning toward matte after the advice of forums and Apple salespeople. I'm a graphic designer (more print than web) and do some photography, illustration, Flash animation, etc., so I think matte is best for me. But in terms of showing clients Pantone colors on the MacBook Pro, does anyone have an opinion about whether glossy or matte shows a closer match to the Pantone swatchbooks?

AmeliaAd

Level 1

0 points

Apr 12, 2008 4:38 PM in response to AmeliaAd

PS, I just bought a MacBook but I'm going to exchange it for the MBP 15" because I can't stand the screen.

artistjoh Author

Level 2

177 points

May 30, 2008 3:56 AM in response to artistjoh

Some feedback after 6 weeks of using the matte screen MacBook Pro.

The screen is sensational. I have used it outdoors in a wide range of conditions now and have yet to find a situation in normal usage (including outdoors in afternoon/evening sun) where the screen isn't easy to see although I have to admit to not yet having to work directly in strong midday sun so far. I have, however now been able to make good comparisons with friends glossy MacBooks in similar situations to me and can report that as time goes by I am increasingly glad I made the matte choice. It is gorgeous to say the least, and very practical. I look at it through artist's eyes and can understand why other graphics professionals are almost unanimous in their preference for the matte version.

My earlier reservations have evaporated as I got used to the slightly softer colors and the advantages of the matte screen become more apparent to me with time. I see enough glossy screens in action to know that my impression is not due to emotional attachment to my personal machine, but a rational and objective assesment of the relative merits of the various screens in real world working situations. My computer usage exceeds 8 hours a day and the computer goes with me in a backpack everywhere in the city.

I should also mention that I got the Hi-Res screen and having used it I could never go back to any standard resolution screen whether glossy or matte. I had to wait as it is a build to order option but it was well worth it.

The one downside that I have found is that the screen surface seems to be relatively delicate and easy to scratch when cleaning.

artistjoh Author

Level 2

177 points

May 30, 2008 4:07 AM in response to hcb

hcb,
For those of us who work away from electricity for long periods outdoors every minute of battery life is an essential part of computer usability. I was one of those waiting holding my breath for the latest MacBook Pro models just because of the less power hungry processor and the LED backlit screen. So in reply to your question: I, for one, do care about battery life in connection to screen technology.

I have the Hi-Res screen and the sharpness of the extra pixels makes a huge difference. I would say that this Hi-Res screen is by far the best screen I have ever used on any computer CRT or flat panel and the resolution rather than the technology it is built on is what makes it so beautiful.

May 30, 2008 4:09 AM in response to artistjoh

I own both a glossy and a matte MacBook Pro. I was curious to see how things would look on the glossy compared to the matte, which is why I ordered it (despite reservations about the glossiness). Having viewed an identical iPhoto slideshow on both side by side, along with identical videos side by side, I can honestly say, I perceived no difference in colour brilliance or contrast on the glossy machine. However, I have found reflections annoying from time to time -- and fingerprints show up much more clearly on the glossy screen than on the matt screen (not just because it is shinier -- they actually show up clearly even when backlighting is on full in a darkish room. They must somehow affect light transmission more on the glossy screen. I think I would order matte for all future purchases.

artistjoh Author

Level 2

177 points

Aug 18, 2008 11:11 AM in response to artistjoh

When I started this thread back in January I really was worried about making the wrong choice. Matte or glossy - which was going to be better? so the posts reflect many opinions and some feedback posted by myself to update my experience with the matte hi-resolution screen which I ordered and eventually got to take home.

So here is some more feedback after more than 3 months using the computer. My first thought is that I must have been crazy to worry about color and contrast with the matte screen at the beginning of the purchase process. The matte screen is superior to the glossy by a long shot. I have now been able to compare my screen with various glossy Macbooks and Macbook Pro's in a wide range of lighting condition and the matte screen looks better in every case. I had come to the MBP matte screen from a CRT monitor, and being used to reflections I didn't really think they were such a big deal but now, after a few week with the matte screen full time whenever I see a glossy screen I find it unbelievable that I ever put up with that. I could never go back The matte screen on my 2001 iBook was no guide for me as the new MBP screens are hugely better than those old screens.
Using the notebook outdoors has never been a problem for the matte screen and it handles all kinds of light with ease.

As pointed out before I did get the hi-res option and I love that too and I wouldn't want to go back to standard resolution now.

So, big thumbs up for matte screens on Macbook Pro indoors and out.

CClaire

Level 1

5 points

Aug 18, 2008 2:59 PM in response to Rod Hagen

Rod Hagen wrote:
(I'm an anthropologist who often works outside with my laptop in remote, sunny, parts of Australia).

Omg Rod, what a fantastic career anthropology must be!

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The Matte Versus Glossy Issue: Feedback Please