MacBook Pro 17 inch: LCD or Hi-Res LED display?

Generally, 1920 x 1200 won't give you fonts that are too small, in my opinion. But, really - that's a matter of personal preference.

I say no, however.

If you're going to get the 17", the high-res is the way to go.

I just ordered the 17 inch with High Resolution display 2 days ago for various reasons but mostly because of the extra real estate. It is like compressing everything you can see on a 23 inch screen and fitting it onto a 17 inch size. That suits me, but it is a personal preference, and for me well worth the extra dollars.

Don't forget that the hi-res display can also be set at the standard resolution when ever that suits you, but if you get a standard resolution screen you do not have the option of increasing resolution.

Default font sizes can always be changed to whatever size you like.

The LED back light has a significant effect on battery life as well as being more responsive and looking better.

Thank you for the points, and glad to help.

After you get it I would love to read a post to this thread telling us what you think of it and if you think it was worth it after all.

All the best,

Tony

Did you ever receive the Hi-Res unit? Was it satisfactory?

i recieved one and it is not satisfactory.

At the risk of being pedantic, I just want to clarify some of the terms used in your post.

LCD = liquid crystal display. This is not a lighting technology, but is instead the image-forming part of the display through which light shines. All currently manufactured Apple displays use this technology (as opposed to CRT, DLP, or OLED).

LED = light emitting diode. As these are currently used in computer displays, these are not used to form an image. They are used as the light source, particularly in newer displays over the traditional CCFT (cold cathode fluorescent tube) technology, which is basically a long, thin, and fragile "light bulb." LEDs are solid state, have much longer usable lifetimes, are more color-stable, and have better efficiency than CCFTs.

The two technologies, put together, form the majority of the display itself. The LEDs shine light onto a reflective backing, which then bounces the light through the LCD, producing the image you see.

From what I can tell, the 17" screen comes in two types: (1) 1680 x 1050 CCFT, and (2) 1920 x 1200 LED. Both are LCD displays--it is the lighting technology and resolution that are different.

My Penryn MacBook Pro 17" high res glossy is a beautiful thing, more than satisfactory...

I have had 3 MacBooks and 3 MacBook Pros, and this one is the best thing so far (no complaints)

cheers,

Dr Sly