Anti-Glare film for new MacBook Pro

I have written Macworld and asked them to do a review of anti-glare films for the MB, MBP, and iMac. If more people write in and ask, they might do that. For the iMacs, people report that these films create a waxpaper kind of haze because the film is placed on the glass panel, not the screen, and on the iMac there's too much of a space between the two. It looks to me like the distance on the MBP between the surface of the screen and the surface of the glass might be less than what it is on the iMac, so the results might be better.

It will be interesting to see a review of these films. I can't see them working very well for the reason lakeshore gives. It's a pity to have to stick a cheap bit of sticky-back plastic over a very expensive bit of hardware before it becomes usable.

I've seen on YouTube demos of removing the glass from iMacs for cleaning purposes. One guy did this with the computer upright on his desk. What I would REALLY like to know is - is it possible to remove this glass permanently? I understood the glass plays a structural role in the machines... but form the video it appears that it's just cosmetic and held in place with two small pins.

It would be wonderful if these computers are safe without the glass - as I've put off buying an iMac replacement for my old G5 for over a year (and, likewise now an MBP) because of this glass and its inherent reflection and glare problems.

Hey there,
I got one of the LCD anti-reflective sheets from PhotoDon. Go see my post on my experience in the Ars forums:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8300945231/m/595004135931

Brian

Definitive Answer!!!

I contacted Photodon, which is a top manufacture for anti-glare films, about using their products in respects to correcting the discrepancy in color specifically for the new MacBook/Pro. This was there response, "Unfortunately our non-glare, (anti-glare) film does not work well with color critical situations.."

For sure, if color accuracy for print is critical for your profession do not use anti-glare films to compensate. If you still prefer the new MBP over the previous generation you have no other option than to use an external monitor for color accuracy.

Unless you feel so inclined to start a petition to Apple that they create a matte screen option in a future update to the new MBP's. Although I'm not sure how that would work seeing as the screen and casing are so thin and light I don't know if that would be structurally possible.

I just recently acquired one of the previous MBP models at an excellent price and would suggest that if you have any connections through the educational discount that you check out the clearance section under the academic discount online. They have previous MBP models new in a box starting from $1399, which is the best deal I've seen on this series since they came out.

I would recommend this to any who work in print design, they have all the power you need to run CS4 and accurate color displays.

Hurry before they are gone!

Message was edited by: rGraphix82

Message was edited by: rGraphix82

I installed Photodon's film. It was kinda tricky but the directions are quite good. Also, my film had the groove for the camera slightly off so I had to trim it. Not a problem.

The result? Grainy finish and kinda annoying look to the once beautiful screen. Importantly, I can stand to look at my screen again and not get nauseous. Yes, nauseous and I don't get motion or cyber sick easily. Time will tell if I get used to the grainy effect but I definitely was not getting used to the reflections. I can work in public again and not have to worry about searching for optimal seating. Heck, I can work in my office again with the lights on and the windows blinds open.

Result: It works as expected. Reflections cut but grainy. Best one could hope for in after-market mods, barring replacing the screen. Photodon does a very good job from start to finish supporting the customer. I don't know how they could make this easier.

It's such a drawback, seems kinda tragic to me. My advice: get rid of this annoyance and get yourself one of the old books:-(

I got a 3M anti glare privacy filter screen (PF20.1w) for a new IMac aluminum used in a bright area with a lot or reflection and glare. Works very well, fits the screen perfectly.

$91 - see:
http://www.buy.com/prod/3m-pf20-1w-privacy-filter-20-lcd-3m-pf20-1w-privacy-filt er-20-lcd/q/loc/101/204694875.html