Glossy or matte display?

I have a Powerbook 17" right now and not sure what this display is but I like it...Think its anti-glare because have no problems with reflections but documentation doesn't specify for sure what it is. I've had for 4 or 5 years now. Am upgrading to a Macbook Pro 15" and do I need to get the anti-glare display to be like this one? Is the glossy display really reflective so it is worth the upgrade? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

iMac 20" Widescreen, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Oct 22, 2009 7:16 AM

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9 replies

Oct 22, 2009 7:25 AM in response to Gary Schnetter

If you want a display like your old PB, get the matte display. But the glossy display is awesome - crisper, brighter. If possible look at them side by side and compare them yourself. Before I purchased my MBP, I thought I wanted a matte display ... and I ended up getting the glossy display and love it.

The glossy display is distinctly different. Some people are really bothered by any kind of reflection from the glass, others are not. But of course, moving or tilting the display slightly will almost always eliminate unwanted reflections.

Oct 22, 2009 10:06 AM in response to MartinR

I agree with Martin. Compare them side by side in the store. I did that and immediately went with the anti glare display. It is so beautiful. I just love it. The glossy display reflected everything behind me. It added a ton of distraction to what was on the display. I can't believe glossy is so popular. Likewise, when I am in a coffee shop or somewhere, I can see reflections on virtually all the screens there, Apple and PC alike. But not on this anti glare screen. It is bright, vibrant, and 100% free of reflections. I will never go back to the eye strain inducing glossy displays.

Oct 22, 2009 1:25 PM in response to Gary Schnetter

I have a glossy 13" macbook pro and this weekend i spent a good hour comparing a gloss 15" and matte 15". Ive gone with the matte this time. I just couldnt suffer another gloss again and the silver bezel around the screen looks superb.

I ordered it online as i needed 7200rpm and anti glare... so far its got to Poland.. hopefully get Monday. While I was in the shop there was a proffesional graphics designer also buying a matte (17")

I am happy with what i purchased.

Nov 7, 2009 11:36 AM in response to Gary Schnetter

I have both but i prefer the antiglare.
They both have slightly different traits. I used the gloss for a year then I got the antiglare one about 6 weeks ago. (Both MBP Unibodies)

I prefer the antiglare. the gloss gives you eye strain and you have to watch out for backlights etc. The matte you just open and use where ever.

Also the MBP antiglare has a lovely silver bezel which really gives it some quality looks.

Its preference really I read many reports on which is technally better but TBH ignore them go for what you prefer. You also have to watch when u look at them in a shop as the Matte really improves once you get the right colour scheme applied.

Nov 7, 2009 7:16 PM in response to Carlouk

{quote:title=Carlouk wrote:}You also have to watch when u look at them in a shop as the Matte really improves once you get the right colour scheme applied.{quote}


What is the right colour scheme? Also have you tried the matte screen in day light, I heard that sometimes it isn't bright enough?
Just busy trying to make the same decision 🙂
Cheers,
Chase

Nov 10, 2009 6:08 AM in response to iChase

I meant the colour scheme thingy under settings. You can calibrate the screen.

Also
If you want to use it outside surely you got to get the antiglare. The Gloss is very difficult to use outside. I spent the summer using a gloss on the Patio under shade and it was very difficult due to reflections. I wouldnt say impossible as I used it many many times but the reflections were very bad and I got eye strain.

As far a brightness goes indoors they both have plenty. I use my anti-glare in the lounge evenings on my lap and only require it about 4 notches up. Full up is far to bright. Side by side I did read a post before I got mine, that the Gloss is brighter. Id say not noticable. Possibly the gloss is half a notch brighter but its irrelevant due to what I say in the first post.

The only thing I say the gloss is better for is that the screen is more protected by the glass cover and its a little easier to clean. Theres arguments over colours but Im no expert and neither seems a problem to me.

Its the reflections for me. In my office I had the gloss one and I had a desk light positioned above it which at evening it gave no reflections and did look very nice.

The decision is reflections or no reflections, but if you are thinking about using it outside then your worry shouldnt be about the brightness but how the **** you will get on with the mirror of the gloss. No brainer.

Nov 11, 2009 12:11 AM in response to iChase

i would suggest Matte. I have always disliked gloddy screens they are uncomfortable for me.

The AG screenon the MBP does a fantastic job of filtering glare. I took a maglite to it and compared it to my HDTV and my Thinkpad, MPB won, hands down.

I haven't used mine outside yet, i doubt i ever will. But from the maglite test alone, AG is the way to go.

The colors are different on a glossy screen. they look more candyish, not real. Its not favorable at all.

Feb 1, 2010 3:46 PM in response to Think7

Still, it's a shame you have to pay extra for something which used to be the norm. The glossy screen is the new kid in town... Hopefully, with so many people wanting the matte screen over the gloss, the new Macbook Pro might be configured with that in mind. I'd like to buy a Macbook Pro that has a matte screen as normal, and with a nice black bezel instead of the old silver one...!

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Glossy or matte display?

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