how to determine if macbook pro is glossy or antiglare?

Not sure if a serial number lookup service may tell you if that exact sample shipped with glossy LCD.

•How to identify MacBook Pro models - Apple Support

•Mac Serial Number info - Lookup your Apple Serial Number:

https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

•MacBook Pro Unibody (non-retina) FAQ:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/macbook-pro-unibody-faq/

All Specs:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/index-macbookpro.html

Usually the included box and other information when new would tell if the higher cost glossy display

or a higher definition one were included as part of a CTO or higher build model, if offered that year.

According to Mactracker.ca database, the MB/Pro (15-inch mid-2012) display could be either:

Built-in Display-- 15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display,

Optional-- 15.4-inch (diagonal) display with 1680 by 1050 pixels (glossy or antiglare)

Usually if the display has a highly mirrored dark surface with the display asleep or turned off, it may

be a Glossy display. A matte-finish or non-reflective display is indicative of a non-glossy display.

In use, a glossy LCD may be difficult to use in bright locations, since it would be reflecting a lot.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

edited 2x

If the display has a black border, it is a glossy. If it has an aluminum border is is an anti-glare.

Ciao.

Most I've seen were back border displays; some CTO offered higher definition via online Store.

{Some of the earlier models had aluminum keys, and matte display.}

So the aluminium coloured display trim was a new one on me...

Here's a link that includes images and video of the two displays:

•glossy vs anti-glare (matte) macbook pro 2012 - google result:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=glossy+vs+anti+glare+macbook+pro+2012

Thank you for the helpful reply. In older PowerBook models the displays were harder to

tell when shut off, as the surrounding color was the same. The gloss is rather shiny, tho.😝

Don't put much credence in pictures and video of the two displays. So much depends upon the lighting and positioning plus the quality of the camera taking the pictures/video. The only way to make an informed decision is to look at both side by side with your own eyes.

I have 4 MBPs. two glossy and two anti-glare. Two of them are both late17" 2011 MBPs with one glossy and the other anti-glare. The glossy will have slightly richer color tones and if in the optimum environment provides an excellent viewing experience. If there are background light sources, the reflections can be very distracting. From an overall practical standpoint, the anti-glare is the better option.

The silver key models were only on the pre-unibody MPS (2008 and earlier) and there was no distinction those in the display border for the two options. The OP says he is looking at a 2012 model so that is immaterial.

Ciao.

Thanks! What could be simpler? 🙂