When ordering a MacBook Pro should I get a matte screen, or a glossy screen? I'll be doing video editing and graphic design so I'm not sure which will work best. I also need it fairly soon.
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Matte or Glossy?
- Thread starter e.magnusson
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This has been done to death. Do a search and you will find a few full threads about this question.
It does not matter what I, or anyone else, tell you. It is personal preference. Go and have a look at them. Decide which you personally prefer.
Personally, I think the glossy is much better than the matte. You will many people agree with me, and you will have just as many people disagree.
It is all what you like better, not what we like better.
It does not matter what I, or anyone else, tell you. It is personal preference. Go and have a look at them. Decide which you personally prefer.
Personally, I think the glossy is much better than the matte. You will many people agree with me, and you will have just as many people disagree.
It is all what you like better, not what we like better.
Well, that depends:
On the one hand, if you want a "sharper" picture (blacker blacks and whiter whites) then go with the glossy. However, you must live with a very annoying glare that will follow you almost everywhere.
If you don't mind a slightly less sharp picture, and you can't stand the annoying glare, then go for the matte.
All I have to say is that very few people like the glossy because the glare is that annoying!! Personally, I would hands down go for the matte. Its not worth the slightly less sharp picture.
On the one hand, if you want a "sharper" picture (blacker blacks and whiter whites) then go with the glossy. However, you must live with a very annoying glare that will follow you almost everywhere.
If you don't mind a slightly less sharp picture, and you can't stand the annoying glare, then go for the matte.
All I have to say is that very few people like the glossy because the glare is that annoying!! Personally, I would hands down go for the matte. Its not worth the slightly less sharp picture.
I would say glossy.. the screen does not reflect that much unless you have the screen at a weird angle.. if you get the glossy you will be glad you got it. It looks so much more bright compared to the matte.. and more than just "very few people" like glossy.. you should actually see how many people like it before assuming.
i just got a glossy 17' high res machine and it is glorious. i had an older g4 15' pb with a matte finish, and by far i recommend the glossy.
and as for this glare that everyone talks about, saying its horrible, i dont find it to be a problem at all. i use it inside however, and dont walk around the parks working on it, so i guess im the minority...
and as for this glare that everyone talks about, saying its horrible, i dont find it to be a problem at all. i use it inside however, and dont walk around the parks working on it, so i guess im the minority...
This (I believe) is the key. If you're just a consumer, then by all means buy whatever looks best to you. Glossy screen is tempting at first, for most people, it has a certain hype.
On the other hand, if you're producing content, this will become a problem. All screens need to be calibrated, and how do you calibrate something that shows everything better than it actually is?
I have seen some horrible prints made on a glossy screen. If it's too bright, then the picture (and the print) will be too dark. If it has too much contrast, then the picture (and the print) will be too flat. If it's too saturated, then the picture (and the print) will not have enough colors.
Bottom line: if you're a content *producer* then you better have calibrated display. IMO, matte finish is easier to calibrate.
Have you ever used an Apple glossy display? It doesn't sound like you have. I got the glossy. Before it got here, I was already planning on moving my desk because right behind me is a huge bay window looking outside. I was too lazy and did not get around to moving the desk by the time I got my computer. Even with that big window behind me, letting in light, I don't even notice it. The glossy screen does not produce this annoying glare you are talking about. It could in certain situations, but from my experience, I barely notice it ever.
I asked this question in a photography forum. The most frequent comment was that if you want to calibrate the screen (i.e. color correct it with Spyder2 or similar) go for matte since it is more accurate.
I have a Dell XPS laptop with a 17" glossy screen. It was matte originally, but Dell did a warranty replacement with a glossy screen. I find it very annoying, especially in office lighting, and am about to ask them to re-repair it back to matte.
I have a Dell XPS laptop with a 17" glossy screen. It was matte originally, but Dell did a warranty replacement with a glossy screen. I find it very annoying, especially in office lighting, and am about to ask them to re-repair it back to matte.
Im a photographer, and I went for the glossy. How many of you photogs/graphic designers do color accurate work outdoors? 
I thought so, so the whole glare thing is not a big deal..unless over 50% of the time you use your MBP is outdoors, you don't need a matte screen. I have used my MBP outdoors a few times and it's not even a big deal. Wouldn't Aperture it up outside but for IMing, and Web surfing, whatever glare you get with the glossy outdoors is more than manageable.
I thought so, so the whole glare thing is not a big deal..unless over 50% of the time you use your MBP is outdoors, you don't need a matte screen. I have used my MBP outdoors a few times and it's not even a big deal. Wouldn't Aperture it up outside but for IMing, and Web surfing, whatever glare you get with the glossy outdoors is more than manageable.
Glossy is great for the average user who just wants to surf the web and watch videos. But if you're a serious user who is going to be doing video production, graphic design, photography, print production, etc. you should be getting matte because it delivers more accurate color. Glossy oversaturates darks and lights which distorts your perception of the image on screen.
btw, there's got to be at least 25 other threads within the past 3 months about this. Do a search.
btw, there's got to be at least 25 other threads within the past 3 months about this. Do a search.
Well put.
To the OP, you are the one who must look at the screen. So get what works for you.
Personally, while the glossy looks nice at first look, I can't look at it for very long without my eyes getting very tired. As for matte screen, I can look at them for hours without any eyestrain or fatigue.
Wow... like this question hasent been around for ages...
Anyway - I can finally truthfull answer this now that im on my brand new MBP (Glossy), and I have to say I love it. Its just a beautiful, clear picture. Today I sat out on the lawn in front of our local coffeehouse in full sunlight, and could still see perfectly, with very minimal glare!
Go for Glossy.... its great!
Anyway - I can finally truthfull answer this now that im on my brand new MBP (Glossy), and I have to say I love it. Its just a beautiful, clear picture. Today I sat out on the lawn in front of our local coffeehouse in full sunlight, and could still see perfectly, with very minimal glare!
Go for Glossy.... its great!
i've used the matte and glossy side by side in a bright, sunny room and the i'd choose glossy over matte every time.
until then, i had doubts about the glossy, but seeing 'em side by side made me a believer.
until then, i had doubts about the glossy, but seeing 'em side by side made me a believer.
Exactly!! I have just received my SR MBP glossy (about 8 hours ago) and I have not noticed ANY reflections. Just good quality viewing
Sopranino
I've got both and I definately prefer the glossy - especially when viewing photos/videos or anything like that. I dont require colour calibration so that isnt an issue. I also find the glossy is more readable in bright light conditions and havent had a single reflection issue since I have had it.
Best bet, go to an apple store, look at the 2 next to each other and pick which you prefer. Either way both are great and I bet you'll be happy with either one!
Best bet, go to an apple store, look at the 2 next to each other and pick which you prefer. Either way both are great and I bet you'll be happy with either one!
I think 90% of the respondents are not reading right. The OP said:
For anything involving graphic production, i.e. colour accuracy, go matte.
For anything involving graphic production, i.e. colour accuracy, go matte.