MBP in the great outdoors

[smartalic34]

I know there have been many, many threads about the glossy vs. matte screen debate, but have a very specific question... I'll be buying a MBP soon... I like the glossy for the movie watching, but am hesistant because I'll have to deal with the harsh lights in your typical college buildings. I don't have an apple store near me, but having read many discussions have come to the conclusion that the glossy screen isnt too bad under fluorescent lights (I think). However, which screen type is better for your typically sunny day? Does the glossy have more intense reflections outside? Does the matte wash out in sunlight? Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[discoforce]

Does the glossy have more intense reflections outside? Does the matte wash out in sunlight?

Yes and yes. Both are much more difficult to use outside.

In my experience (1.25 15" powerbook vs. newer gateway laptop with glossy screen), the glossy screen was easier to use in all light conditions because it was so much brighter. Reflective as all get-out from an angle, but straight on (as you would be using it while typing) it was much easier.

MANY people disagree with that, and it seems to come down to personal preference. I'd go to a store (even if you can't check out macs, try pcs) and compare for yourself. Or just buy the one you're leaning toward, and replace it if you can't stand it.

Good luck, and post back on which you choose and which you prefer.

 

[celebrian23]

My pesonal experience- I can't read anything outside with my matte mbp. Granted I don't ever use it outside, I was just testing it, but all the colors were so washed out it was just so hard to read.

 

[ImNoSuperMan]

MANY people disagree with that, and it seems to come down to personal preference. I'd go to a store (even if you can't check out macs, try pcs) and compare for yourself.

NO WAY. Most of the PC Glossy screens are CRAP. Dont compare them with MB/MBP screen at all. They are wayyyyyyy better.

I can compare my ibook G4 vs MB screen in outdoors. And I`ll second both the two posters opinions. Matte screen are near impossible to look while outdoors. Glossy definitely is much more legible in comparison.

 

[jaxstate]

I went to CompUSA to look at glossy screens on PCs before I bought my MBP glossy. They look the same to me, I dont knw where you "they are waaaaay better" from.

NO WAY. Most of the PC Glossy screens are CRAP. Dont compare them with MB/MBP screen at all. They are wayyyyyyy better.

I can compare my ibook G4 vs MB screen in outdoors. And I`ll second both the two posters opinions. Matte screen are near impossible to look while outdoors. Glossy definitely is much more legible in comparison.

I've used my MBP glossy out side a couple of times and didn't have any problems. But indeed, it comes don't personal preference. But to tell you my point of view, I love my MBP glossy screen.

 

[discoforce]

NO WAY. Most of the PC Glossy screens are CRAP. Dont compare them with MB/MBP screen at all. They are wayyyyyyy better.

Perhaps, but the OP stated he/she cannot go look at the mac screens, so they're at least better than nothing at all.

 

[gloss]

I went to CompUSA to look at glossy screens on PCs before I bought my MBP glossy. They look the same to me, I dont knw where you "they are waaaaay better" from.

I used to work at a Micro Center, so I had to deal with PC glossies a bit. From what I've read, Apple's applied an extra anti-reflective coating, so while glossy and bright, the MacBook screens aren't QUITE as susceptable to glare as most of their peers'.

 

[ImNoSuperMan]

I went to CompUSA to look at glossy screens on PCs before I bought my MBP glossy. They look the same to me, I dont knw where you "they are waaaaay better" from.

I dont know which you looked at but I have a compaq laptop(i think 2374) my Cousin bought for himself 3 months ago. That thing looks absolutely crap in front of the MB`s screen

I've used my MBP glossy out side a couple of times and didn't have any problems. But indeed, it comes don't personal preference. But to tell you my point of view, I love my MBP glossy screen.

Yup. Glossy definitely scores over Matte no matter where you use it. Only those who are using photoshop etc and need the colors to be more real and natural, might prefer matte over glossy. Otherwise glossy definitely seems to be the obvious choice.

 

[xfiftyfour]

I used to work at a Micro Center, so I had to deal with PC glossies a bit. From what I've read, Apple's applied an extra anti-reflective coating, so while glossy and bright, the MacBook screens aren't QUITE as susceptable to glare as most of their peers'.

Is this true?

We don't have any apple stores near my school, but when we go home to Michigan, I'm going to stop in and check the screens out. I love the glossy on PCs, but have had great experience with my matte finish PB, so I'm pretty torn on which I think I'd prefer (I hope to get an intel sometime next year when CS3 comes out..though who knows what options might be out by then). The anti-reflective coating on the glossy may help be a deciding factor if it turns out to be true!

 

[smartalic34]

thanks for all the replies! I am definitely leaning towards glossy, but have another question... how does the glossy MBP screen compare to a dell inspiron laptop's glossy screen? I saw my friend's today, and the screen suffered from major glare... is it true that apple's glossy screen isn't anywhere near as reflective, as say, this particular dell?

 

[xfiftyfour]

thanks for all the replies! I am definitely leaning towards glossy, but have another question... how does the glossy MBP screen compare to a dell inspiron laptop's glossy screen? I saw my friend's today, and the screen suffered from major glare... is it true that apple's glossy screen isn't anywhere near as reflective, as say, this particular dell?

i don't know about comparatively, but there is no doubt that glossy screens will be more reflective than a matte finish. if it's true that apple applies an anti-reflective coating, then it may be more bearable than others, but don't expect no glare at all!