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Laptops Screens, Glare or Matte?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the the-glare-it-burns-us dept.

An anonymous reader writes "This weekend I spent half a day surfing the web looking for a new laptop. I just want (to be able to switch to) 1650x1280, or at least ...x1024, and a *non*-Glossy Display . To my surprise I found out that many vendors leave me not that much choice: ...x800, and glossy, i.e., higher-reflective type screens seem to have become the promoted defaults. Should I give up on my non-glossy wishes, or should I start flaming vendors?" I still can't understand the glossy screens. They make my eyes hurt almost immediately in any sort of ambient light, and do nothing in low light. Glossy laptop screens are like TVs on the shelf in the store with their colors all whacked out to look brighter. Once you get them into the real world, you realize that the colors are just wrong.

10 of 663 comments (clear)

  1. ThinkPads still use non-reflective screens by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    The ThinkPad T61's still use a non-reflective screen, and are now available in wide screen models.

    1. Re:ThinkPads still use non-reflective screens by truthsearch · · Score: 5, Informative

      WXGA = Wide XGA

      But I very much prefer people say the numeric resolution these days. I'm not interested in keeping up with the acronyms.

      --
      Developers: We can use your help.
    2. Re:ThinkPads still use non-reflective screens by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 5, Informative

      MacBook Pro. You can even run Windows on it. Doesn't come with Splinter Cell stickers or subwoofers. And they give you the option of glossy or matte.

      I mean, if you're willing to shell out the dough for a T61, you might as well get a MacBook Pro and at least have the option to run MacOS X.

      --
      My blog
    3. Re:ThinkPads still use non-reflective screens by Idiomatick · · Score: 5, Informative

      Man someone suggests a mac gets modded up and a guy pointing out a flaw gets modded down. Of all the groups in /. Mac fangirls are the WORST at following the rules. There is no -1 disagree. I hate how things get slanted since maccies cant follow that.

      That said I find it hilarious that you compared it to the macbook pro. So I think you should really go compare them.
      http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro
      http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/systemconfig.runtime.workflow:LoadRuntimeTree?sb=:00000025:00000311:&smid=1F106632CBC24D2CBD23DF19644D3694

      First thing you will notice is that the most expensive t61 starts at around 900$ cheaper than the cheapest macbook (so its not a viable alternative). Next when you customize the lenovo so that it has the same specs as the macbook you are still 700$ cheaper than the mac. And that comes with vista which you will otherwise have to pay for.
       
      So please PLEASE at least read the stats and do a quick comparison before you speak. A product being 50% more expensive for the same specs is an EMBARRASSMENT. Don't brag about it.
       
      This post will get modded flamebait by a horde of angry mac users. Hopefully the message reaches atleast a few people.

    4. Re:ThinkPads still use non-reflective screens by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      I'm in total agreement that Mac fans tend to be some of the biggest trolls and jerks around, but I'm not sure how you got your numbers. I followed the links you provided and found the following:

      Entry-level Macbook Pro, all standard options: $1999

      Lenovo with: T8300 CPU, Vista Ultimate (feature-wise, it really is the most comparable to the Macboook since the Macbook ships with iLife '08 included), 2x1 DDR2, 160gb drive (the only 200gb drive on the Lenovo includes encryption and is /way/ more expensive due to that, so I figured I'd leave it off, but this does skew the price a bit more in favor of the Lenovo than a totally true comparison), Integrated Bluetooth, everything else default. Total: $1,621.20 (after $261.80 savings it claims).

      So the actual price difference is closer to 400, or maybe even 300 given the hard drive difference and the fact and the macbook has an integrated webcam which runs another $72 on the lenovo.

      So while there is a price difference and you definitely are paying a premium for the apple, it's not nearly as bad as you suggest.

    5. Re:ThinkPads still use non-reflective screens by MMInterface · · Score: 5, Informative

      He was comparing it to a Macbook pro so his facts are straight. After stating that he just referred to is as a Macbook which may have confused you. If you think a different comparison should be made thats fine.

      "That said I find it hilarious that you compared it to the macbook pro. So I think you should really go compare them. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro"

  2. Glossy is more like reading paper by davide+marney · · Score: 5, Informative

    No doubt this is hugely a matter of personal preference, but after using a glossy screen for 3 years, my preference is definitely for glossy. True, one must get used to positioning the screen to avoid reflections, but this becomes automatic very quickly. The experience of a glossy screen is far easier on my eyes, and the higher contrast feels much more like reading on paper.

    For the record, I'm officially over the hill, and have used glasses all my adult life.

    --
    "We receive as friendly that which agrees with, we resist with dislike that which opposes us" - Faraday
  3. The problem with matte by Piata · · Score: 5, Informative

    I have a glossy laptop and a matte LCD. The problem with the matte screen is it can make things appear grainy.

    The glossy screen has a much sharper image but the reflections are annoying.

    That said, bad colour exists in both desktop LCD's and laptops. The only real deterrent for this is to spend a lot of money to get a colour accurate display.

  4. There are tradeoffs to both types by wodgy7 · · Score: 5, Informative
    This page has some good diagrams explaining what happens to light in "matte" (anti-glare) versus "glossy" (anti-reflective) screens:

    http://www.screentekinc.com/pixelbright-lcds.shtml

    With matte screens, emitted light is more diffuse, a disadvantage (less color accuracy, potentially more long-term eyestrain). With glossy screens on the other hand, you have the disadvantage of specular reflections, which some people may find distracting. At any rate, the conventional wisdom that glossy screens are just a fancy way to sell computers to unwitting masses is uninformed. There are engineering tradeoffs both ways. I personally find the diffuse light transmission of matte screens more tiring than specular reflections, but it obviously depends on the person.

  5. Dell Latitudes by cyanics · · Score: 5, Informative

    I have both a Dell d830 and d620 which have non-reflective screens. The D830's native resolution is 1920x1200. I think you haven't been looking around enough, there are plenty of options. However, you typically have to look towards the business-class models for non-reflective (corporate cubical farm) models.