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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
MacBook Pro screen: glossy or matte
PJ Heller, Photographer
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Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 4:22 PM on 06.25.09 |
->> I have a chance to pick up a slightly used 15" Macbook Pro (the previous version, not the latest Unibody) . . . but am concerned about the issue of the glossy vs. matte screens available on this model.
There seems to be an ongoing debate over which screen is best, especially when it comes to PS work (while on the road in various lighting environments). Anybody have any real world experience with either of the screens for photo editing? Preferences?
For the glossy version, I’ve seen some companies that offer anti-glare film designed to fit on the screen but have no idea if they work and how they may effect image editing:
http://tinyurl.com/mvzxr4
http://www.dgloss.com/
There’s even a pricey replacement screen (which appears to be just for the new Unibody model) at http://techrestore.com.
Comments welcome. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 8:35 PM on 06.25.09 |
->> Most folks prefer the matte. The matte screens cut the glare but also cut the sharpness of the screen as well.
I've had the glossy for a while now and really have gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me, but I think I'm in the minority of photographers who feel that way. |
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Andrew Knapik, Photographer, Assistant
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Lincoln Park | MI | USA | Posted: 8:59 PM on 06.25.09 |
| ->> You can still get the 17 inch MBP direct from Apple for an upgrade price of $50. A friend just bought a 15 yesterday, and has already told ms that when he his editing, he does not notice a difference. |
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Michael Durisseau, Photographer, Assistant
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Santa Fe | TX | USA | Posted: 9:13 PM on 06.25.09 |
| ->> I agree with Mr. Bridges...it's been my experience, too. I kinda like it. |
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PJ Heller, Photographer
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Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 11:33 PM on 06.25.09 |
->> Thanks for the comments. Anybody else want to chime in?
I went into the Apple store today and compared the 17-inch glossy with the matte (I want a 15-inch MBPand have leads on slightly used ones, both with matte/glossy screens); the glossy screen showed all the reflections from the lights, the windows, people walking by, etc. Almost like looking in a mirror. I admit the image on the screen really popped.
The matte version didn’t show the reflections no matter how I moved it around and seemed like it would be much easier to work on. I was expecting it to be dull looking, but was pleasantly surprised.
I may pay another visit there and have another look.
BTW, the so-called Apple genius was stumped when I asked about the matte film to put over the glossy screen. His best guess was to goggle it and see what I could find online. |
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David Ryder, Photographer
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Park City | UT | USA | Posted: 1:02 AM on 06.26.09 |
| ->> matte is great. i love it. |
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Jason Hunter, Photographer, Assistant
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David Shea, Photographer
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Riverside | CA | USA | Posted: 5:10 AM on 06.26.09 |
| ->> I have the glossy screen and found that if you use it outside (like transmitting from a car on a sunny day) it can be distracting. Parking the car becomes a search for the right angle to see the screen without major reflections. Everywhere else, I seem to have gotten used to it. |
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Michael Troutman, Photographer
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Carmel | CA | USA | Posted: 12:23 PM on 06.26.09 |
| ->> I've used both and agonized over this when getting my MacBook Pro a year ago. I am soooo happy that I got the matte version. Was in a situation recently using two laptops, mine and another one with a glossy screen, and it was almost impossible to use the glossy one (bright window directly behind). Just a miserable computing experience...but snappy and sharp it is. |
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Jon Blacker, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 12:48 PM on 06.26.09 |
->> PJ,
Just this week I installed a Power Support Anti-Glare film on my MacBook & like working on my laptop again. I tried; I REALLY tried to get used to the glossy screen but just wasn't able to do it. In fact, I truly hated it.
The Power Support film gives this machine the exact same feel that I had with my last PowerBook; There is no discernable loss of image quality in terms of color, saturation or contrast.
BTW, the genius should have been aware that they actually stock Power Support products in the stores... |
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Jack Kurtz, Photographer
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Phoenix | AZ | United States | Posted: 2:44 PM on 06.26.09 |
->> I have 2 Mac laptops - a matte MacBook Pro and glossy MacBook. I prefer editing on the matte screen but I when I do edit on the MacBook and then open the files on either my matte screen MBP or iMac the files look fine and there's not much more I would do to them. So I guess I've gotten used to working on the glossy screen. My next Mac (13 inch MacBook Pro) is gonna have the glossy screen.
Two things that do seem to be more critical are viewing angle and ambient light. The glossy screen is harder to use in bright light or when it's backlit.
jack |
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Kenya Hudson, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Jackson | MS | USA | Posted: 6:20 PM on 06.27.09 |
| ->> I'm really interested in the MacBook Pro 13". The size is perfect for road trips, plane and train trays, etc. Can the glossy screens be calibrated? Can the glossy screens with film be calibrated? |
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Kevin Sherman, Student/Intern
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Elgin | IL | USA | Posted: 7:58 PM on 06.27.09 |
->> I have the 15" MacBook Pro Uni-Body with the glass screen (make a note, its a glass/plastic thing over the screen, way different than those silly glossy coatings) and despite having mostly gotten used to it, the reflections can be KILLER. If you find yourself editing in a wide variety conditions, go for the Matte. Just two weeks ago I had to edit in a place where there was a pretty strong backlight and it was terrible. Or when I had to edit on field at a Cubs game, the only saving grace there was that it was an overcast day..
Anyway, long story short, if I had the option I would go with a Matte screen any day of the week. Oh, and if your lookin at the 17in, don't forget the WUXGA+ screen :-D |
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Kent Nishimura, Student/Intern
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Honolulu | HI | USA | Posted: 9:20 PM on 06.27.09 |
| ->> i too have the unibody macbook pro. i have a anti-glare film ontop of the glossy screen. helps with the killer glare. |
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PJ Heller, Photographer
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Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 9:32 PM on 06.27.09 |
->> Kent:
Is it the same one that Jon mentioned (Power Support Anti-Glare film)?? Any issue with calibrating the screen? |
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Kent Nishimura, Student/Intern
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Honolulu | HI | USA | Posted: 10:36 PM on 06.30.09 |
| ->> PJ, I believe it is...I havent tried it yet. i did have a hell of a time trying to get the darn thing on with out crap getting stuck to it. LOL. |
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Matt Cashore, Photographer
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South Bend | IN | USA | Posted: 11:29 PM on 06.30.09 |
| ->> I was just in the Apple store in downtown Chicago today. I saw one of the 17" versions with the anti-glare screen option. (The only one out of probably 75 MBPs on display...all by itself in a forlorn corner.) Looked much, much better. I would buy a 13" with the anti-glare option tomorrow. If it WERE an option, that is. Frustrating that it's possible to offer a non-glossy screen on a MacBook Pro but they only make it available on the 17. C'mon Apple!! |
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Michael Springfield, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Smyrna (Atlanta) | GA | USA | Posted: 5:21 AM on 07.01.09 |
->> I have had a 17" MacBook Pro with the matte finish and a MacBook Air with the glossy finish. At first the glossy finish did bother me in bright light but I have gotten used to it and I don't really notice it anymore. Colors and sharpness are better on both Macs than any PC laptop that I have but the glossy screen on the Air is a bit better than the glossy on the 17"
Michael |
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Kevin Clifford, Photographer
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Reno | NV | United States | Posted: 10:13 PM on 07.01.09 |
->> Mr. Galbraith revisited the Macbook screens and also talks about the screen issues:http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-10041-10146
I just got one of the new 13' pro's and I love it. The screen is great when you're in shade, but it really gets reflective in certain situations. But overall I am happy with it (I may go buy a anti-glare coating for it in a month).
I bet that Apple will release the laptops with anti-glare options after the student discounts are finished...GRIN |
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