Apple considering matte option on more Macs?

AppleInsider is reporting that Apple might be moving toward providing anti-glare options on more of its Macs, a move that would undoubtedly bring joy to anyone opposed to unbearable glare when using their machine in anything more illuminated than an underground cavern. The company moved to glossy displays on its iMac offerings, and then added them to both its 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros back in October at its Spotlight turns to Notebooks event, leaving only the 17-inch MacBook Pro with an anti-glare option. AppleInsider quotes people "familiar" with the company, who say that Apple is considering the option in response to its core business customers, and that the most likely candidates for the anti-glare treatment would be the 13- and 15-inch laptops. Do it, Apple -- do it for love, do it for ocular relief.

[fokka Posted Jul 15th 2009 7:21PM]

what a great idea! apple is about to invent matte screens!!! scnr ;)

[loglow Posted Jul 15th 2009 7:37PM]

Some people prefer matte because of reduced glare and reflections.

Some people prefer glossy because of improved blacks and crispness.

Choice is good; this is good news.

[Information Central Posted Jul 16th 2009 6:52AM]

The "improved blacks" are a lie. The entire image (including the touted blacks) is washed out by reflections. The net effect is LESS black.

[loglow Posted Jul 15th 2009 7:46PM]

I'd also like to point out that in some cases a glossy screen is preferable in a very bright environment. With a glossy screen you can typically counter a particularly bright reflection with a very minor adjustment in viewing angle. However, a matte screen will diffuse light across the entire surface at a wide range of incident angles, and a slight adjustment may have little effect. Just something to consider: a matte finish isn't automatically a better bet on a bright day.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 15th 2009 7:51PM]

good thing i got my mbp when I did. While unibody aluminum case sounds nice, I'd rather have my matte screen.

[oahceasgnikgneas Posted Jul 15th 2009 9:01PM]

Am I the only person who likes the ultra glossy screen? I just bought the 13" Macbook Pro two weeks ago and since then have thwarted 4 1/2 ninja attacks.

[edsc86 Posted Jul 15th 2009 10:49PM]

I'll wait 'till they have the matte option!

[yegon Posted Jul 15th 2009 11:16PM]

They really need to to do this. My 15" Unibody is glossy obviously and it suits me to a tee - it's purely for pleasure and I use it only in the house where light control isn't a problem. Must be terrible to use on the road though.

[AJ Posted Jul 16th 2009 12:06AM]

Reading this on my 15" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo with a matte screen. I won't replace it until they do have a matte finish option. I can't stand the glossy screens for all the glare from artificial or natural light. One of my biggest hardware complaints on the iPhone is the glossy screen too. I like the feel of the glass screen (but worried about shattering at some point) but hell how about a non-glare coating or film on top?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 16th 2009 1:12AM]

I will now definitely wait till the 13" MBP have the matte screen option

[Information Central Posted Jul 16th 2009 6:56AM]

Amen.

WTF is Apple thinking putting things on only the 17", the LEAST likely to actually be carried around and used in varying environments?

It's as if these dolts don't understand WTF a laptop is for. First they remove FireWire, then they wisely put it back but don't have ExpressCard slots on the most-portable machines. So if you need a 3G card for the carrier of your choice, you won't be buying a Mac.

[moijk Posted Jul 16th 2009 1:44AM]

Perfect, just when I finally had caved in and bought a macbook pro. I waited the longest for matte options, but they were nowhere to be seen beside huge 17"