Choices, choices. Matte or Glossy Notebook Display?
Posted on July 23rd, 2007 in Gear |
I’m having trouble making a decision about what kind of screen I want on a laptop. As this will be my first notebook, I don’t have much experience with either display type. I like the color and contrast provided by the glossy displays but I haven’t used them in well lit areas or outdoors where the issue of glare comes into play. Luckily I don’t think this will be a big deal for me as the notebook will probably see more use indoors than out. Hopefully the benefits will outweigh the occasional annoyance.
Since the laptop would be used a lot for photography related work I want the best screen available. Is one screen type better than the other in terms of color and detail? Are both types easy to calibrate?
If I decide to go with a glossy screen I then run into another problem. Most of the laptops I’m considering are business class machines and don’t include the option of glossy displays, so that cuts my options. The one exception being the Vostro 1400. With the 1400 I can either get a Matte WXGA, Glossy WXGA or even a WXGA+ Glossy display. The added resolution of the WXGA+ would be nice for working with photos on the road. My 1680×1050 display at home has really spoiled me when working with Photoshop.
So with the display type being a make or break factor in which model to buy I’m a little stuck. Right now I’m leaning towards the Vostro 1400 with the higher resolution display. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen a 14″ inch notebook at that resolution so I hope that it doesn’t make text to small to read.
If anyone, especially photogeeks, have suggestions and opinions on the pros and cons of a particular display type please let me know. I’m hoping to order something later this week as there are several events in the next few months where having a notebook would come in handy.
Technology is great, but can be a little stressful for indecisive people like myself. 
2 Responses
I’m not sure of what other computer screens are like, but if you were considering getting a MacBook Pro I’d highly suggest getting the matte display. I’ve tried them both and I can’t stand the glossy one. If you’re outside (or near real sunlight, like by a window) you’ll be able to see yourself in the screen better than anything else.
At least from my experience, you get a truer color from the matte as opposed to glossy. Matte screens just look fake.
Go to the MacResource store (apple retailer in bryan) and check out the difference between the mac screens, and ask the guy there about the difference. He probably knows more about the difference than me. I don’t want to tell ya the wrong thing
Funny you mention that. I went by MacResource before I read this because I knew they were the only place in town that had a matte screen notebook to look at. All of the systems at Best Buy, etc are glossy. Even without the LED version, the matte display on the MBP is excellent. The glossy screen of the Macbook isn’t bad either, but as expected doesn’t match the Pro versions screen.
Unfortunately I don’t plan on getting a Mac. They are well out of my price range, and all of my software is Windows so it doesn’t make sense. I’m happy with Windows.
Hopefully I can make a decision today. Right now the Vostro 1400 is still on top, but still wavering on screen type.