Is There Any Hope For MacBook Pro Matte Display Restoration?
Anthony Hunt has posted The Matte display for MacBook Petition on PetitionOnline.com which reads:
To: Apple Computer
We pledge to purchase a new MacBook if you, Apple Computer, would be so kind as to provide the option of a matte display.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
I’m all for bringing back matte display, and when I visited and signed, more than 5300 others had done likewise, but I have to say I’m not terribly optimistic. While some have suggested that Apple ditched the matte display option on the new 15″ MacBook Pro to cut costs, I think the main impetus was the new MacBook Pro’s “display under glass” styling motif pioneered with the aluminum iMac in 2007. So unless there is some way to have a matte finish glass surface that would work, I think it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see a return to matte in the near future.
Possibly if a lot of high-end graphics users dug in their heels and started bailing to the Windows side, it might get Apple’s attention, but in the meantime, if you want a matte display, the option is still available in the 17″ MacBook Pro for a few more months at least. But it would be prudent to anticipate it will be gone when a 17″ unibody machine arrives.
The matte vs. glossy controversy tends to be an emotional one, but there are some objective factors in play. Matte fans complain about reflections that interfere with visibility, and glare coming off the glass as opposed to the soft glow of a matte screen, while some high-end graphics pros say glossy displays are unfit for high-end color work in graphics or video. If forum and board postings are to be believed, the lack of a matte screen option, for many, is a deal-breaker.
Unfortunately, like the proverbial camel edging its way into the tent, glossy, which started out as an option on the MacBook Pro, then was offered as the only choice on the MacBook, aluminum iMac and MacBook Air, is now the only option for all Mac portables, save the holdover 17″ MacBook Pro.
Personally, I’m leaning more and more toward a matte display, which rules out the new MacBoo and MacBook Pro models for my next system upgrade. I’ve all but settled on picking up a refurbished early 2008 MacBook Pro with a matte display and leaving the adjustment to glossy for sometime in the future. If Anthony Hunt’s petition and other protests gain more traction perhaps Apple will eventually bow to the strong preference of many of their most loyal customers, especially graphics professionals and frequent travelers, and restore matte displays as an option.
Unfortunately for the present, as is so very often the case with Apple hardware, design aesthetics have trumped practicality and functionality.
Lloyd on October 26th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I probably would have chosen matte if the option was available but as I write this a glossy MBP is on its way to me.
There seem to be “display academics” arguing a case for each side. Good, calibrated, glossy displays theoretically provide a sharper image and more accurate colour representation due to the lack of a colour-diffusing anti-glare coating. Reflections remain an undeniable drawback however.
I really hope that (not just for my sake) the moaning about glossy displays is hyperbolical and that pros just need 6 months to adjust. If so, I hope Apple can migrate their lineup of cinema displays to uniform glossiness and the issue can be laid to rest.
Charles, can I add that I think you’d be crazy to pickup an early ‘08 MBP (unless the prices is astounding). The late ’08s are a ground-up improvement and I suspect you’ll regret it.
Luke on October 26th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
If only they made matte glass!
jdq on October 26th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
“While some high-end graphics pros say glossy displays are unfit for high-end color work in graphics or video”
Those aren’t really ‘pros’ if they are arguing for matte. Matte screens don’t reflect less light, they just spread it in multiple directions (via what amounts to an uneven surface) to give the appearance of diminished glare. This also spreads/distorts colors. There are also ‘pros’ are argue for CRT over LCD. When was the last time you saw a matte CRT? Say you like matte for the less glare, but don’t try to say it’s because you ‘pro-graphics’ job requires it. That is just false.
Besides, who does “high-end” work outside.
MarceloR on October 26th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
It is possible to have a matte display on glass. Thinkpad Tablets used to have them until they introduced the X200 (which I haven’t seen but looks glossy on photos.) My X41 Tablet has a matte display and it is a toughened surface as well so that things harder than the stylus won’t mark it.
Sam on October 26th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
jdq: Exactly! Apple wouldn’t do something like this if they knew it would be a deal-breaker for too many people. If the reflections bother you your display is turned down too low.
Brian Warren on October 26th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
While I agree, it’s hard to argue that there are some situations where the glossy would be just annoying with all that glare, I don’t think that all 5300 of those people will just stop buying Apple laptops now. Some, like you, may buy refurbs or old stock of the pre-unibody macbook pros, but I have a hard time imagining everybody’s going to just switch to windows now. Perhaps someone will come out with a screen overlay to reproduce a matte finish?
Tom Reestman on October 26th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
MacBook? When did this become about the MacBook? The MB has NEVER had a matte option.
Petitions are fine, but I think this one is badly written. If Apple offered a MB matte option tomorrow, all 5,300 people will follow through on their pledge and buy one? I don’t believe it. Do you?
As for matte itself, screen filters have gone on or over glass displays for this purpose for 20 years. Any third party that does it right could make a matte filter for either the MB or MBP. I’m sure some of them will, but isn’t it revealing that demand for one on the MB was pretty much non-existant for their 2.5 year life?
Tice on October 26th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Say what you want, but glossy is in many ways just a mirror. See same light both displays:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/10/mbp_comparison.jpg
It’s impossible to watch DVDs like I used to do with my matte display and the quality of the colors fade away much faster if you look a bit from the top.
Sorry, glossy sucks! And it’s not just a minority that thinks so (5,400 signs so far):
http://www.petitiononline.com/38djhak2/petition.html
Reality Check on October 26th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Some demand “glossy” because they are “pros”. As a “pro” myself, I use glossy exclusively. I also watch DVDs on a glossy screen and I find the experience just fine. To say it’s impossible is hyperbole and not based in fact.
Paulius on October 26th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Well Apple needs some time to understand what mistake they are doing.
A lot of us knows that reflection is sexy and apple is just trying to sell very hard this to regular PC users, but how about old users???
I personally just got use to this nice matte screen and I can’t imagine having so much noize reflecting in front of my eyes.
I will skip upgrading to badly design product. This includes iMac and MacPro and LCD Screens that is going to come out soon and I will wait for option.
By the way how about black ugly border on every mac product this is also one of the uglest things ever. Where is WHITE color or just Aluminum.
I don’t understand sometimes why such great products becomes ugly.
Sky on October 27th, 2008 at 2:08 am
I am not thrilled with the wording of this petition either. While glossy is definitely an issue for me, the off-axis performance drop on the new 20″ iMacs was the main reason I passed on the new model. I am planning to buy a MB or MBP soon to support my graphics work, but until I actually see the display and find a matte film solution I’m not quite ready to pledge a purchase.
Peter Morgan on October 27th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Surely Macbooks displays are only 6 bit per pixel like most laptop displays (and unlike large desktop 8 bit per pixel displays) and use dithering and hinting techniques to provide the full gamut of colours – therefore not a likely choice for a professional user in any case, other than simple cropping and basic editing? The matte v gloss thing does seem a peculiarly Mac issue – it doesn’t really exist outside of the Apple range.
(MBpro, gloss screen, user)
R on October 27th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I want a matte screen because I simply detest the reflections in the gloss screen, and no amount of orienting the screen can get rid of all the reflections in many circumstances.
For me, I will not buy a gloss screen. From someone that used to upgrade every 2 years, I am now digging in for the long haul, and am prepared to keep my white matte iMac, and matte MacBook Pro for as long as it takes. Then, when they conk, if there’s a Mac Mini still, I’ll get that with either matte Apple cinema display, or non-Apple matte display.
It is just so ridiculous. Try doing this: Search google for and see the results of various polls for matte and gloss preferences.
These are the polls of people who want matte:
45%
48%
68%
50%
54%
72%
You cannot escape the conclusion that a substantial number of people want matte screens, and Apple/Steve Jobs has shafted those customers, because they want to produce a shiny icon of modern design — rather than serving the Mac community by offering a product that meets those people’s needs.
Here are the poll results:
___________________
What are your feelings on the glossy-only screen in the new MacBook Pro (and MacBook)?
Love it, already ordered one! 240 (5.73%)
Looks sharp, planning on buying 667 (15.92%)
Looks good, but no plans to purchase 711 (16.97%)
Need to see it in person before judging 618 (14.75%)
Dislike glossy screen, but will buy anyway 631 (15.06%)
Hate glossy screens, will not buy because of it 1,232 (29.41%)
Other? 90 (2.15%)
http://www.macosxhints.com/polls/index.php
View Poll Results: Gloss or Matte? [are you well?]
Gloss – I like to shine! 31 50.00%
Matte! – I’m all about the dull sheen… 30 48.39%
Yes, thanks… I’m well! 21 33.87%
No… I’m having a shocker!!… 6 9.68%
http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8489
View Poll Results: Glossy or Matte (Not Glossy) MacBook Pro Screen?
Glossy 7 24.14%
Matte 20 68.97%
Neutral (Doesn’t Matter) 2 6.90%
You Can Choose? 0 0%
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=244206
View Poll Results: Glossy or Matte Display ? (new imac vs old imac)
Matte 18 50.00%
Glossy 18 50.00%
View Poll Results: What’s your display like?
Poll Options:
My matte is great 66 votes (54.10%)
My matte is bad 4 votes (3.28%)
My glossy is great 48 votes (39.34%)
My glossy is bad 4 votes (3.28%)
http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/318569/glossy-vs-matte-poll/
View Poll Results: Glossy or Matte screen ?
Glossy 9 27.27%
Matte 24 72.73%
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/19/33640023-matte-or-glossy.html
davesmall on October 27th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I’ve owned a number of Mac laptops with matte displays. My current MacBook Pro has the glossy high definition 1920 x 1200 resolution. I like it oh so much better than the previous matte displays. I could never go back. Also could not consider purchasing one of the new MacBook Pros until they come out with a 17″ having this resolution.
A.Fruit on October 27th, 2008 at 9:12 am
One detail:
The company is not named “Apple Computer” anymore. It changed it’s name to “Apple, Inc.”.
This may seem like a minor detail, but if one is trying to be formal at all, calling the company by it’s right name may help.
Filmmaker on October 27th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I’m a pro who needs a laptop display that works on location outdoors. Even with a display hood, the MBPro glossy is awful and unusable.
Staff Comment Charles Moore, TheAppleBlog on October 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
There’s an interesting, analytical take on this topic here:
http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/macbookpro/index.html#d27oct2008
Charles
db798 on October 28th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I think the reason Apple decided to have only glass displays is not obvious to us now, but it will be in a couple of years…
(Think Multitouch)
d
Jeremy Greenawalt on October 28th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
As anecdotal evidence, I switched glossy when I got a new MBP in March, and I’ve never dealt with glare. I also work with professional video editors (and my wife, a professional photographer) who use glossy screens every day with color correction. I do think this goes into the old CRT vs. LCD debates that are basically more about personal preference than actual data.
Fiozo on October 29th, 2008 at 4:45 am
http://www.mac-addict.fr
Thanks !
Sky on October 29th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Thanks for the informative link Charles. I think Mr. Higgins makes some valid points about glossy screens. In my home office I can control ambient light pretty well, so doing production with a glossy screen is no big deal. In the field I’m concerned more about readability and eyestrain, knowing that a 6-bit laptop screen is not ideal for professional work. But frankly, some of my worst notebook experiences have been with dark matte screens, so it’s definitely important to judge the new MB and MBP screens on their overall merits. I plan to test drive them in the next few days. Regards
Nick on November 1st, 2008 at 10:22 am
When Steve Jobs first announced the new aluminum iMac, he proclaimed that people love glossy screens. He made the same claim upon introducing the new Macbook Pro. However, these are not glossy screens, at least in the traditional sense. They are glassy screens, and as the only monitor display covered in glass prior to the introduction of the iMac was the iPhone screen, I’m left to believe that Apple has designed these computer displays around the preferences of iPhone customers. Otherwise, who are these “people” referred to by Jobs? This may be all well and good for those who use their computers for nothing more complicated than surfing the web, watching videos, or playing games (what the iPhone is used for), but for those who have to sit at a computer and work all day long, the glassy screens, with the brightness hiked up to a retina-scorching maximum in an ultimately futile attempt to burn through the glare and reflections, becomes very taxing and straining on the eyes. I think it’s very telling of the new Apple (no longer the Apple Computer Company) that design decisions for the Mac lineup are based upon a cell phone. I for one don’t use my computer in the same way that I use my cell phone, and I certainly don’t want my $2000-$3000 computer to look like my $200 cell phone. The glassy screen is far more reflective than a traditional glossy screen, and it is a deal-breaker for me. Unless Apple returns to designing computers for computer users instead of for cell phone users, I will be forced to go back to Windows and a manufacturer like Lenovo that designs its equipment with a professional computer-user in mind.
Ciaran on November 13th, 2008 at 7:07 am
I bought the new MBP top end 2 weeks ago. Glossy screen. I used it in a number of different environments (plane, train, home, day and night) and found it unacceptably reflective in just about every situation. Just like a mirror – distracting and uncomfortable.
I returned the MBP to the Apple store after using it for 1 week. They wanted to charge a $150 restocking charge but were kind enough to waive the fee.
I’m on my 5th or 6th mac portable in a row – always the very top of the line – but will never buy another unless they revert to the matte screen.
Brian Warren on November 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I’ve had my new MacBook Pro for a week now. I really really like the new display. It’s not at all “like a mirror”. I have some lights behind me at my desk, so I can see them a bit in the display. It’s not bothersome. And the new display is so dang bright and crisp, it’s absolutely worth the tradeoff for me. I don’t know that I’ll ever go back to matte.
James on November 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I own a glossy last generation Macbook Pro but it is not as reflective as the current new mirror MBPs! There is a world of difference in glare believe me. If you are basing your glossy screen experience on the older generation Macbook Pro screens, I suggest you go out and check out how much more reflective the new ones are. Pretty much unusable in many conditions – like our well lit office.
Ryan on November 13th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
The funny thing is, back then when the Powerbooks had all anti-reflective matte displays, no one was complaining.
Sky on November 13th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Great observation Ryan. It’s a leap of faith by Apple to go from a zero-complaint solution to one that a big percentage of customers apparently reject.
Still, has anyone done a definitive test of after-market glare filters? I’m surprised by the lack of information on these. Shouldn’t Apple be aggressively promoting them as a valid solution for matte-lovers?
Ciaran on November 13th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
The Apple store rep suggested I look at an anti-glare filter, but didn’t have information, the store didn’t sell one, he had never tried one (nor had his associates), and he seemed skeptical that it would get the job done. Besides, wouldn’t that be a bit like driving a car and stepping on the brake and accelerator at the same time? Let’s just get it done right in the first place.
Sky on November 13th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Having the matte option would be nice, but if a filter works (big if) then it’s a lot easier to tone down the shiny screen than vice versa. I recognize that some people prefer glossy screens, so this may be the best way for Apple to satisfy everyone. I’m just surprised they’ve done nothing to address this issue at the risk of losing a significant number of customers.
Scott on November 13th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I agree! – I’m shocked that Apple did away with the matte option. It’s really too bad that Apple, a company known for caring about human factors has taken away one of the best ergonomic features by killing matte screens. I still remember using glare-ridden CRT’s eight years ago, and being beside myself with glee the day I got my first LCD that had no glare at all!
Things really look down for the relationship between Apple and the pro users these days. Gloss-only laptops, and the loss of FireWire on the 13″ size machine. (What happens to pro users who need more portability than offered by a 15″ and want to be able to run their FW drives while on the road?)
bones on November 25th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
You can just buy a matte mbp from the clearence section like i did on the apple site.
mieses on November 26th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
After 10 years of using a pc, my mom was ready to buy a macbook pro. She saw the glossy screen and changed her mind.
Glossy screens are just not compatible with windows! (not the Microsoft variety).
R on November 29th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I’ve been trying to work this week on the same finely-tuned Photoshop files on both an older (matte-screen) iMac and a new 24-inch glossy/glassy-screen iMac. I’m lamenting the disappearance of the matte option for two reasons. First, when there’s a lot of light in the room (e.g., sunlight bouncing around), it becomes impossible to do any kind of precise graphics work. Second, when dealing with shadow detail and fine distinctions between different colors of very dark tones, the room has to be nearly pitch-black for the glare not to get in the way. The new screen has a tendency to “cheat” very dark colors toward black perceptually. Great for watching DVDs, but bad if you need to toy around with output levels at the bottom end of the spectrum. For the 90 percent of users who don’t have to do precision work, the glossy screen may look sexier, but for those other 10 percent, it sure can be annoying. Remember when the only glossy-screen units came from the cheapo brands trying to jazz up a mediocre product (e.g., Gateway laptops)? Yeah.
letscallthis on December 6th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Is it known whether or not the glass cover can be detached like that of the iMacs?
Mikel on December 14th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
People should put their comments into the feedback form at Apple. Let them know what they think.
Robert on January 10th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Apple has taken 20 years of loyalty by artists and creatives and used our “sex appeal” to drive traffic to their consumer electronics.
At this point, Apple is risky ground losing their “base” during a “depression”.
If the “ego” of their design team is not too strong, then Apple can “save face” merely by offering “matte” as a $50 to $100 option throughout the line, like they are doing on the 17″.
I strongly urge Apple, Inc. to remember who brought them to the dance cause a return to the days of 3% market share CAN happen again if your hand is not played well.
As for me, they can have my matte screen when they pry it from my cold dead hands!
R on January 11th, 2009 at 5:04 am
January 2009 update. Now that Apple has “conceded” and offers a $50 anti-glare (presumably matte) option on the new MacBook Pro 17″, we need to keep up the heat so that Apple brings the matte option to the 15″ MacBook Pro, as well as the smaller MacBook.
It’s ridiculous to only bring it back to the 15″, and not the smaller MacBook. I need a smaller 13″ notebook, and it’s not because I’m not a Pro. I’m a working professional who needs portability. So, c’mon Apple, admit your mistakes, and bring the matte option to the entire line. That includes the iMac too.
I am not buying any more Mac computers — unless forced by breakdown — of my existing MBP and iMacs that have matte screens. I would have long ago upgraded my white iMac, but no way am I going to stare at a glossy mirror for 12 hours a day working in front of my computer.
pies on April 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
OK I need a new 15″ to replace my ailing 15″ G4 Powerbook. I am not willing to go for glassy. I’ve had a good look at them and find them too shiny to be useful to me. That is all!
The Student on June 4th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Ok now the question is, how do we let Apple, Inc. now what we want ? How do you reach such a big company in a significant way, so that they will at least consider the glossy option for the MB and MBP?
Any suggestions ? I allready signed the petition, which is now at 6811, but that is only so much.
Glossy screens are a trick for the big mass of customers, that think “shiny” is better. Very stupid of Apple, Inc. to think that’s they way they should head.
Umut on June 18th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I was about to make my order and the last minute I realized that the only option is glossy screen. It was a deal breaker and I went back to Vista with a Sony Vaio. Goodbye Apple…
pj on June 25th, 2009 at 1:45 am
Has anybody tried one of these filters:
http://tinyurl.com/mvzxr4
http://www.dgloss.com/
Or a replacement screen from http://techrestore.com/
nev on June 28th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Matte is better for graphics work by far.
Michael R. Zupcak on July 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
My 2 cents: whatever option you like, NOT HAVING THE OPTION SUCKS, and is the real point.
Laid off Student on July 9th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I am laid off and returned to school. What does Apple Inc. think? I don’t have the extra $200 plus shipping to get the matte replacement screen. I be more happy to pay $50 for a matte screen on the MBP 15 inch. Does Jobs have a loose screw in his head?
craig on July 17th, 2009 at 8:16 am
whether its pro or non-pro person, there should be an option for the screen. Those are not USB port, display port or card reader, the screen is what we see the computer. No good screen NO work.
Apple has to wait longer to get matte’s fans money. Some urgent computer upgraders would go for PC and Apple again loses sale and share.
Joms on July 27th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Put a matte option on the new 13″ MBP and i swear i’ll buy one before i get back home. It is the only reason why i haven’t jumped ship from PC notebooks. The 17″ matte MBP has crossed my mind but it is just too big for mobility.
Until matte isn’t offered for the 13″ MBP, it’s PC notebooks for me.
Goose on October 16th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
It is really funny to read all of these comments NOW that Apple has REINTRODUCED the Matte Option! It just goes to show you that GRASS ROOTS efforts CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Just a little FYI to the Glossy zealots that through arrogance and/or pure ignorance belittled those professional users who refused to buy a new MBP because of the lack of this option.
I was one of those professional users, and I seriously question the professional credentials of anyone who claims to be a pro user, but favors the Glossy display over the time tested Matte option. The difference in color accuracy is HUGE, as is the difference in useability when taken outside or in a highly lit working environment.
One thing the “Consumers pretending to be Pros” failed to consider is that when they compared the color balance and black levels of the Glossy display versus the Matte, they were using a 3 year old Matte screen model against a CURRENT display with the Glossy glass covering.
Now that both are equal and the Matte display is provided on the exact same piece of LCD hardware, there is NO loss of black level on the Matte screen. Without the tinter glass to distort it, the colors are far more true, and black levels are natural and not artificially enhanced.
And to those who ignorantly claimed that the percentage of users wanting a Matte screen was too tiny to count…
According to a close friend who works for Apple marketing, the Matte screen option on the 15″ model is selling at a HUGE rate. Some months it is outselling the glossy option on the Apple Online store where most go to purchase this display.
So there ya go folks! I am SO GLAD that I waited for what I wanted, and what I needed!
One thing is for sure… You can buy used Glossy display equipped MBPs on eBAY now for a song! Why? People are DUMPING them for a new MBP with the Matte screen! LOL!
So funny!