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.
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#1 Lloyd says: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.
#2 Luke says:If only they made matte glass!
#3 jdq says:“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.
#4 MarceloR says: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.
#5 Sam says: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.
#6 Brian Warren says: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?
#7 Tom Reestman says: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?
#8 Tice says: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
#9 Reality Check says: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.
#10 Paulius says: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.
#11 Sky says: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.
#12 Peter Morgan says: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)
#13 R says: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
#14 davesmall says: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.
#15 A.Fruit says: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.
#16 Filmmaker says: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.
#17 Charles Moore says:There’s an interesting, analytical take on this topic here:
http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/macbookpro/index.html#d27oct2008
Charles
#18 db798 says: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
#19 Jeremy Greenawalt says: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.
#20 Fiozo says:http://www.mac-addict.fr
Thanks !
#21 Sky says: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
#22 Nick says: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.
#23 Ciaran says: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.
#24 Brian Warren says: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.
#25 James says: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.
#26 Ryan says:The funny thing is, back then when the Powerbooks had all anti-reflective matte displays, no one was complaining.
#27 Sky says: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?
#28 Ciaran says: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.
#29 Sky says: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.
#30 Scott says: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?)
#31 bones says:You can just buy a matte mbp from the clearence section like i did on the apple site.
#32 mieses says: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).
#33 R says: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.
#34 letscallthis says:Is it known whether or not the glass cover can be detached like that of the iMacs?
#35 Mikel says:People should put their comments into the feedback form at Apple. Let them know what they think.
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