The two kinds of LCD monitors
There are two kinds of modern LCD screens: matte (anti-glare) and glossy. Both have their pros and cons and are a subject of many discussions.
Matte screens don't get glare or reflections on them; however, the same rough surface (polarizer) that reduces the intensity of reflected light, results in less contrast and brightness as light from the LCD screen passes through it. Matte screens might be hard to read outside, especially in the sunlight; most laptops come with glossy screens nowadays.
Glossy screens have vibrant colors, highest contrast and brightness because they have a smooth, high-gloss surface. As a result, outdoor visibility becomes much better. However, strong lighting causes glare on these screens, which is very annoying and may harm your eyes if you have to stare at it all the time. You can also see reflections on the screen; besides, some designers find the colors unrealistic.
Which ones are better? We'd love to hear your opinion!
What kind of LCD screens are better overall?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byMatte screens are best!
Petrolhead says:
I'm an owner of both Matte and glossy LCD's (Well, laptops). I can say that glossy screen is way better. You can work everywhere you want, no matter the intensity of sun or other matters.
Posted August 26, 2008
EelKat says:
I prefer the matte screens, the glossy one reflect to much back light and make it hard to see
Posted April 23, 2008
mulberry says:
I'm a matte screen owner too, can't see with all of that glare!
Posted April 18, 2008
Chadrew says:
I have a matte LCD for my desktop PC and have been happy with it overall. I might consider a glossy screen for a laptop I'd use in many different locations, but I don't own one yet. Besides, the glossy laptop screens I've seen have weird looking colors and seem overly bright - maybe you just need to get used to them first?
Posted April 15, 2008
Glossy screens are best!
Noel says:
Go for Glossy screens. I have been anti-glossy for years until I actually owned a new laptop with a glossy screen. Like everyone else, I despised the glare at first, and almost planned to change to a matte screen. However, the glare is present only on certain angles and when the screen is black. If you turn the laptop on, you won't even notice the glare. A few days of using the glossy screen changed my mind. The colors are realistic unlike the matte which is dull. The glossy screen is easy to clean and always looks brand new. Now when I use my old laptop with matte screen, I feel like I was duped on believing matte is better. Those who believe matte is better than glossy are those who have only seen it but not actually used it.
Posted September 16, 2008
JaguarJulie says:
Well, wouldn't you know it -- I'm a blonde so I like thinks silky AND glossy! So, that'd be my pick glossy -- I like glossy photos too. ;)
Posted September 05, 2008
Comparison of matte and glossy screens
You can clearly see that glossy screen on the right has a reflection, while matte one on the left does not. Of course if these were turned on, you would notice brighter and more vibrant colors on the right one.
[ Credit to blackmacbook.com ]
Interesting glossy vs matte LCD information
#1
LCD Monitors: Glossy vs. Matte - Popular Mechanics
Some information about advantages of these two kinds of screens.1 point
#2
PixelBright LCDs
Some scientific information about gloss vs matte screens, and also an offer to add high gloss coating to your matte display.1 point
#3
ArsTechnica: 'Glossy versus matte: fight!'
ArsTechnica has some precise, even if outdated, information: 'An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents preferred the anti-glare matte finish for thei...0 points
#4
MacBook with a Matte Screen - Mods and Hacks
Hacking the MacBook to replace the glossy screen with matte.0 points
#5
MacBook vs MacBook pro
Apple switched to glossy screens for their MacBooks, do you think it was the right move to make?0 points
Let's gather our own statistics...
Comments
It depends on the lighting. I have a macbook, used mostly at home with a glossy screen and I love it. But my glossy screen imac at work is a nightmare.
I have headaches at the emd of the day trying to sort through the glare. help!
Posted September 29, 2008
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JaguarJulie
Hello my dear -- I'd have to say that I agree with TiffanyAndLewis and that it would be great to see an ON and OFF comparison! Very unique lens -- you are an original. 5***** Posted September 05, 2008 |
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TiffanyAndLewis
For a fair comparison, show a photo with the screens ON. My glossy screen is a pleasure to work on :p Posted August 14, 2008 |
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mulberry
Nice photo showing the difference! Posted April 18, 2008 |
What do bloggers think about matte and glossy screens
- Toshiba Satellite Pro A210 Review
- The Satellite Pro A210 has a nice sleek design with very soft rounded edges, sloped palm rests, and even a glossy screen that you don't usually find on business notebooks. The top cover features a matte semi-gloss texture instead of ...
- Toshiba Satellite U405 Review
- What makes this glossy screen particularly nice is that Toshiba seems to have struck the perfect balance between gloss and matte. The screen is glossy enough to produce that added richness to color and superior contrast inherent to ...
- Samsung Q310 13.3in Notebook Reviewed
- On opening it up, you're greeted with a mixture of glossy and matte plastic. The screen bezel consists of a matte plastic outer surround and narrow inner glossy strip, an effect that creates a nice sense of contrast and frames the ...
- Toshiba Satellite A305 Review
- Your keys will not go from matte to glossy over time as they wear down (they are already glossy). Every part of the notebook will get full of smudges and fingerprints, but you can always wipe it down in a couple of minutes to make it ...
