The Two Kinds of LCD Monitors
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 do you think are better, and why? We'd love to hear your opinion!
What kind of LCD screens are better?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byMatte screens are better than glossy!
Marco says:
As a professional broadcaster and film maker, gloss screens are a non starter.
Un true colors, very bad reflections and a legal liability to my staff regarding long term use on gloss screens and headaches, eye damage etc.
Not to mention toy key boards and no DV input.
It's a pity Apple now only makes portable machines for students, gamers and kids who like to make a fashion statement.
My staff and I have 14 mac book pros with matt screens running final cut / aperture / adobe creative and logic studio.
These machines will be replaced at the end of there accountancy life cycle (April 2010) with HP machines running windows xp, service pack 3 and avid / photo shop etc.
It's a simple choice for me and very many other broadcasters / professionals, GOODBYE APPLE.
Posted July 09, 2009
josh says:
During a emotional sale, glossy sells well as it's more attractive. "Oh shiny". But for nearly all practical uses, matte finish is the best all around choice.
Posted June 25, 2009
Todd says:
matte - without a doubt
Posted June 25, 2009
Mike says:
If you read the glossy screen comments, they indicated almost no glare. The point of the matte screen is there is not any glare all of the time. That is why people like matte screens.
Posted June 24, 2009
Atkati says:
ça repose les yeux.
Posted June 16, 2009
chazz says:
Matte all the way! Glossy screens reflections are a serious annoyance, they are also hard to keep clean and nice looking. Matte has been the standard for years on LCD's and how many people did you hear crying for glossy screens? I just hope the manufacturers listen and change back or at least give the option.
Posted June 15, 2009
Alex says:
I know some (many ?) people have no trouble with the reflections, they just don't see (or get used to) them, but I just can't work with the feeling that my screen is a big mirror. I've tried but eventually I'd to get a matte screen.
Posted June 11, 2009
Edward says:
I'd say that matte screen are preferred because there is no glare, and it has colors just as vibrant as those that are glossy.
Posted June 03, 2009
Myroyle says:
I love my old mac laptop matte screen - used it for years for graphics. Can't see a bloomin' thing on new glossy screen in the room I work in - either get window reflections (even with blinds closed) - or if I move it round - MY reflection on the screen. Squinting ruining my eyes!!
Posted May 17, 2009
Eran says:
Cant work with a glossy screen, as the reflections I get at my work area are extremly annoying. I refuse to suffer because some marketing guy thinks that shiney things are better (and cheeper for the screen companies to make, as you done need the special matte cover)
while on the subject of screens, what happend to the good old 3:4 screens? why are our work laptops, the ones we write documents and write programs and surf the web on, being shaped for better movie watching? why isnt there any choice anymore?
Posted May 14, 2009
Iain says:
Matte screens are superior. They're not mirrors, like glossy screens! I should not be able to see my face in my monitor, even if it's mostly displaying black.
I've had a matte 17-inch screen on my Dell Inspiron 9300 for more than four years now, and frankly, it's a better screen than any of the laptops I see at Best Buy today.
Posted May 01, 2009
volad says:
I hate the glare, it gives me eyestrain.
Posted April 08, 2009
PeeKay says:
Gloosy screens are good only for unlit rooms. But if you are using it in a well lit space, then the glare is just too much
Posted April 03, 2009
Glenn says:
Matte screens are the way to go.
Unless you have a desktop in a darkened enviroment, then glossy might work.
Posted March 24, 2009
Bodybychocolates says:
less reflection and I tend to be mat when it comes to photos and other items.
Posted February 25, 2009
Bryan says:
we all hate glossy screens. beacause most of the time u need full brightness to eliminate the reflections. and too much brightness is very hamfull to our health. specially to our eyes. because radiation still exist a little in LCD's. the more brightness, the more radiation. unlike matte screens, you don't always have to use full brightness. so I choose matte-screens for best.
Posted February 11, 2009
Bryan says:
We all hate stupid glossy screens! it's very harmful to our health!
Posted February 11, 2009
Sas says:
I hate glossy screens. Too reflective and tough to see in regular to bright surroundings
Posted February 08, 2009
Jack2205 says:
Matte screens are the best because there is no glare or reflections with them.
Posted January 07, 2009
Gerrit says:
I hate glossy screens.
Posted January 06, 2009
bayu says:
No annoying reflections on glare screen! period.
Posted December 10, 2008
DW says:
Ever since I gave up my old Dell Latitude, I've longed to have a matte screen again. Every laptop I've bought since then has a super-shine gloss screen because it's nearly impossible to find a laptop with the right specs that don't come in glossy. Fortunately I can hook up my matte desktop LCD, but when I'm on the road I must endure the horrors of the gloss.
First I should say that I am a game designer and graphics artist so that may bias my view somewhat. The reasons I prefer matte to gloss are:
Colours: Matte screens have much more accurate colour reproduction. A colour calibrated matte LCD will match up with a calibrated CRT. Glossy screens tend to throw far too much red into the mix and end up ruining work done on a correctly colour calibrated display. Conversely work done on a glossy screen will end up with far too little red on a calibrated screen. As far as I can tell, it is impossible to get true colour calibration on a glossy screen. Glossy screens only looks more vivid because they don't represent colours correctly. It's actually quite like having a permanent, non-configurable version of NVIDIA's "Digital Vibrance" set at maximum.
Glare: Matte screens allow me to focus on work more easily because I'm not constantly seeing reflections moving in and out of my peripheral vision. Along the same lines, I can work next to a window with a matte screen without issue. On a glossy screen I have to draw the drapes just so I can see individual pixels or even entire sections of the screen, depending on the amount of ambient light on a given day. I need my computer to do work, not as a shaving mirror.
Blemishes: Matte screens don't have as big of issues with fingerprints and dust. Not that I am in the habit of touching my screen, however fingerprints and dust are a reality. On a glossy screen, even a speck of dust can throw me off when I'm working on high resolution images and textures and fingerprints are even worse. On a matte screen, visible fingerprints are rarely an issue and dust only becomes an issue if it's collected a lot of it.
Posted November 23, 2008
JS says:
A quick google search for GLOSSY MATTE POLLS show that between 44% and 54% want matte screens.
44%
45%
48%
68%
50%
54%
72%
This is totally a behind-the-scene con job by the computer industry to force glossy screens on us -- only for their marketing purposes.
Here are some polls below, showing that 45-55% want matte.
_____________
POLLS:
What type of screen do you prefer on the MacBook (Glossy or Matte)
Glossy 32.31 % (10007)
Matte 44.04 % (13639)
Don't Know 23.65 % (7324)
Total votes: 30970
http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=527
What are your feelings on the glossy-only screen in the new MacBook Pro (and MacBook)?
Love it, already ordered one! 5.73%
Looks sharp, planning on buying 15.92%
Looks good, but no plans to purchase 16.97%
Need to see it in person before judging 14.75%
Dislike glossy screen, but will buy anyway 15.06%
Hate glossy screens, will not buy because of it 29.41%
Other? 2.15%
http://www.macosxhints.com/polls/index.php
View Poll Results: Gloss or Matte? [are you well?]
Gloss - I like to shine! 50.00%
Matte! - I'm all about the dull sheen... 48.39%
Yes, thanks... I'm well! 33.87%
No... I'm having a shocker!!... 9.68%
http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8489
View Poll Results: Glossy or Matte (Not Glossy) MacBook Pro Screen?
Glossy 24.14%
Matte 68.97%
Neutral (Doesn't Matter) 6.90%
You Can Choose? 0%
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=244206
View Poll Results: Glossy or Matte Display ? (new imac vs old imac)
Matte 50.00%
Glossy 50.00%
View Poll Results: What's your display like?
Poll Options:
My matte is great 54.10%
My matte is bad 3.28%
My glossy is great 39.34%
My glossy is bad 3.28%
http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/318569/glossy-vs-matte-poll/
View Poll Results: Glossy or Matte screen ?
Glossy 27.27%
Matte 72.73%
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/19/33640023-matte-or-glossy.html
Posted November 13, 2008
jack says:
i used mattes and glossy displays for work. no matter what people say, glossy is REALLY bad. i don't cares if darks and whites are more intense. to most people oversaturated colors and extremly bright displays look 'awsome' because they don't know better or they don't care.
but when you work 10 hours a day with your screen, you HAVE to care (also cinema displays are glossy now).
and i don't care what apple wants me to buy, I AM THE CUSTOMER and I WILL NEVER buy a glossy screen. so please apple change that or lose your reputation to pro-customers.
Posted November 06, 2008
Tony says:
I find that glossy screens cause a lot more eyestrain. Without total control over the lighting in your working environment, matte is the only way to go.
Posted October 27, 2008
Glossy screens are better than matte!
cooltoys says:
I prefer glossy screens on laptops and matte screens for desktop monitors.
Posted July 05, 2009
Demano says:
In mid-to-dark situations, I say Glossy, as long as
there's no bright "point" light source reflecting off
the screen (like a bright lamp) or sunny window ....
And THAT is probably the biggest drawback for glossy.
Posted May 25, 2009
Chad says:
The color is much more rich, and true. Matte screens may reflect light, but the picture is not nearly as clear as an LCD with Glossy screen.
Posted May 23, 2009
Rúben says:
Matte screens have reflections too, only they are blurred so less noticeable, but in bright light environments they will have whitish smudged reflections while glossy screens have sharp reflections.
The quality of the screen will have some influence also.
I have two macbook pro 15" both LED, one with glossy screen and one with matte screen and I've compared them.
They both work great outside.
Only when the sun is coming from over my shoulder and shinning directly on the screen it becomes impossible to see, on both of them.
Any other condition they both work great.
The glossy achieves more brightness, the colors are more vibrant, the white is "whiter" and the black is "blacker"/deeper.
On the matte the reflections are just this whitish blurred shape.
If you have a good glossy screen u don't need to use full brightness to see properly. It's now 11 in the morning and I have a big window in my office with the curtains open and I'm using my glossy screen at 40% brightness with almost none reflection.
In the end it's more of a personal preference and where you will use the screen the most.
Posted May 03, 2009
Marvin says:
If you don't like sharp en bright colors then you choose for matte. Matte is for people who also wear sunglasses at night. I want to feel the colors so I choose glossy.
Posted February 23, 2009
jvboy_17 says:
Glossy is better - just position the monitor in an adequate location.
Posted February 10, 2009
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 & Glossy Monitors
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.
Glossy vs Matte Information & Links
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 vs MacBook pro
Apple switched to glossy screens for their MacBooks, do you think it was the right move to make?0 points
5
Battery Replacement
Find replacement batteries on discount. Its cheap now on Batteryimages. The online store for everything Battery.0 points
Computer Screen Preference Poll
Comments
MacMatte wrote
There's a website http://macmatte.wordpress.com that is totally dedicated to the task of getting Apple to bring back the matte screen.
Posted June 07, 2009
makka wrote...
I've got both types of screen - and I still can't decide! My MacBook Pro is matt (well, satin) and my iMac's glossy and they're both great to use. The iMac's blacks are richer but I do have to deal with reflections, at times. The MBP doesn't reflect but the image isn't as rich. So... ask me in another few years!
Posted April 22, 2009
Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
Interesting subject; I did not realize that there were two choices!
Brenda
Posted April 08, 2009
veet wrote
So where do I get a real matte laptop.
I bought one from Sony and sent it back because it was NOT matte, even though they told be it will be!
If you know, please drop me a line at veet_vivarto@yahoo.com
I will probably never go back to this blog.
Posted March 27, 2009
Craymel wrote
I have a glossy screen and I hate it. Why? Because I have to have it on full brightness to eliminate most of the glare (not very effective) and it literally HURTS my eyes. This really sucks because I like to watch a lot of movies on my laptop. The only relief I get is when I hook up my laptop to my hdtv with an anti glare screen.
Posted March 25, 2009
Neoprene wrote
My wife has a new laptop with a glossy screen. The only time it doesn't reflect it when it's pointed at the floor!!!!!! Sorry, but glossy is only good at a few certain angles, and it's not always the angle you're sitting at! She hates it. And to those who say it's brighter outdoors....the REFLECTIONS are even worse outside!!!!!!
Posted February 16, 2009
Bryan wrote
we all hate glossy screens. beacause most of the time u need full brightness to eliminate the reflections. and too much brightness is very hamfull to our health. specially to our eyes. because radiation still exist a little in LCD's. the more brightness, the more radiation. unlike matte screens, you don't always have to use full brightness. so I choose matte-screens for best.
Posted February 11, 2009
elliespark wrote...
Whoa, what a really in-depth lens on the attributes of glossy and matte... I work a lot on visuals and drawings, so I always have wondered about the strengths of displaying artwork on either screen and went with matte; GREAT lens!! 5/5!
Discover how to get your ex back fast - free
Posted January 02, 2009
yay wrote
actually, the link provided confirms what i wrote, click it to get better images, or at least accurate photo blurbs
Posted December 04, 2008
yay wrote
in the photo
the screen on the right is a matte monitor. that's exactly how a matte monitor reflects light, diffused. a glossy monitor would have clearer reflections, not mirror like, but more so than that. the monitor on the left just isn't reflecting light into the camera so it looks more matte. matte screens aren't like black holes.
Posted December 04, 2008
Bloggers on Matte & Glossy Screens
- Blinded by the light? RadTech's ClearCal may save your eyes
- e.g. A glossy screen does have a reflection when used in front of a window, but a matte screen is mostly unusable since all of the reflected light is diffused into the screen which gives it that ghostly white look. ...
- TOP 10 THINGS To Keep In Mind When Buying A Netbook | GadgetMix ...
- Glossy screen are great if you are not going to work under sunlight or any kind of (direct) light. Matte, although does not look as pretty as glossy screens when inside the house, perform overall better when viewed outside the house. ...
- Matte vs. Glossy. The Asus 1005ha is one of few to have matte screen.
- First, the whole glossy screen phenomenon is quite recent. If you'll remember, up until a few years ago everything has a plain matte screen. Most heavy netbook users seem to prefer matte screens ? for less glare and reflection. ...
- dell inspiron 1525 review - laptop battery's name
- The new glossy lid designs might be a magnet for fingerprints, but it certainly looks more durable than the old Inspiron paint jobs. Screen. Display options for the Inspiron 1525 include a matte finish 15.4" Widescreen XGA (1280 x 800), ...
