Apple again offers matte screen option for 15-inch MacBook Pro

[AppleInsider]

Confirming an AppleInsider exclusive tip from less than a month ago, Apple has restored the antiglare upgrade option -- at a cost of $50 -- for its 15-inch MacBook Pro line.

The change is a quiet concession by Apple that the glass-enclosed glossy screens adopted by the Mac-maker may not be for every one. Roughly two years ago, the company began transitioning its entire Mac product line away from matte displays to the highly-reflective option that was the only offering on the 15-inch MacBook Pro lineup.

Previously, only the 17-inch MacBook Pro offered the $50 antiglare option. Tuesday's change brings the features to the 15-inch line, but the 13-inch Pro model remains glossy-only.

In July, AppleInsider exclusively reported that Apple would extend its antiglare option to more Macs.

The transition towards glossy displays appears to have been sparked by the original iPhone, whose glass touchscreen and black border resonated well with customers. The reception was favorable enough that Apple, in a bid to push the envelope and standardize materials across its product families, gave similar treatment to its iMac line a few months later.

Further emboldened, Apple announced in October its new line of unibody notebooks would also forgo matte displays for glossy ones, with the exception of a $50 antiglare option on the pricey 17-inch MacBook Pro. These new displays "provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies," Apple said, "and the edge-to-edge cover glass creates a smooth, seamless surface."

Not everyone was thrilled with the move, especially those members of Apple's core professional video and image editing communities, who argued that the glossy displays tend to complicate color matching. Others are indifferent to this effect, but just can't stomach the glare given off by the glossy screens. Some are road warriors who take their notebooks on different assignments each day, and sometimes find themselves at sunny sporting events, unable to escape the reflective properties of the screens.



Whatever the case, Apple appreciates the concern, as it did with the outrage over the brief absence of FireWire on its 13-inch notebook offerings. The Mac maker has been following the numerous petitions and online threads dedicated to the display matter and hears their customers' collective voice, those familiar with the matter told AppleInsider at the time.

A glossy unibody MacBook Pro side-by-side with a previous-gen matte MacBook Pro | Source: Flickr user Loustechworld

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Daniel001]

Nice, but FIFTY DOLLARS! It used to be free!

[saarek]

Well, I know you have to pay more, but it is understandable, it's an option and not part of their standard system spec, they are not buying the matte screens in bulk anymore.

[framerate]

Wonder if they'll ever do a 1680x1050 resolution 15" MBP. I find 1440x900 quite restrictive but the 17" MBP is too large for my purposes (but the 1920x1200 resolution is fantastic).

[Prism]

Figures. Bought it too soon...
Anyone wanna swap? ;-)

[petermac]

Hallelujah

[zunx]

We need matte for all Macs and Displays at our University. Glossy is a deal breaker! Apple, Health is FIRST (read eyes and brain)!

[stokessd]

I love the glossy, but I'm colorblind and the glossy makes the colors pop a bit more which is useful. IF you use your computer outside, glossy is the only way to go as well.

Sheldon

[Quadra 610]

Well would ya look at that.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Prism

Figures. Bought it too soon...
Anyone wanna swap? ;-)

Hehe . . . my Feb 2008 15-inch MBP for your October 2008 (or later) 15-inch MBP? Done.

(As long as it doesn't have Seagate HD.)

[Boogerman2000]

Wait, the IPHONE brought about the trend towards glossy screens??

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by stokessd

I love the glossy, but I'm colorblind and the glossy makes the colors pop a bit more which is useful. IF you use your computer outside, glossy is the only way to go as well.

Sheldon

Be Forewarned.

Agree absolutely. The new backlit LCDs on the MacBooks with a glossy screen are significantly superior vs a matte screen outside (especially sporting events), or in an equally, brightly diffussed indoor room, as well as in a darkened interior.

Try it before you buy it.

[simonsharks]

Originally Posted by Prism

Figures. Bought it too soon...

This just proves the rule: don't by first generation!

Apple seams to be constantly adding in features to future generations that should have been the first.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by simonsharks

This just proves the rule: don't by first generation!

Apple seams to be constantly adding in features to future generations that should have been the first.

This is true for a lot of tech.

[exscape]

Originally Posted by simonsharks

This just proves the rule: don't by first generation!

Apple seams to be constantly adding in features to future generations that should have been the first.

It was at the first generation, and second (at least) of Macbook Pros.
In fact, matte/glossy was a free choice when I bought mine (Oct 2006, the first C2D line). About f-ing time it's back; I'm never buying a glossy screen.

[JDW]

Whether one loves glossy or matte, we all must admit this is a victory for "choice." And it really costs Apple nothing, as they are getting $50 a pop for matte. May they do the same for the iMacs.

This also illustrates very clearly that "being vocal" has merit, even in spite of the many flames matte proponents have had to endure in forums such as this one while calling for choice.

May now the voices of reason begin to cry out over the insanity of Apple's MACK-truck-flattened abominations they call "keyboards." Bring back tactile feedback and keys that sink down more than 3mm when you tap on them. Apple, stop trying to bring us back to 1984 with a standard keyboard that has the numeric keypad hacked off (yes, I am aware you can get the keypad for free as an optional choice, but only via Apple's store). Apple used to make excellent keyboards. They now are trying to get us all into the iPhone groove. Indeed, I have little doubt that Jobs and Ive both want a 100% non-mechanical keyboard in the future, with recent keyboards from Apple acting as mere stepping-stones to a truly horrific tomorrow. (And yes, I am well aware of the availability of 3rd party keyboards. But some of us would rather not pay extra. And one must also admit that most of those 3rd party keyboards are for Windows users. It's all about What Apple Offers, not about what 3rd parties may bring us.)

[paxman]

Originally Posted by petermac

Hallelujah

There will be a lot of happy campers now! Now for the 13" matte version. I jumped in three weeks too early and got a glossy 13" MacBook with no SD Card slot! I have nothing to complain about even though my Mac was a historic relic within three weeks of purchase. Given an option I would have chosen the anti glare, however. My guess is that within a year there will be no extra charge. If there was no charge most people will choose the anti glare.

[Mr. H]

Originally Posted by stokessd

IF you use your computer outside, glossy is the only way to go as well.

Sheldon

Originally Posted by Abster2core

Agree absolutely. The new backlit LCDs on the MacBooks with a glossy screen are significantly superior vs a matte screen outside (especially sporting events), or in an equally, brightly diffussed indoor room, as well as in a darkened interior.

Try it before you buy it.

Total bullshit. Check out the photos in this post. To me, the matte looks a hell of a lot more usable outside than does the glossy. If either of you would care to provide photographs to back up your claims, I'd like to see them.

[luke1robb]

Couldn't you have used an unbiased picture? The one used in the story is of a Unibody MBP dimmed and a old MBP with full brightest on, not a equal comparison, TO SAY THE LEAST.

[Wiggin]

I'm still shocked that Apple ever thought the high gloss look of the iPhone would scale well to laptops. A palm-top device can be easily repositioned or shaded with your hand if reflections are a problem. Not so easy with a full-size screen. They should have at least used the glossy screen version from the previous generation laptops. They were glossy, but not nearly as reflective as the current glossy screen. I wonder if there would have been less vocal protests if they had at least gone with that.

[Prism]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Hehe . . . my Feb 2008 15-inch MBP for your October 2008 (or later) 15-inch MBP? Done.

(As long as it doesn't have Seagate HD.)

Originally Posted by simonsharks

This just proves the rule: don't by first generation!

Apple seams to be constantly adding in features to future generations that should have been the first.

Actually I own a June-2009 model. With 128GB SSD.
The glossy isn't bad, and I do like the colors, but it's annoying in that it reflects everything.

[Zoolook]

On a completely different note, the matt screen protector you can get for the iPhone makes it look a lot better and makes it easier to glide your finger (no sticky smudges). Matt FTW.

[karlfranz]

Originally Posted by JDW

May now the voices of reason begin to cry out over the insanity of Apple's MACK-truck-flattened abominations they call "keyboards." Bring back tactile feedback and keys that sink down more than 3mm when you tap on them. Apple, stop trying to bring us back to 1984 with a standard keyboard that has the numeric keypad hacked off (yes, I am aware you can get the keypad for free as an optional choice, but only via Apple's store). Apple used to make excellent keyboards. They now are trying to get us all into the iPhone groove. Indeed, I have little doubt that Jobs and Ive both want a 100% non-mechanical keyboard in the future, with recent keyboards from Apple acting as mere stepping-stones to a truly horrific tomorrow. (And yes, I am well aware of the availability of 3rd party keyboards. But some of us would rather not pay extra. And one must also admit that most of those 3rd party keyboards are for Windows users. It's all about What Apple Offers, not about what 3rd parties may bring us.)

Good luck with that! Most people (myself included) think the current keyboard action is the best they have ever used. I hate typing in an old style keyboard after being spoiled by the new design.

[JackAubrey2006]

I insisted I would never buy a glossy screen. I ordered a 13" MBP and Power Support matt film on the same day (so I could rationalize my glossy screen purchase) . To my surprise the glossy screen, which has a good antiglare coating, is terrific. I applied the matt film and promptly removed it. I am now a glossy screen fan.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by JDW

Indeed, I have little doubt that Jobs and Ive both want a 100% non-mechanical keyboard in the future

I would love a 100% non-mechanical keyboard with haptic feedback. One that is the size of the now standard keyboard, without the numeric keypad, actually displays the character you will get when pressed, will display a numeric keypad when you want it, and even allow applications to display their own keyboards -- think calculator in scientific mode.

I also hope the backtrack to matte screens is only a "quick fix" and what we'll have in the future will be glass anti-glare, anti-reflective screens.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by Mr. H

Total bullshit. Check out the photos in this post. To me, the matte looks a hell of a lot more usable outside than does the glossy. If either of you would care to provide photographs to back up your claims, I'd like to see them.

Forget the photography. Anybody can setup or control the image, as is evidenced in the linked pics.

Just take them outside and test them side by side. And do yourself a favor. Try it on a word processing document or even viewing a web page such as here or Macworld. White pages don't produce a reflection or glare.

Worse is the comparative pics displayed in the article. Anybody who has studied physics in high school knows why one is more reflective than the other just by looking at the photo.

And for those that like matte, our Apple stores sell matte overlay screens. Not selling much, but they are there on the shelf to choose from.

[chronster]

Can someone explain why it's $50?

[mbtskysurfer]

Yay! It's about time. I've carried a 15" inch MBP and Powerbook since 2001. For me it's the perfect size. This year I was forced to switch to the 17" because there was no Matte option in the 15" MBP Line..

To make matters worse, I decided that I would go ahead and get the glossy screen, since that is where the industry is going and Apple decided that all laptops in their lines come with glossy screens I thought that I would purchase glossy and learn to love it.

I will admit the glossy screen is beautiful. Color saturation and accuracy are exactly as Apple and other industry leaders describe them. However, two days after I purchased my new MBP I was sick. I could not use my computer in half of the environments that I normally did. I found myself having headaches from the reflection on the screen.

I returned to Apple and paid the 230 dollar restocking fee, the additional charge for the 17-inch (still 2799 at the time) and the extra 50 dollars for the matte. Total: 680 dollars plus tax to learn I hate glossy.

I am very excited that Apple has chosen to add matte back to the 15" line of notebooks.

At least there are manufactures left in the world that realize that every decision might not be the best. Bravo Apple.

[Mr. H]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

Forget the photography.

Why? Because it proves you wrong? That photo is of a unibody MacBook Pro with glossy at full brightness, and a unibody MacBook Pro with matte at full brightness. The glossy reflects like crazy and the matte doesn't. Surely if glossy beats matte hands-down outside, a photograph wouldn't show the opposite? The photos are not taken at weird angles, but at what looks to me to be normal viewing position.

I (via someone else's photos) have provided evidence that matte beats glossy outside, you have nothing to back up your waffling.

[DimMok]

But is it Snappier?

[thespaz]

Is the matte display still glass or is it like the old displays?

[mbtskysurfer]

Originally Posted by thespaz

Is the matte display still glass or is it like the old displays?

Old Displays. No extra glass. You made me wonder, is my anti-glare MBP lighter than a stock MBP?

[macmatte]

Part of me is happy at matte coming back -- but the other half wishes at least that the http://macmatte.wordpress.com site might have at least gotten 500 comments. I guess the site continues to soldier on until matte comes back to iMacs and Cinema Displays, and even ... gasp .. the 13".

[Ras]

Okay I'm F..... PIST, This is bullshit on Apple's part, I made the purchase in December with knowledge this was my only choice. As an FCP Editor I HATE glossy , 6 months later Apple back peddles because the ear full they got fro the professional industry. DO I have another $3000 to drop on a Macbook Pro? NO. Well there is no other company like Apple out there, they need to just F.... offering antiglare displays on all there new products.

[Jerseymac]

Quote: Whether one loves glossy or matte, we all must admit this is a victory for "choice."

Agree completely. Apple can do whatever they like, just let me choose and I will pay for it.

Can I have my verizon iPhone now please?

[TenoBell]

Apple would say it's because most people buy glossy. They have to buy matte screens in lower stocks. The $50 covers the cost.

Originally Posted by chronster

Can someone explain why it's $50?

[bsenka]

Nice. Too bad that it uses a grey bezel though. That makes no sense. A matte black bezel frames the image so much nicer. That's passive-aggressive Apple though, no matter what they give you, they always insist on taking something away at the same time.

[nvidia2008]

The return of Firewire AND Matte. Wow. Is this because of Jobs or because he hasn't been around much till recently (is he still working from home some days?)...

[macxpress]

Originally Posted by chronster

Can someone explain why it's $50?

Because its not free for Apple to re-engineer a way to securely put a matte panel in it?

Jesus people! Apple gives people what they want and people are STILL BITCHING!!!! Do you want Apple to just give you the damn laptop?

[macxpress]

Originally Posted by bsenka

Nice. Too bad that it uses a grey bezel though. That makes no sense. A matte black bezel frames the image so much nicer. That's passive-aggressive Apple though, no matter what they give you, they always insist on taking something away at the same time.

Just like no matter what Apple does, people still insist on bitching about it. Were all just gonna have to realize that Apple cannot make everyone 100% happy with every product release. What looks cool to 10 million people may look like shit for 2 million people. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Or, go find something else that suits your needs, whether its another Apple product or even another brand.