Is the $500 nano-texture finish worth it on the 27-inch iMac?
Among other new features, the recently refreshed 27-inch iMac offers a Nano Texture display finish for the first time. But is it worth the $500 price of admission?
Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider
Here's what you should know about the new matte display option, and whether you really need to upgrade when buying your own 27-inch iMac.
Previously only seen on the Pro Display XDR, the nano-texture finish is an anti-reflective option for the 27-inch iMac.
Instead of adding an anti-reflective coating to the display glass, Apple has taken a different approach with the nano-texture. The glass itself is precisely etched for a finely textured surface.
What that means is that ambient or direct light doesn't have a single surface to bounce back from. That will significantly cut down on glare and reflectivity, without any significant increase in haze or contrast compared to traditional anti-reflective coatings.
An illustration of how the Nano Texture finish diffuses light. Credit: Apple
The primary upside of the Nano Texture finish is that it makes the viewing experience much more enjoyable, particularly in environments with bright light.
You're not going to see as much glare or reflectivity on the matte finish display, meaning that lights and reflections on the screen won't be a distraction to your workflow.
Compared to anti-reflective coatings or screen protectors, you're certainly not going to see any much haze or lowered contrast, either.
There are a couple of downsides to the display, however. For one, the matte finish commands a $500 premium, which isn't a cheap upgrade.
Also, images and text won't be quite as sharp as on a traditional glossy screen. Unless you have the two displays side-by-side, the difference isn't significant. It is noticeable, however.
The Nano Texture Matte Finish is fairly delicate, so Apple recommends that you only clean it with its own cleaning cloth. There's one included in the box, and you can purchase more from Apple's website.
Credit: Apple
Really, the Nano Texture finish is an option for specific users working in specific circumstances. Particularly those in environments with challenging lighting conditions who can't afford the distraction of glare or reflectivity on their screens.
For the average user, controlling glare and reflectivity isn't too much of a concern. But the Nano Texture finish is an excellent option for professionals who don't or can't work in an office with controlled lighting.
There is a personal preference aspect to this, of course. Some people like the look of a matte display, and if those people are willing to shell out an additional $500 for the finish, then it's an option here.
But for most people buying a 27-inch iMac for professional or creative purposes, it really comes down to work environment and circumstance. Those that need a high-quality, matte finish display already know that they do.
Check out the AppleInsider 27-inch iMac Guide for the lowest prices on a variety of models with standard glass.
For deals on nano-texture configs, use coupon code appleinsider at Expercom to grab bonus triple-digit savings of up to $447 off.
Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider
Here's what you should know about the new matte display option, and whether you really need to upgrade when buying your own 27-inch iMac.
What is a Nano Texture display finish?
Previously only seen on the Pro Display XDR, the nano-texture finish is an anti-reflective option for the 27-inch iMac.
Instead of adding an anti-reflective coating to the display glass, Apple has taken a different approach with the nano-texture. The glass itself is precisely etched for a finely textured surface.
What that means is that ambient or direct light doesn't have a single surface to bounce back from. That will significantly cut down on glare and reflectivity, without any significant increase in haze or contrast compared to traditional anti-reflective coatings.
Pros and cons of the Nano Texture display
An illustration of how the Nano Texture finish diffuses light. Credit: Apple
The primary upside of the Nano Texture finish is that it makes the viewing experience much more enjoyable, particularly in environments with bright light.
You're not going to see as much glare or reflectivity on the matte finish display, meaning that lights and reflections on the screen won't be a distraction to your workflow.
Compared to anti-reflective coatings or screen protectors, you're certainly not going to see any much haze or lowered contrast, either.
There are a couple of downsides to the display, however. For one, the matte finish commands a $500 premium, which isn't a cheap upgrade.
Also, images and text won't be quite as sharp as on a traditional glossy screen. Unless you have the two displays side-by-side, the difference isn't significant. It is noticeable, however.
The Nano Texture Matte Finish is fairly delicate, so Apple recommends that you only clean it with its own cleaning cloth. There's one included in the box, and you can purchase more from Apple's website.
Should you get the Nano Texture finish on an iMac?
Credit: Apple
Really, the Nano Texture finish is an option for specific users working in specific circumstances. Particularly those in environments with challenging lighting conditions who can't afford the distraction of glare or reflectivity on their screens.
For the average user, controlling glare and reflectivity isn't too much of a concern. But the Nano Texture finish is an excellent option for professionals who don't or can't work in an office with controlled lighting.
There is a personal preference aspect to this, of course. Some people like the look of a matte display, and if those people are willing to shell out an additional $500 for the finish, then it's an option here.
But for most people buying a 27-inch iMac for professional or creative purposes, it really comes down to work environment and circumstance. Those that need a high-quality, matte finish display already know that they do.
Deals on the new 27-inch iMac
Apple's new iMac is already on sale, with exclusive coupon discounts on models with standard glass or nano-texture glass.Check out the AppleInsider 27-inch iMac Guide for the lowest prices on a variety of models with standard glass.
For deals on nano-texture configs, use coupon code appleinsider at Expercom to grab bonus triple-digit savings of up to $447 off.
Comments
It is very good. Once you get used to the lack of reflection, not sure you could go back.
Worth it? Jury is still out.
On the other hand, I had the money.
The fact that it's an upgrade for an entire machine matters. 100% of the cost of the XDR is the display, whereas the display on the iMac makes up a fraction of the overall cost, which reduces the hit against the overall profit margin, especially when a majority of people who opt for this display are spending money on other high margin upgrades such as memory and storage. There is not way to offest the cost of the nano display on the monitor alone.
Finally, the display tech is now nearing one year old, and as time goes on it will continue to decrease in price.
I'm not OCD and clean my screens once a week to get the dust off. I use a very soft brush and I'm done. I don't need to use any liquid because I don't touch it ever. No smudges, not spots, just dust motes and they're easily dealt with.
And from various tech journalists who have the Nano iMac the "very special care" is merely common sense. Don't use elbow grease or a rough cloth. You don't need to use Apple's included cloth as was reported early on. Don't use burlap sack swatches and polishing compound. So there's some caution required, just don't be ham-fisted about it.
That said, $500 is much too rich for my budget and it's very easy for me to control lighting thus glare.
If I did get the Nano option, nobody else would be allowed near it because I've seen far too many people touch the screen for no damn reason whatsoever. I'd be especially wary of kids who had iPads or other touch screens in their formative years.
I hope you didn't buy the memory from Apple. That was $2,000 down the drain ($599 for 128GB memory at OWC).
One of my more annoying mistakes in life, and one reason I express concern when people here talk about using various chemical-based cleaners on their gear.
Plastic? Which products are you referring to?
Regardless, having seen an XDR in person, the nano texture glass is miles better than the old plastic (or whatever) coating was. I'd rather they pursue the better technology and wait for the prices to trickle down in time than stick with older inferior tech.