Macbook Pro - Help with screen choice

h4rri · 15-10-2007, 2:32 PM

Ok I'm about to order a 17" 2.4Ghz MacBook Pro with Aperture for the old photo editing stuff when I'm on the move. I've seen though that they do different options on the screen type; Matte or Glossy.

Now I assume the 'glossy' is the cleartype style screen and would be great for general useage. How would it impact [if at all] though on editing photo's?

Anyone used a MB Pro with either screen who can comment?

stoo31 · 15-10-2007, 2:39 PM

I had a powerbook with a matte screen and was perfect, I received a 15" macbook pro matte and it was even better. I unfortunately had to send it back due to a yellowing fault which they seem to be very prone to with the new LED screens.

I wouldn't recommend a glossy one, a matte screen will be far better for colour and contrast.

h4rri · 15-10-2007, 2:50 PM

Was thinking that of glossy but I'm just not sure. So 1-0 to matte, anyone for glossy

Should go to a local retailler and check them out but the nearest one is Bristol and thats a mare of a journey for me

Just call me Al · 15-10-2007, 2:56 PM

I've got a Samsung (not a mac but has glossy screen). I prefer the glossy screen for photo's as the colour & sharpness look better than my matte home screen, however it's a pain if you have a bright object in the reflection, again not a problem as you just turn it in a different direction or turn the Sun off

. I wanted a Mac but the battery life put me off & so ended up with the Samsung with over 5 hours battery life.

Liquid101 · 15-10-2007, 3:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D2V2D

I wanted a Mac but the battery life put me off & so ended up with the Samsung with over 5 hours battery life.

So you've got more battery life - but you have to use Windows

Blimey. I'd take OSX with 1 hour of battery life over 10 hours with Windows any day.

A vote for glossy here. Contrast, Sharpness and general feel is much better IMHO. The reflection issue isn't a biggy for me either.

I'd pop down to the nearest Applestore and take a peek though - the gloss screens don't suit everybody.

py6km · 15-10-2007, 7:28 PM

The glossy screens are spot on for viewing and manipulating images and video, and this is pretty much why they were introduced. I think screen reflections are an issue, but I've heard that you get used to it within minutes, and end up filtering it out. I ended up getting a matte screen because I liked it better, but it's personal choice really.

jonnypb · 15-10-2007, 9:47 PM

if it's mainly for photoshop stuff then glossy

jenufa · 15-10-2007, 10:11 PM

I use a glossy and have had no probs with screen reflections when editing my shots.

h4rri · 16-10-2007, 6:58 AM

Thanks all, looks like it's glossy then

I wasn't considering the reflections, more the effect on colour and contrast of the resultant image. Guess I should simply calibrate it and crack on.

Now to order it

py6km · 16-10-2007, 8:52 AM

From what I've heard, calibrating the glossy screens has caused some issues for people (hardware calibration that is), because reflections have caused the calibration device to give spurious results. Take a look a the macrumors.com forums because I'm sure this has been discussed (probably also in the support forums at apple.com/support)

h4rri · 16-10-2007, 11:00 AM

Hmm, so a spammer in the works is that the 17" won't fit in my Tamrac or current laptop bag

Looking at the backlit 15" version and can't honestly tell what the difference would be between the 2.2 and 2.4Ghz. I'm assuming running Aperture I wouldn't actually see any difference?

Thoughts? The 2.2Ghz 15" version is £1300, the 2.4Ghz 15" version is £1500 [and the 17" I *really* want is £1800].

py6km · 16-10-2007, 11:05 AM

I would get the 17", and get a new laptop bag rather than get one that fits your current bag

Aperture will run fine on any of them, but the extra screen size, power, and uprated graphics card were the clinchers for me, so I opted for the big 'un.

The 17" is big and heavy though, so it might be a pain to lug around. Mine is only used in the house. If I wanted it for use out and about, I might think again.

sim667 · 16-10-2007, 11:12 AM

I've had both matte and glossy, I also work with aperture and photoshop a lot.

I absolutely loathe the glossy screens, they do have problems with calibration, they over saturate colours and contrast control isnt so good (only slightly off). I would go with matte all the way.

Also i have 17 inch powerbook and i find it quite awkward to handle, i wouldnt buy the 17 inch again i am put of by the one i had. Crumpler do a nice bag for the 17 inch laptops, the zip is inside of the shoulder straps so people cant slip it out of the bag while its on your back.

If you live near london may be worth checking out the macexpo at the end of the month.

h4rri · 16-10-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by py6km

I would get the 17", and get a new laptop bag rather than get one that fits your current bag

While I don't mind getting a new laptop bag I don't want to upgrade the Tamrac

Quote:

Originally Posted by py6km

Aperture will run fine on any of them, but the extra screen size, power, and uprated graphics card were the clinchers for me, so I opted for the big 'un.

The graphics are the same on both, I'm thinking the lower resolution might cause an issue but I can live with that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by py6km

The 17" is big and heavy though, so it might be a pain to lug around. Mine is only used in the house. If I wanted it for use out and about, I might think again.

Yeah this will be used 90% 'in the field' so needs to be good for that. I have the little LifeBook and thats great but the screen is too small

Quote:

Originally Posted by sim667

I absolutely loathe the glossy screens, they do have problems with calibration, they over saturate colours and contrast control isnt so good (only slightly off). I would go with matte all the way.

Thanks, the 15" isn't available in glossy [as far as I can see] so that would make the decision for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sim667

If you live near london may be worth checking out the macexpo at the end of the month.

Would love to but think it would be overkill for me [plus I'd buy far too much stuff] and I#m miles from London

Think I'll wander along to the Bristol reseller and see what they have to offer, I see PC World et al have them but doubt they'll have local stock.

h4rri · 16-10-2007, 12:19 PM

Ah, looking into this:

2.2Ghz @ £1299 has 120Gb HDD and 128Mb Graphics RAM.
2.4Ghz @ £1599 has 160Gb HDD and 256Mb Graphics RAM

So guessing the extra £'s are worthwhile. Still loving the 17" for an extra £200 but it would be just too big and heavy for me to use alot

sim667 · 16-10-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h4rri

Think I'll wander along to the Bristol reseller and see what they have to offer, I see PC World et al have them but doubt they'll have local stock.

The support will be poor from PC, much better to buy from source or find a local apple dealer.....

I use cancom for all of my stuff.....www.cancomuk.com But not sure if they are near u

h4rri · 16-10-2007, 1:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sim667

The support will be poor from PC, much better to buy from source or find a local apple dealer.....

I use cancom for all of my stuff.....www.cancomuk.com But not sure if they are near u

Just found out if I order direct from Apple I can get 6% off hardware and [upto] 17% off software through my employer

Means a 15" 1.4Ghz is £1501 and Aperture £182

Will be calling them up to order one shortly, sure the missus will make me wait till payday though LOL

Thanks for the idea's and opinions everyone

Makes it easier to make a decision on these things