The Great Screen Coating Debate
Computer, phone, and handheld users of the world, I ask you:
Glossy or matte?
I find that my preference for a particular screen type depends entirely on the device I’m working with and the environment that it gets used in most often. On my desktop, I have an NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2 with a glossy front. It’s in our dimly lit apartment (Katherine’s monitor gets washed out by the open window, so we keep the shades drawn), so I don’t get any of the glare issues. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is solid, and I find I like the “pop” that the gloss lends to the image.
Outside, or in environments where I get a lot of direct sunlight on my workspace (like in the spot where I love to sit in the Bentley library), I prefer the anti-glare properties of the matte screens.
What’s your preference?
I think I agree with you, Kyle. I prefer Matte for laptops/portable devices and glossy for desktops. That said, I have a black MacBook (13.3″ glossy screen), but I don’t find myself using it outside that often. I’ve used my DS Lite outside, and it is nearly impossible to see in direct sunlight. My iPhone seems fine wherever I am using it.
Note: With the release of the new MacBooks, Apple removed the option for Matte screens (”Antiglare” as they call it) from everything except the old 17″ MacBook Pro.
How is the Kindle when reading in sunlight?
Andrew Wirtanen
26 Oct 08 at 10:36 pm
The Kindle is excellent in direct sunlight; the e-ink displays aren’t backlit, so the more light you have (up to a point), the better. It’s very similar to reading an actual paperback.
Kyle
27 Oct 08 at 7:07 am
It’s been so long since I’ve seen daylight… I don’t have a preference…
All I’ve seen are the inside of hotel rooms and offices.
I’m planning a trip up to Boston so that I don’t go absolutely crazy. I should be around the weekend of the 8th. I want to go paintballing with everyone.
Greg
27 Oct 08 at 10:23 am