Glossy or Matte?

Snowbird

I'm going to be buying a Macbook pro soon and i've got two questions. One major and one minor.

The major question is if i should get a Glossy screen or a matte finish???

The other minor question is what size, 15 or 17.

Lewisham

17 is too big. Buy 15. Use the money you saved for upgrades, or towards an external display.

I like matte, but it's preference. Go to a store and see the difference between glossy and matte (doesn't matter if it's Apple or not). The matte looks like "normal", the glossy has more vibrant colours, but reflects light better (worse for you!).

Personally, I can't get on with a glossy screen. It looks like there is some protective film or something that I need to take off.

EggyToast

Agreed. Glossy has that initial "wow" factor, but sucks if you deal with any kind of light source. There's a reason they look really good in retail stores with indirect lighting.

The glossy thing seems to be best if you're going to be using your computer for a lot of media use, such as watching movies or shows, and may turn the lights down. But if you're just getting it for every day use, I would suggest matte.

embrik

These posts cover my feelings. If you're EVER going to take it outside and use it during the day, matte is the way to go. My Powerbook is a matte finish display, and it looks amazing, and works outside in the sun. Apple gives you a beautiful display in their notebooks, regardless of finish, so I'm sure you'd be happy with matte.

Also, I agree with the size. 15" is a good size, fits in most cases (which you might look at later), and isn't too heavy. And if you're going to upgrade on the RAM, buy it from another site like Crucial or Newegg. Apple will rape you on RAM upgrades. (sometimes 2x what you should pay, especially since it takes no effort at all to add it yourself)

Shazkar Shadowstorm

I personally have grown to like, and now prefer, the glossy screen on my Macbook. It's like there are no pixels, its so smooth, and bright, and truthfully have not had problems with glare at all. meh.

lordswing

i was sad to realize that i couldn't use my macbook outside on a shiny day, as the glare was ridiculous. i think the pros far outweigh the cons right now though, as i rarely have the chance of using my macbook outside.

Folk

I can use my macbook with light blast on my screen just fine.

contraband

embrik wrote: »

These posts cover my feelings. If you're EVER going to take it outside and use it during the day, matte is the way to go. My Powerbook is a matte finish display, and it looks amazing, and works outside in the sun. Apple gives you a beautiful display in their notebooks, regardless of finish, so I'm sure you'd be happy with matte.

Also, I agree with the size. 15" is a good size, fits in most cases (which you might look at later), and isn't too heavy. And if you're going to upgrade on the RAM, buy it from another site like Crucial or Newegg. Apple will rape you on RAM upgrades. (sometimes 2x what you should pay, especially since it takes no effort at all to add it yourself)

Will any RAM work in a Macbook? Even this? Could I steal the Macbook's RAM for my desktop computer?

embrik

contraband wrote: »

embrik wrote: »

These posts cover my feelings. If you're EVER going to take it outside and use it during the day, matte is the way to go. My Powerbook is a matte finish display, and it looks amazing, and works outside in the sun. Apple gives you a beautiful display in their notebooks, regardless of finish, so I'm sure you'd be happy with matte.

Also, I agree with the size. 15" is a good size, fits in most cases (which you might look at later), and isn't too heavy. And if you're going to upgrade on the RAM, buy it from another site like Crucial or Newegg. Apple will rape you on RAM upgrades. (sometimes 2x what you should pay, especially since it takes no effort at all to add it yourself)

Will any RAM work in a Macbook? Even this? Could I steal the Macbook's RAM for my desktop computer?

Looks like it should work for the newest Macbooks. You can go to Crucial's site to find out which RAM for which Macbook/Macbook Pro model (based off of processor speed/type).
No, you couldn't use the laptop ram in a desktop, as it's an entirely different form-factor. Also realize that there are only two slots in the laptops, so you'll be removing ram with an addition of two chips like that.

contraband

embrik wrote: »

contraband wrote: »

embrik wrote: »

These posts cover my feelings. If you're EVER going to take it outside and use it during the day, matte is the way to go. My Powerbook is a matte finish display, and it looks amazing, and works outside in the sun. Apple gives you a beautiful display in their notebooks, regardless of finish, so I'm sure you'd be happy with matte.

Also, I agree with the size. 15" is a good size, fits in most cases (which you might look at later), and isn't too heavy. And if you're going to upgrade on the RAM, buy it from another site like Crucial or Newegg. Apple will rape you on RAM upgrades. (sometimes 2x what you should pay, especially since it takes no effort at all to add it yourself)

Will any RAM work in a Macbook? Even this? Could I steal the Macbook's RAM for my desktop computer?

Looks like it should work for the newest Macbooks. You can go to Crucial's site to find out which RAM for which Macbook/Macbook Pro model (based off of processor speed/type).
No, you couldn't use the laptop ram in a desktop, as it's an entirely different form-factor. Also realize that there are only two slots in the laptops, so you'll be removing ram with an addition of two chips like that.

Yeah... Guess in that situation, I would have a 512x2 SO-DIMM lying around. I'd find a use for them somewhere.

/hijack