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    Matte vs. Glossy

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by BassKozz, May 23, 2006.

  1. BassKozz

    BassKozz Notebook Consultant

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    What are the pro's and con's of have a Matte finish screen vs. a Glossy finish?

    I was planning on purchasing an e1505 ( cheap single core, then upgrade to merom) but after reviewing the Dell Screen Guide I noticed that the e1505 only came in Glossy for HighRes [ WSXGA+ - 1680 x 1050 with TrueLife (Glossy)].

    I have only owned a Matte finish laptop (slow Gateway 200arc), and I don't know if I'll like the Glossy finish...
    Is there a list of pro's and con's somewhere?

    Thanks,
    -BassKozz
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    BassKozz, May 23, 2006
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  2. BassKozz

    BassKozz Notebook Consultant

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    I am almost considering the D820 only because it comes in all Matte Finish Screens:
    WXGA - 1280x800 (Matte)
    WSXGA+ Ultra Sharp - 1680x1050 (Matte)
    WUXGA Ultra Sharp - 1920x1200 (Matte)
     
    BassKozz, May 23, 2006
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  3. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Glossy will give you more saturated colors. The picture will look better in glossy. However, this comes at an expense. They reflect EVERYTHING and are prone to fingerprints and dust. I suggest going and looking at some in store and see how you like them. Remember though, you don't have gigantic flourescent lights in your home usually so, the glare will be exaggerated compared to what you may experience in everyday use. In the end, it is personal preference.
     
    cashmonee, May 23, 2006
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  4. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    it's not something that you can decide with pros and cons. you gotta get down to a store and compare for yourself.
     
    drumfu, May 23, 2006
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  5. themaxx

    themaxx Newbie

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    Personaly, I love the way it looks :p
    That and the fact that it has 1920x1200 of resolution...
     
    themaxx, May 23, 2006
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  6. Ervin

    Ervin Notebook Consultant

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    Be careful though. In many stores, the light is set in a way that diminishes the reflection. In real life, the fluorescent lights and the windows will be closer to the screen, and more intense.
     
    Ervin, May 23, 2006
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  7. ferrell

    ferrell Notebook Enthusiast

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    Good advice, but WHERE exactly should one go to find a 17" matte screen?

    Dell Kiosk? NO.
    Best Buy? NO.
    Fry's? Not the last time I checked.

    Has anyone seen a 17" matte screen in a retail store?
     
    ferrell, May 23, 2006
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  8. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    you don't need to see a 17" screen. you just need to compare any sized glossy against any sized matte screen. the size of the LCD doesn't have anything to do with it.
     
    drumfu, May 23, 2006
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  9. stupid_nut

    stupid_nut Notebook Consultant

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    I like the glossy screens when they work.
     
    stupid_nut, May 23, 2006
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  10. camsimple

    camsimple Notebook Evangelist

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    I like screens that work in general. Mine does not. I have my laptop hooked up to an external monitor. But when I purchase my new e1705 it will be glossy.
     
    camsimple, May 23, 2006
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  11. ferrell

    ferrell Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'd like to see a 17" matte screen on a notebook computer to appreciate its full effect versus an identically sized glossy screen. Hell, if I wanted to look at any old matte screen, I'd look at the Dell 1907 that I'm typing this message on.

    Anyway, if anyone has seen any 17" matte screens "in the wild" please let me know.
     
    ferrell, May 23, 2006
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  12. rickdawg

    rickdawg Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've always had matte screens. Just bought a glossy truelife e1405. The glare was incredible. Made the thing unusable in my opinion. I like to work outside, in my truck and in rooms that are well lit. In all of these situations, the glare made it impossible. Ordered the matte and is arriving tomorrow. Gotta send the glossy one back.. Just my opinion. If you are at all irritated by glares on TVs etc, i would recommend the matte.
     
    rickdawg, May 23, 2006
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