Best for OUTDOORS - Matte or Glossy ?

Let's say we wanted to use our laptop outside (but not in direct sunlight).

Which screen is most visible outside -- Matte or Glossy?

 

Glossy screens are useless outside. Matte screens are manageable, but still difficult to read. Always avoid extended periods of direct exposure to sunlight because it can overheat the screen.

 

Again, I'm talking about being outside, but not in direct sunlight.

Just wanna make sure everyone understands, since I'm sure there are users on this forum that have used both types of screens outside.

 

Matte. Doesn't stop me from buying glossy.

 

I know, I just want to make sure everyone realizes direct exposure will destroy a screen. Even indirect exposure, like with a window, will cause a glossy screen to become unreadable.

 

I agree. Definitely stick with matte screens if you plan to use your laptop in any outdoor environment

 

I sit beside a window with direct sunshine and my experience seems to be the opposite. With matte screen, it becomes sort of washed out and is very difficult to see but I have no problem with my new glossy one, just need to turn up the brightness.

It seems that matte under sunlight reduce the contrast to a point that is very hard to see whereas glossy one with its much better contrast can withstand it. It does have reflective but is manageable.

 

This is exactly what I wondered about.

 

Matte for sure.

 

People tend to make a big deal out of the glare and reflections on a glossy screen. It's really not too bad. Yes you can see some glare and reflections if you really focus on them instead of what you're trying to see on the screen...so don't focus on them!

Unless it's in absolute direct sunlight, I haven't found glare or reflections to be a problem on my glossy screen at all. Using the laptop outside or in bright office lighting seems just fine.

In direct sunlight, matte screens are no better - contrast levels become almost nil and everything looks faded, that's even if you can see past the light.

In any case, I'd think the realism of the colors on the screen and overal brightness should be a more important factor than reflection or glare.

 

Neither IMO. Glossy makes it kinda usable but you can see your reflection and of other things which is annoying. Matte screens are just dull, you can barely see a thing.