BrightView or no BrightView?

Unfortunately, I don't have the option of seeing a non-BrightView and a BV side by side, so can I get some opinions as to which is better?

Obviously, I want something that is bright and has vivid colors, but I'm thinking the glare is very distracting.

Thank you.

 

I was in the same boat. I do not like the brightview at all because of the reflective nature of it. When viewing the screens in the store, all I could see was the ceiling lights and my own reflection. Plus, one of the main things I love about LCDs is the matte finish.

Anyway, I ordered the dv4000 (w/x700) on 9/29 and crossed my fingers. I couldn't be happier. I can stare at this screen all day and not experience eye strain. It also doesn't double as a mirror, so it's perfect. To be honest, I have no idea why brightview (and any glossy notebook screens) are so popular right now. I suspect that they will disappear soon and be discussed for years as one of those cute trends.

 

This review has a detailed discussion on matte vs. BrightView.

 

Link goes nowhere.

 

I can certainly see why some people would not like the Brightview...but I sure am glad I got it. You can't use the store as a good example of what "real world" conditions look like. I've rarely been in a situation where my Brightview glares like that. For watching movies (like on a plane), Brightview is the way to go. But it's all very subjective. Obviously most people must prefer it, or it wouldn't be an "upgrade"...? But you like what you like.

 

Go to any computer or best buy costco etc to get an idea. This is really personal preference, and for me, it is even a time of the day preference.

 

Let me just say that I had compared BrightView and non-BrightView screens extensively at computer retails stores and kept favoring the BrightView screens. However after buying a notebook with the screen, I really disliked it, being able to see my shadow for example became quite annoying. But then I got used to it after two weeks and now I love my screen.

 

Does anyone know if the contrast ratio or viewing angles (or any other specs) are any better on the Brightview?

 

I keep hearing that contrast is better on a BrightView screen but the viewing angle is poor. I agree with the poor viewing angles.

 

I went from having "XBRITE" on my Sony Vaio to non-XBRITE on my next Vaio..I couldn't stand the matte screen because everything was so dull. Now I have a v2000 with BrightView and love it. I'm usually indoors so BrightView really helps, especially while watching movies. The glare does get a little annoying when there's lots of overhead lighting (such as in a lecture hall) but the benefits outweigh the cons for me.

I think the only way to decide is to see the two screens for yourself. I got a Gateway with a BrightView-like screen and sold it to my friend, and she could care less - either type of screen is fine with her. It's all very subjective. Most people who have seen my v2000 really like the screen.

 

I was the first in my office to try the non-brightview (there are 2 people who have HP brightviews). Since I've purchased mine, they are both having second thoughts about their brightview purchase. The glare in the office is too much.
I've heard from some people that they like the brightview because they mostly just watch movies on their laptop. Anything else and the brightview is too much glare.

Also, my non-brightview dv4000 screen is super bright. I have to lower the brightness when I'm inside.

 

Try it again.

 

Great article... however, for anyone using it to research a purchase its important to remember this is review is of the V4000, not the V4000T.

I have come to really like my glossy display. Of course its a compromise, its great indoors so long as the lighting is compatable (no reading light behind you and shining directly on the screen) and I love the display for viewing pictures and DVDs. But, outdoors or in very strong sunlight it is much less usable. I'm a bit concerned about how it will work on the beach in Negril where the sun is dazziling....of well, just need to find a beachside bar, have a Red Stripe and work in the shade

 

For some reason, i thought there was a way you could run some sort of program and find out the specs of the LCD panel on your machine. is this correct?

 

Really? I have the BrightView screen and at some times, find it too dull. I love the screen on the Vaio FS series, have any of you see it?

 

The Vaio screens are definitely awesome. My larger Vaio with a 15.4" screen has the same XBRITE screen as on the FS series notebooks.. It beats out the BrightView by just a tiny bit but you also pay a premium for Sony. BrightView is just fine

 

IslandBoy,
Do you really only think there is a slight difference between the Sony screens and Brightview?

I saw them side-by-side at two stores tonight and I see major differences between the two. Sony charges at least a one-third premium apples-to-apples, so it's probably not worth it, but I tend to hand it to Sony when it comes to their screens.

The only thing holding me back on buying a DV4000 right now is the screen . . .

 

I'm quite happy with my DV4000 screen but I didn't think the screen on the Vaio FS series at least was only slightly better. It was much better. I was at a Bestbuy with a Vaio FS and a Gateway notebook next to it, both with glossy screens. The Vaio on its lowest screen brightness setting was as bright as the Gateway on its highest, it blew me away!!

Some people say that the screen is too bright and thus washes out some colors. I disagree, the screen was pure GORGEOUS. Of course, the price tag made me cringe and so I walked away....

 

Really? I'll have to compare it head to head with my v2309. Maybe I'll see if I can get some pictures too. Haven't used the Vaio in a while cuz it's too big - but I still have it so my mom can use it once in a while when she wants to go on the computer. Saves a lot of space when you can just place the laptop on a shelf and not worry about cords and what not. And plus that, it's the only laptop I see myself 110% keeping in 3-5 years. It's the perfect desktop replacement.

Yeah the Sonys are really pricey. The A150 I bought was $800, retail was double that. The B100 I bought a few months ago for $600 retailed for about double that as well. Both of these were clearanced laptops.

 

I got a HP dv4000, and I love the bright screen. The viewing angle sucks, but when are you watching a movie from the side on your laptop? Its great for gaming, as it improves the sharpness too.