Question about Brightview Option and Screen Gloss

Hello all, first time poster. I love this website and forums, but I have a question I have no answer for!

My girlfriend is thinking between a Thinkpad (probably T60) or a dv1000t filled to the brim. I realize they aren't the same type of computers, but she likes them both. Anyhow, she really really dislikes the "glossy" reflective screens that a lot of laptops have nowadays. From the reviews I've read, it looks like the HP Pavillion laptop has reflective, shiny screen only if you get the "Brightview" option for it.

Is that true? Is the monitor more like a desktop LCD if you don't get the Brightview option? Because that is what she wants.

Thanks!

 

BrightView is the glossy coating. Oh, did you check out the new DV2000t and DV2000z. They're supposed to replace the DV1000 and look really cool.

 

Thanks! So the non-brightviews won't look glossy then?

I just looked at the dv2000t and it's beautiful (she wants Core Duo). They only come in brightview though. She said maybe it's just an initial reaction...and she's worried about the reflection.

Does anyone have any positive experiences with the reflective screens? Maybe it'll convince her to get one. Thanks.

 

It seems Matte versus Glossy screens are a very personal thing and you might just have to see for yourself.

 

i agree... go to your nearest computer store and compare their differences.

 

Yeah I would definitely check them out at a store. I didn't think that the glossy screens were a big difference, but when I checked them out, I didn't like them. The only one that I thought was good was the Sony SZ series screen.

I didn't like the HP DV1000 glossy screen at all. I don't know about the DV2000 though.

 

The screen on the dv2000s are quite glossy. It doesn't bother me, as I will rarely use my laptop outside. In daylight and other certain settings, the screen on the dv2000s are mirror-like. If she is averse to glossy screens, the dv2000 is not for her.

 

not all glossy's are equal..the dv1000 has one of the worst viewing angles for a 14" widescreen..assuming she doesn't game...the asus z62f is a good fit..decent battery life and a good screen..it can be spec'd out to the same point as the hp but with a much better keyboard and build (about 1200 with 2gb ram and 100gb 7200 hd)

 

i dont have any problems with my dv2000t glossy screen, ive used it outside a few times and wasn't really bothered by any reflections....
but thats just me of course.

 

Anyone know if the viewing angles on the dv2000 are any better?

 

Thanks for the help everyone. My girlfriend appreciates it. She has seen glossy screens in the stores and is generally not a fan. She thinks it could hurt the eyes or something, but she also thinks she could grow to like it. She said she figures there has to be a reason that so many laptops come with it.

As for viewing angles, I haven't seen that mentioned in the reviews I've read for the notebook, and I think CNET or PCMag said that the dv1000t had one of the better screens they had seen. Could you go further into what you meant (or anyone with a similar or perhaps contradictory experience)? The screen is a big deal, clearly.

As for dv1000t vs dv2000t, I realize there's a thread on that somewhere here, but I didn't really get what I was looking for I guess. Could someone knowledgeable list some "pros and cons" regarding the two?

She's a college student so she'll be looking into that APP discount thing through HP. I looked at some Coupon codes but none seemed too applicable, and besides, there is the free shipping, free rebates, and a free All In One printer which she'll mainly just use as a free scanner, anyway (I have a similar HP PSC Printer and have had good experiences with it).

Are there any "insider" things to know about saving money from buying from HP, or if I should buy from someone else, or if HP laptops are even any good? I don't have any first-hand knowledge...I have a horrible Dell Inspiron 5100 with the heating problem that I've managed to get under control, even though it's still a massive brick that I can't move, and runs around 45C-58C, giving me effectively, a pretty crummy all-in-one desktop. Enough angst.

Thanks for the help!

 

Oh, apparently the kind of screen she wants is called "matte" in the lingo.

So is a non-brightview HP dv1000t a matte screen? She loves the dv2000t but it only comes in Brightview...right?

 

Personally, I think glossy screens look alot better when you take the computer home. When I go to costco to look at glossy screens, they all look terrible because most stores are very brightly lit with these harsh white flourescent lights and I can always see things reflected in the screen. At home the lighting is much more natural and makes the glossy screens look alot better imo. Unless you plan to use the laptop in very bright places, like outside, glossy screens shouldn't be a problem.

 

so if you are going to use the laptop outside your stuck

 

To me having brightview and not having brightview is like having a HD tv or Standard tv. Personally I would go with brightview, yes it is glossy, but the pictures and video are so much clearer.