Sager NP8150/Clevo P150HM Glossy versus Matte Screen

Hi everyone,

I've tried to look through everything in these forums in a pretty thorough manner - but forgive me if this is a redundant post. That said - I'm having a real tough time deciding between glossy and matte. I have owned two MacBook Pro glossy's in the past few years (I typically upgrade yearly) and I have not found those screens offensive - so do you think glossy would be OK for me?

My hesitation is, even knowing that I have been OK in the past with glossy, is that quite a few folks here are springing for the matte upgrade (which costs $200 or more, especially if you factor in the 0 dead pixel guarantees) - is the "95% NTSC color gamut" really worth it if I'm primarily a gamer and web surfer? I'm not going to be Photoshopping professionally or anything with this thing.

It's just a lot of coin for the whole laptop and I'd like to make the right decisions versus being "cheap" with certain components and regretting it down the road. Thanks in advance.

 

The glossy screens can be a hindrance depending on the environment you plan on using the laptop. If you're used to them then you probably won't mind at all. I chose the matte screen because I've seen them on high end workstations and I like them better. Also the 95% gamut sounds like a pretty sweet kicker for me as well.

You sound like you've already talked yourself out of both of the appealing factors for it, and to be honest, if you're trying to save money this is probably one of the first options that can go if you already stated that it doesn't really matter to you. No one's going to look down on your otherwise awesome laptop because it doesn't have one of the niche matte 95% gamut screens. I highly doubt you'll regret it down the road since it is what you are already used to.

I would recommend taking a look at some high-end workstation laptops that have these screens in person at a B&M and see if you like them enough for the investment.

There are some recent posts in the owner's lounge that can provide some amplifying information about the different types of environments that one might consider the option to go matte.

 

Agree with everything Mathis said.

My input is that I have had only 1 laptop previous to the Sager and its a mid-level(back in 2007, mind you) HP that has a horrible reflection even if there is the slightest light in the room and you are trying to watch something with a dark background. So I just out-right went for the 8130 since I'm not even used to matte or 1080p (on a 15in), let alone 95% gamut screens. Although looking at other MBPs, glossy screens probably have come a long way since 2007.

 

Thanks guys. I'm leaning Mythlogic (if they can meet some pricing quotes)...their cost is only $150 to upgrade so now the choice is even tougher. I have convinced myself I don't NEED matte...but you know how it is when you drop $2k plus on something - you don't want any regrets.

 

Four questions for mythlogic.

1) How do movies look on the glossy screen? I prefer matte, and on my matte acer screen movies look pretty damn good, but on my girlfriends crappy glossy screens, they still manage to look good... I appreciate the pictures you've posted, but which do you honestly prefer, especially for movies?

2) Does Clevo offer any batteries that fit inside HDD bays or optical bays? Will they ever? This is a really huge deal for me...

3) Any upcoming 18"+ laptops? I liked the NP8120 but I don't need dual video cards as it's primarily a work laptop...

Also, how much is the customs on a $2000 laptop coming into Toronto, Canada? I might just drive up and pick it up if the customs is high...

Thanks, much appreciated

 

Check this out:
UPS: Rates for Customs Clearance into Canada

Seems like its worth it to get UPS Express to avoid brokerage fees.

edit: I got a matte screen because I cannot stand to see myself in the screen at all. In lecture halls its also distracting to see the light bulbs in the ceiling, which a glossy screen always picks up. In my room my back is to the windows, so once again the sunlight coming in and would be very distracting on the screen.

 

Hey,

Honestly movies will look good on either the glossy or the matte screen. Half our office likes glossy and the other half likes matte. So I would say you will probably be happy with either.

Clevo does not make a battery that fits into the ODD at this time

I would hope they will make a new 18" based on sandy bridge, but we don't have any info on that yet. Might see something at CeBIT in a week or so.

Customs on a $2000 laptop if memory serves will be GST so 12-13%. You can always come pick it up =)