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Mac desktops forum: New iMacs difficult to view: Screen way too reflective.

by: MacPCConsultant November 19, 2009 10:34 PM PST

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New iMacs difficult to view: Screen way too reflective.

by MacPCConsultant - 11/19/09 10:34 PM

The glossy highly reflective surface of the 21.5 and 27" iMacs are a real drawback. The reflections interfere with normal use, and Apple Stores do not sell any 27" laminates.

Photo-editors and graphic artists are especially annoyed by even normal room lighting reflecting off the very glossy monitor surface and have declined purchasing these otherwise fine units.

Any comments ?


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Normal room lighting

by mrmacfixit Moderator - 11/20/09 11:39 AM

In Reply to: New iMacs difficult to view: Screen way too reflective. by MacPCConsultant

does not have any noticable effect on mine. It faces away from the window and the room light is behind it.

It's all to do with location, location, location.

P


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Lucky you !

by MacPCConsultant - 11/20/09 3:25 PM

In Reply to: Normal room lighting by mrmacfixit Moderator

Not everyone can elect the location you have.

Try turning it 180 degrees so that the window and/or room lighting is behind you. What do you feel are the advantages of the glossy screen ?

The intense distraction is very apparent in any Apple Store, yet the store is where one would think they would want to optimize viewing and eliminate reflections.

Have you compared it to the matte MacBooks or Cinema displays ?


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You asked for comments,

by mrmacfixit Moderator - 11/20/09 4:07 PM

In Reply to: Lucky you ! by MacPCConsultant

don't get upset when you get one!

My machine is located where I need it to be.

Yes, I have compared it to the Cinema displays, the one on the other side of the room looks dull in comparison.


I agree that it is a little strange that you would put the glossy screen under such a bright light in the store.

P


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I won't be getting one so I won't be upset

by MacPCConsultant - 11/21/09 8:52 AM

In Reply to: You asked for comments, by mrmacfixit Moderator

I will not be getting any of these units, nor recommending them, because too many people find the glossy light reflections intolerable.

I'd didn't find the blacks blacker, nor the image sharpen, by the glossy screen compared to the matte finish non-reflective surface.

You seem to strangely like the glossy reflective surface. Did you buy the unit because you liked the machine or liked the reflective surface and matte was unavailable ?

The Cinema display and the iMac and two different display technologies, so an exact comparison is unfair.


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Screens are a matter of personal taste,

by mrmacfixit Moderator - 11/21/09 11:51 AM

In Reply to: I won't be getting one so I won't be upset by MacPCConsultant

I have no problem with the glossy screen, while you seem to strangely dislike the glossy.

You asked for a comparison with the iMac and the Cinema display, I told you what I saw.

I also note that the iMacs with the LED backlights are even brighter and more vibrant than the original, 24" ones

P


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Two corrections

by MacPCConsultant - 11/21/09 12:11 PM

In Reply to: Screens are a matter of personal taste, by mrmacfixit Moderator

Strangely dislike ? No. Dislike for good cause.

I dislike it ? No. Many do.

Anyone found a good 27" Anti-glare and anti-reflective laminate to rectify this problem ?


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A bit late...

by lkrupp - 11/22/09 2:58 PM

In Reply to: Two corrections by MacPCConsultant

You're late to the party. Some have complained about the glossy screens for a number of years now, both in the iMac and Macbooks. After all the tirades Apple has not yet given in and probably never will. A matte option is available only for one of the Macbook Pro models.

Apple offers what it offers and doesn't really care what you want. If you think you can influence them by refusing to buy or recommend Macs you are sorely mistaken. They don't care what you do or say and the last few years of explosive growth in Macs sales vindicates their decisions. I have a 2008 24" iMac with the glossy screen and it's not a problem. I love it just the way it is.


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Not a bit late; Squeaky wheel gets the grease

by MacPCConsultant - 11/22/09 3:27 PM

In Reply to: A bit late... by lkrupp

Pleased to report that I was not late to the party, and there is some beneficial movement thanks to especially the graphic artists and photo-editors. Squeaky wheels do get greased. This "matte movement" was started over a year ago.

Many sections of Apple ARE consumer-responsive.


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I agree with lkrupp

by macnerd10 - 11/22/09 8:57 PM

In Reply to: Not a bit late; Squeaky wheel gets the grease by MacPCConsultant

The complaints started more than a year ago because the glossy screens have been introduced before that time. It all depends on lighting in the room. Lkrupp is right that Apple does not listen much. The upshot is that these glossy screens are definitely brighter, with more vibrant colors; this is why some people sacrifice the glare for brightness. Proper lighting should do the trick, especially, if you are a professional graphic artist. I personally am on your side and my MBP has a matte screen. Good luck in your crusade, I would only welcome your victory. But you have been warned too!


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