Like it or not, Apple is going glossy.
(we've heard this directive comes from the tip top)
First it was the MacBooks, then the Aluminum iMac, and now the MacBook Pros (old 17 inch notwithstanding). Today, the Cinema Displays are falling. Apple just EOL'ed the 23 inch (matte) display in favor of the 24-inch DisplayPort (glossy) beauty that will be shipping later this month. It isn't a huge stretch that the 20 inch and 30 inch displays will likely follow at Macworld 2009. You soon won't be able to buy a non-glossy screen from Apple in portable or desktop or iPod/iPhone form.
That's not to say, your options aren't open. First of all, why buy a 24 inch Cinema display when for $400 more you can get a full 24-inch iMac for a few hundred bucks more - ($1299 at times)? Not only that, but solid (yes they aren't Apple LED, save it) matte 24-inch displays are are coming in around $300 from Dell, Samsung and other vendors. You can literally buy three 24 inch displays for the cost of an Apple display. LED, not OLED mind you. If you don't have one of the new Unibodies, you don't really have a choice, do you? If you want a 24 inch monitor, you have to look elsewhere.
I like Apple but there is no way I can justify this...especially when I...hate...glossy. What do you think?
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Glossy aside, are the colors
Glossy aside, are the colors so much better and the picture so much sharper to justify the price difference. I don't understand how Apple can sell them.
The thing is, you can always
The thing is, you can always add a professionally produced matte overlay for $30 or less very easily, so for those that demand matte there's still a good looking option
well, and I forgot to add...
well, and I forgot to add... with the aftermarket matte overlay, you are now getting the benefits of a sturdy, very clear glass display, so matte lovers have it better now too
What about the extras of the
What about the extras of the 24 inch display. Such as the built in speakers, isight, and magsafe. Just adding those things brings the price of the dell display almost to $500. That is saying I put in the cheap speakers, and a vga webcam.
Overlay...
The matte overlays from Photodon may provide the matte surface, but according to Photodon themselves, they don't recommend it for people using color-critical applications.
It's not just a case of liking matte over glossy. Most graphic artists I know don't like using the glossy display. Unfortunately, a lot of people like me in graphics use iMacs, and don't want to use the glossy screens because of the reflection problems and/or the unnaturally saturated colors. The 24" iMac display is adequate for most graphics, but adding the matte overlay on the glossy display to reduce reflection cuts back on contrast noticeably--even in the photo on their web site of two iMacs side-by-side (with and without overlay). I haven't seen one in person, but it would be a leap of faith to spend that money on a new iMac with the hope that the overlay would be an acceptable solution.
I keep hoping for a mid-Mac Pro, something with the performance of an iMac or between an iMac and a Mac Pro because the Mac Pro is overkill for Photoshop and most other graphics applications. Then I'd get a 30" matte display. I'm afraid Apple is going to force me into going to the Mac Pro whether I like it or not.
OH rly please find a LED!
OH rly please find a LED! backlit dispay with a metal enclosure at that price!
impos
1984
Today, we celebrate the first glorious anniversary of the Information PURIFICATION Directives. We have created, for the first time in all history, a garden of PURE ideology. Where each worker may bloom secure from the pests of contradictory and CONFUSING TRUTHS. Our UNIFICATION OF THOUGHTS is more powerful a weapon than any fleet or army on earth. We are ONE people, with ONE will, one resolve, one cause. Our enemies shall talk themselves to death and we will bury them with their own confusion. We shall prevail!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8
*Sigh*
Were you plastered when you wrote this piece? Typos abound.
Thanks for the tips on a matte overlay; I'm off to check those out.
I do not get why Apple are
I do not get why Apple are being so closed minded on this. Why can't they just give an option? It's becoming Apple's way or the highway and people don't like it. I prefer glossy screens, I don't notice the glare because it isn't bad if you angle the monitor right. But how hard would it be to say Glossy or Matte, LED backlit, DVI connector so everyone can use it with an adapter.
This glossy / matte
This glossy / matte comparison-debate is getting tiring. And its useless comparing cheap 24-inchers to Apple cinema display, as they lack the cinema display's '-IPS' panels, rendering them iffy for color sensitive work!
Choice is bad
I don't like choice.
Apple should choose for me.
Other people shouldn't be allowed to choose.