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General discussion

Need a Glare-Proof Laptop

by speedbird2 Dec 11, 2009 2:04AM PST

I will soon be in the market for a laptop. While small screens are cute, they're not practical as my eyesight is not so good. I need at least a 17" display. I've gone from store to store without success because I must have a glare-proof screen. i find the glossy screens very attractive and bright but too annoying. I notice that screen filters are available that fit-over glossy screens to make the screens appear glare-proof. How effective are these or are they merely junk? How exactly do they attach over the glossy screen? Do they use adhesives which could damage the screen? There is little information about this matter anywhere. Few manufacturers produce glare-proof screens and those are usually higher-priced. Apple charges an additional $100 if the buyer wants a glare-proof screen. Why? Are these more costly to produce? Are there any good filters on the market? Do they attach to any laptop or only to certain brands? They seem reasonable (under$50).

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7 Posts
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Non made today.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Dec 11, 2009 2:31AM PST

The sunlight readable displays have heavy anti-glare treatments but tend to be smaller displays.

What you are asking for does not exist today. Anti-glare? Yes. Glare proof? No.

The price on the Apple was only 50 and not 100 USD last I looked. As to your second question WHY? that is something you can ask the makers.
Bob

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Why Apple charges what it does
by electronista Dec 11, 2009 12:32PM PST

Apple has to take the system out of the regular production line and gives it not just a new panel surface but a new bezel, too. As such, the $50 goes towards both the time and the special treatment.

What's sad is that Apple is one of the few to offer matte at all. I know some ThinkPads and work oriented Dell and HP systems should have matte, but then they're not always equipped the way a home user would like, either.

If you do order from Apple: the dot pitch of the 17-inch MacBook Pro is higher than on the 15-inch model, so don't feel pressured to go to the top end. Also: you can custom-order the 15- and 17-inch models with matte screens online, so you're not stuck having to buy features you don't want just to avoid gloss.

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Anti-Glare Screens
by speedbird2 Dec 11, 2009 7:55PM PST

I think my posting was confusing. I want an anti-glare or matte screen. My desktop Gateway 15" display already has such a matte screen. What do you think of those anti-glare attachments that protect the laptop screen plus supposedly remove reflections? Are they any good? How do they attach? They seem cheap enough (around $50). I hope they don't use adhesives that stick to the screen. If they work, I could have the best of both worlds: a bright glossy screen as well as a matte screen.

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Referring to the MacBook Pro's matte option
by electronista Dec 12, 2009 1:08AM PST

The $50 add-on for the Pro that I'm alluding to is the matte display option. Works a treat for cutting out glare.

Personally I don't go for those aftermarket covers, since they tend to dim the display or are complicated to add (giant stickers, anyone?).

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What do you think of those anti-glare attachments that prote
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Dec 11, 2009 10:12PM PST

Q. What do you think of those anti-glare attachments that protect the laptop screen plus supposedly remove reflections?

A. I used those for years on my Palm IIIc. For the most part it worked fine with a slight loss in clarity. A nit picker would slam such a thing. As I understand optics, I can't see how to avoid this.

Q. Are they any good?

A. I have yet to use the laptop variety. The PDA and Cell Phone sizes are used without any analysis or deep discussions.

Q. How do they attach?

A. The better ones use that Sticky Note type adhesive so they peel off later.
Bob

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anti glare
by Sharkbyte243 Dec 18, 2009 4:43PM PST

Check out Asus products. I have a 19 inch monitor and a net book - both have a matte screen. It really cuts down on the glare

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Asus is a new laptop player.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Dec 18, 2009 9:56PM PST

And service seems to be spotty in this country. Let others buy that brand and let's see how it plays out.

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