Monitors: Screen 'Finish'

[Elderly]

Any views on the pros and cons of 'glossy' flat screens, as opposed to the 'lustre' finish?

[CivicMan]

Glossy looks good but is a bugger for reflections in daylight in my opinion.

[LMP]

I have two laptops, one with a traditional matt finish (1920x1200) which I use when I am taking photos at a client site so reflections don't become a problem. I have another one with a gloss finish (1680x1050) which I use in my office, at evening events (balls, proms etc) and when I am previewing work to a client.

However choice is becoming very limited now, with most budget and mid-range laptops coming with gloss finish (what the average consumer wants!) and no other choice.

[Elderly]

LMP said:

I have two laptops, one with a traditional matt finish (1920x1200) which I use when I am taking photos at a client site so reflections don't become a problem. I have another one with a gloss finish (1680x1050) which I use in my office, at evening events (balls, proms etc) and when I am previewing work to a client.

However choice is becoming very limited now, with most budget and mid-range laptops coming with gloss finish (what the average consumer wants!) and no other choice.

Did you choose to have a gloss monitor for your office (my intended use) or do you have it because you had no choice?

If reflections can be controlled and all else is equal, do photos look 'better' on one type or another?

[CivicMan]

I have two laptops and certainly photographs "look" sharper on the glossy screen, but I edit on my matte screen.

[LMP]

It was a hard decision to get the gloss as I had heard bad things about them. What I would say is if you want show off your photos to others (i.e. clients) get a gloss screen, however as a workstation get a matt screen they are more versatile.

Obviously it goes without saying that you get what you pay for. Both my laptops are in the £1200-£1500 range with 15.4" screens, I have seen some truly awful glossy and matt screens on £500 laptops. Quality and resolution are more important than the screen finish.

Incidentally, I have a second, matt finish, tft connected to my glossy laptop in the office. Twice the workspace!

[Elderly]

Thanks for the answers.

I've been 'testing' in the local retailers and
I'm probably going to get a matt finish.

BTW I really liked the screens of the iMac computers,
apparently they are matt screens behind a less reflective
type of glass, giving the best of both worlds!

[EmmaP]

I think the new iMacs have very reflective screens. I opted for the older model when I upgraded last October as reflections would become very annoying and intrusive when retouching. I also saved £500 too

[Millga]

My glossy imac screen has never given me any cause to grumble although i must admit when i got it i was a little concerned about the reflections i may get.
Been spot on in 8 months of use for me A+

[Fordo]

I've just ordered a macbook- wasnt keep on the glossy finish, but didnt want to pay twice the price for a pro.

Going to get a big matt finish monitor to plug it into for when im working at home though