05-30-2009, 02:23 AM

Hi all,

I have a query regarding the Macbook screens.
How does the screen of the old Macbook Pro (pre-unibody model) compare to that of the current unibody Macbook and Macbook Pro? By 'old', I'm referring to the latest revision in late-October 2008 just as the unibodies were being rolled out.

Plus, matte/glossy issue aside, how does the old MBP compare in terms of brightness, clarity etc.? (Though I do suppose the brightness is affected by whether the screen is matte or glossy.) And is the old MBP screen LED-backlit as well?

Would appreciate it if anyone could shed some light on this.

Cheers,
Joel

05-30-2009, 02:33 PM

The pre-unibody MacBook Pros (particularly the late 2007/early 2008 models) used an LED backlit screen. The picture quality is about the same, IMO.

05-30-2009, 04:06 PM

the new ones have a brighter display, with slightly better image quality if you compare them side by side. But, if you only look at them, one at a time, the difference is barely noticeable. I would go with the new one though. The matte doesnt get as bright as the glossy, and it also isn't as crisp.

05-31-2009, 01:46 PM

The last two revisions of the non-unibody MBP used LED screens, so the newer unibody screens are just glossier, and a bit brighter

05-31-2009, 01:51 PM

I'm looking at one of each right now, and both are LED lit. The picture quality is the same, however the Unibody is brighter.

I had an older MBP that was CCFL lit, and the picture quality was about identical, only it was even dimmer than either LED screen. (think Powerbook brightness)

edit: and IIRC, all MBP's since ~mid 2007 have LED backlit screens.

06-01-2009, 08:36 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys!

What about comparing the old MBP (matte screen) to the new unibody Macbooks? Is the screen quality of the old MBP considerably better?

06-02-2009, 12:40 AM

Yes, it is. I'm a photographer and I can appreciate it. The viewing angle is better, reflections are an issue with the unibodies. I prefer the old macbook pro's screen, I like it better than both the new macbook and macbook pros.

06-02-2009, 06:37 AM

matte vs gloss is a personal preference.

I am of the matte persuasion. I have a big problem trying to look at a screen past a reflection on it. I see the reflection first and must consciously refocus my eyes to see past it. Others apparently, do not find this objectionable and have no issue with it.

You will find that most professional photographers and print copy folks prefer the matte display by a wide margin as the colors are more natural.

Most non-pro's will enjoy the eye-popping color available on the glossy displays. Especially for watching any of the newer animated feature films and such. I even enjoy them for that (if I can get it an angle that has no reflections - typically that is not the angle I want the screen though).

You should go look at them and find the one that is best for you and make you happy with your choice. Don't take someone else's word for it.

06-02-2009, 07:19 AM

matte versus glossy, glossy wins hands down. I have both, one thing about a laptop, you can move it. duh

06-02-2009, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by jram

matte versus glossy, glossy wins hands down. I have both, one thing about a laptop, you can move it. duh

Sorry, but not in my book. I'll not own a glossy display. Neither for my TV screens nor my computer monitors. When I sit down comfortably and turn either one of them on, I don't want to have to reposition my body, my head and/or the screen to be able to see it based on where light is coming from.

As I said above, everyone is best off making their own decision and not allowing the debate to rule which one you prefer.

06-02-2009, 07:51 AM

A tv is different, a laptop can be moved or just move the cover, been doing it for years.
The screen is so much vivid and crisper , but like you said, it's personal preference.

06-02-2009, 09:45 AM

the glossy has crisper colors because the light bounces off the screen. While with the matte, light gets stuck on the screen and mixes with the pixel colors, which is why photos appear to have that natural look...it's actually diluted colors. Since we are also talking about general matte screens, they can also blur the pixels making the pixels mix(has to do with the way the matte aspect of the screen is made), which is similar to decreasing the "sharp" setting on tv's. This is not that noticeable on macs though.


I like them both!

06-02-2009, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by idrinorbarsaku

the glossy has crisper colors because the light bounces off the screen. While with the matte, light gets stuck on the screen and mixes with the pixel colors, which is why photos appear to have that natural look...it's actually diluted colors. Since we are also talking about general matte screens, they can also blur the pixels making the pixels mix(has to do with the way the matte aspect of the screen is made), which is similar to decreasing the "sharp" setting on tv's. This is not that noticeable on macs though.


I like them both!

Interesting, that's the first I've heard of this phenomenon. Do you have some reference for this?

06-02-2009, 10:26 AM

my dad! he works for a company that designs/makes lcd/led panels so that they are almost ready to install for tv companies.

06-02-2009, 11:11 AM

Just for record, I have a 17in. I had my choice, after seeing both side by side , the difference was clear to me. I love the glossy..