Matte LCD Screen Returns To 15-inch MacBook Pro As $50 Option

Leander Kahney ()

matte_screen

Good news for haters of Apple’s glossy MacBook screens: the matte display is back as an option on the 15-inch MacBook Pro, although Apple is charging an extra $50 for it.

Check Apple’s online store. The glossy widescreen display can be replaced with an optional antiglare display. The specs are the same — 1,440 x 900 pixels and a LED backlight — but the matte display has a silver bezel around it instead of a black one. Plus it costs an extra $50.

Apple’s not selling it though. Look how the website copy downplays the antiglare option:

“Choose a standard glossy display that lets you view graphics, photos, and videos with richer colors and deeper blacks, or an optional antiglare display.”

DON'T MISS
Replace Your 13-Inch Glossy MacBook Screen With a Matte Display

The matte screen was already an option on the top-of-the-line 17-inch MacBook Pro, but isn’t yet offered on the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro. It’s just a matter of time though. I personally like the glossy screens, which I think look great. I’ve never, ever been distracted by its much hated “mirror” effect.

7 comments »

About the author

Leander Kahney

is the editor and publisher of Cult of Mac, and author of three books about technology culture: Inside Steve’s Brain, the New York Times bestseller about Steve Jobs; Cult of Mac; and Cult of iPod. Leander has written for Wired, MacWeek, Scientific American, and The Guardian in London. Follow Leander on Twitter @lkahney and Facebook.

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Posted in Apple, MacBook Pro, News |

  • http://www.bradmurray.com Brad Murray

    You can make your glossy screen matte (and have the ability to go back) if you buy this:
    http://www.aevoe.com/shop/moshi.asp?showthis=105

  • Fearless Fred

    Got to say, I’ve no problem with the glossy screen on either my Macbook or my iMac. Both look nice and clear to me, and even when I’ve been travelling with the Macbook, I’ve had no problem using it in different locations, lighting conditions etc.

    That said, if this will reduce the number of people screaming “give me a matte screen or else!” then I’m for it! ;-)

  • Lucas

    i don’t have an issue with the glossy myself but I do know that on some boards, very vocal folks are screaming. this should shut them up

    of course they will now scream that they have to custom order it and pay more. but that is not a shock. apple doesn’t actually believe the matte is THAT important to put it in stores (based on previous sales numbers) and bought fewer screens so they didn’t get the discounts they would have. folks should be lucky it is only $50

  • Alan

    £40 in the UK.

    What exchange rate are they using?

    Why don’t they just make all the prices the same as US dollars and give us one last massive poke in the eye..

    • http://www.snubcommunications.com Craig Grannell

      Apple’s ‘internal currency exchange rate’ fell significantly when Sterling got smacked hard earlier this year, bottoming out around $1.35. It’s now around the mid $1.60s, but the markets are still really volatile. If Apple’s charging £40 in the UK, its exchange rate is around $1.47, which isn’t too awful.

      Bear in mind US prices are _sans_ taxes, whereas UK prices are always shown _with_ VAT. The equivalent UK price is therefore £34 at present, assuming Apple’s charging VAT at 15%. (I don’t recall if Apple faffs about with VAT and uses an EU rate on the store or not.)

  • Matt

    It’s about time.

  • alan

    Craig, you’re right i forgot about the taxes (long day).

    I think I was wanting to vent a bit of anger at having to pay £40 in the first place mainly and lost my way. I’m just glad we can get matte as I’ve been waiting to make a new purchase for this very reason…

    cheers man