Uprading Matte Screen to Glossy

I have seen on the net that there are a few companies that will upgrade your current laptop screen from matte to glossy.

I am thinking about this option with my Acer 8204. I enjoy the benefits that the matte screen bring (little reflection, really nice viewing angles at least in my screens case) however there are obvious draw backs that I am sure everyone is aware of (low brightness levels, inability to use outside).

Really I have two questions with this matter. First is if I do go through with it is that such a thing as a anti reflective coating for glossy screens? I would like some more brightness but don't want to incorporate a whole lot of glare to get it.

Secondily, switching to a glossy screen should in theory save me battery life correct? The GPU and screen brightness are the two main killers of battery life are they not? Since a glossy screen would enable to turn down the brightness levels while working, I should in theory be able to increase battery.

It would be great to hear anyones opinion on this matter. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

One more question, that I actually just happen to think of. Since my laptop didn't come stock with a glossy screen, is there a possibility it won't be as bright even with a glossy screen as another notebook would be that comes stock with a glossy? I was just curious if the backlighting is really different between the two, or is the only difference in the screen coating? Thanks again

 

There are also brighter matte screens - Compal has this and it's an option on Asus and maybe Toshiba as well (?).

Don't know of an anti-reflective coating.

CPU is the main killer of battery life.

I am pretty sure backlighting is different between the two - that is assuming the company is going to change out the screen rather than add a coating to your existing screen.

 

First of all glossy screens is much harder to see outdoors than matte so I don't think you'll gain any advantage there. Even if glossy screens had stronger brightness, reflections outdoors would be unbeareable.

You will not increase battery life by going from matte to glossy. Lets say if there is a tiny difference e.g. matte screen uses 10w where a glossy uses 9w. The saving of 1W will equate to a few minutes at most battery life.

Personally I wouldn't spend $$$ on getting a new screen. They don't come cheap either... If you want longer battery life, get a bigger battery or those multibay battery if your notebook supports it.

This only thing glossy will offer better than matte, is better looking colors and contrast.

Glossy doesn't mean it will be bright. It will vary from panel to panel with some offering higher brightness than others. The SAME applies to matte. It's not the coating that makes it bright...

 

Thanks for the pointer everyone especially ez2remember. Your probably right about switching screens. I did get the matte for a reason . I will most likely go with what I got. I hear that the Hel80 has a very good matte screen with good brightness, however no modular bay for extended battery life. Though a built in tv tuner and finger print reader are nice additions.

With traveling around campus i really need a good battery life, but also something that acts as a good all around machine. 12 and 13's are just too small, 14 would be just right but nothing with modular bay and camera that I know of. So the acer and I are stuck together, there could be worse fates

thanks again everybody.

 

Yeah, I'd have to know how insane the price is before I could say if I thought it'd be worth it. One major thing you might want to think of is that many of the new glossy screens come with that "insert brand name...bright view, clear view...blah blah blah" often have 2 CCFL's instead of one.

 

why? Why? WHY would anyone want a glossy screen?

Companies spent so much on R&D to give us anti-glare CRT's, and now people are willing to pay extra for someone to give them eyestrain and headaches again? What an entirely awful idea. I don't want to see lights, windows, and shadows of co-workers - I want to see what's on the screen!

Glossy screens look bright and shiny in the store, like big stupid iPods - they are a sales gimmick and nothing more. I'm just glad I have a second monitor so I only have to deal with the evil glossiness when I'm mobile.

 

those glossy screens are brighter, maybe only in theory, but I find my e1705's LCD pretty freggin bright.

I generally agree that a matte screen is better,
but unfortunately sometimes you don't have a choice like me with my Inspiron e1705. Matte screen on e1705 has only a WXGA resolution. On 17" lcd that's ridiculous.

I personally don't find glare that bad but I would strongly recommend NOT to "upgrade" to a glossy screen unless you have a good reason.

 

Can anybody explain how to understand if the screen glossy or matte under specifications menu?Cuz most websites dont write much about display settings!

 

mmm.. usually glossy screens are marketed under some special name like TrueBrite, TruLife or something else (depends on the manufacturer). Other screens should be matte unless stated otherwise. Here's a small article in wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-reflective_screen