I need a new laptop, but they all have glossy screens....

[FungiJus]

Hi All - I posted some months ago requesting advice on an entry-level DSLR and received a whole load of good info. I know that all the contributors will be waiting with baited breath to know what I went for , but I wanted to post some images taken with the chosen machine to demonstrate its capability and allow everyone to assess the suitability of the camera I ended up with.

I still owe you all the courtesy of that post against the original thread, but there's a problem. I am currently using my company's laptop - have done for years - but the images from the new camera are too big to open with the generic software (MS photo editor), and subsequently not possible to re-size for posting onto WAB, without taking a screen dump of the image viewed through MS picture and fax viewer and then saving that as a new image. All very ameteur I'm sure you'll agree, and I'm not convinced is the best way to show off the new camera's capability.

I don't have the rights to upload any other software to the laptop, so, for this and a number of other reasons I wanted to go for a new laptop.

Iv'e just been to a well known Personal Computer shop (a World, actually ) and noticed that all of the machines, with one out-of-price-range exception have glossy screens. I know that a laptop screen will never be as good as a dedicated screen (have just read a thread from a year or so back on entry-level screens), but was alarmed by the reflections from the glossy screens, and the impact this would have on viewing images.


So, in short, what is the consensus on screen types - am I right to be concerned about the reflections from glossy (versus matt) for the purposes of viewing my images?

Sorry for writing such a tome, but any help, as always, gratefully recieved.

Cheers,
J.

[Meta menardi]

Were any of the 'puters touch screen models. I have a touch screen monitor, and it is very glossy. I have it sited carefully so as not to get reflections, and the glossy seems to boost contrast quite a bit. I love it, but a portable could be a problem, you do want to use where and when you find yourself.

I did find it rather disconcerting when a fly landed on the screen and dragged out a window as it zipped over the screen. This actually did happen, not just a silly comment.

[Tringa]

It seems glossy screens are more common now on laptops than a few years ago.

I have one, which I don't use for photo work, with a glossy screen and I don't even like it for normal work, but I'm sure many folks are happy with them.

Do you definitely need/want a laptop? Desktops are much better value and you can choose any monitor.

Dave

[Lancashire Lad]

Pound for Pound costwise, you'd generally get a better specification of desktop than laptop, but you have the trade off of needing enough space to keep it permanently set up.

I initially got my laptop in order to give the best of both worlds, as it would allow portability if needed. - But to be honest, I've never used it away from this desk, and a normal PC would have probably been a better buy.

I eventually realised that I prefer a large monitor for photo editing purposes and actually now keep the laptop on a small shelf under the desk. - Connected to a 24" flatscreen monitor on the desk, with typing etc. being done via a wireless keyboard & mouse.

You will have a far wider choice of monitor suitability, by going down the PC/separate monitor or laptop/separate monitor route.

(I have to agree with you - I don't like those glossy screens at all).

Regards,
Mike.

[NickCantle]

Both my Mum, Stepdad & I use Mac laptops all with glossy screens. My Mum does lots of graphic design and editing, and I edit and view all images on WAB, my image library on the web on my lappy and I can only say that the gloss seems to add to the images. There's a crappy matt monitor on a PC at work, and I've been on WAB on it- In my opinion, it looks rubbish.

Nick

[rogpow]

I'm with you, Nick.
I just LOVE the glossy LED-backlit display on my macbook pro. Photos and video look so much better than on the matt screens on the desktop pc and laptop I used to use.

Rog

[BillyPilgrim]

I delibrately chose a laptop with a non-glossy screen a few years ago because I was concerned about reflections. After a couple of years the screen failed so I fitted a new one but I could only get hold of the glossy type.

I much prefer it now. Reflections haven't been a problem at all. Maybe they are in PC World because of all the different light sources?

[FungiJus]

I have to admit that the photos I viewed on the Macs in the shop did look really good - but I'm scared about turning to the white side There simply aren't enough buttons on the mouse for a start...

Seriously though, I use a PC at work, so does the rest of the family (work and school), and we are all likely to use the computer - checking the family emails, booking holidays etc (and sharing info with the kids, WABing, etc.) are all done around the laptop in the kitchen or the lounge, so I feel a laptop is the way to go.

By the sounds of things, I guess (when finances allow), I would need to get a seperate screen to plug into for serious work?

[FungiJus]

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

I delibrately chose a laptop with a non-glossy screen a few years ago because I was concerned about reflections. After a couple of years the screen failed so I fitted a new one but I could only get hold of the glossy type.

I much prefer it now. Reflections haven't been a problem at all. Maybe they are in PC World because of all the different light sources?

That's encourging Billy - and I must admit that the lights in the shop were pretty harsh. Problem I had was that it wasn't just the direct reflection from the lights that I could see - but the stickers on the laptop and even my hands and the keys could be seen refelcted at certain angles.

I guess this could be reduced by viewing at home under much darker conditions?

[FungiJus]

Happy Days - new laptop turns up tomorrow

Went for a Dell 15R and paid extra for the true life (glossy) screen.

Will let you know the results of course - Thanks for your help
J.