The Tech Bench

17" MacBook Pro w/ Antiglare Display

Apple has added the antiglare display option to the new 15″ MacBook Pros. Now both the 17″ & 15″ models can get the antiglare (matte) display as a build to order option for an additional $50.

The antiglare option replaces the glossy LED with a matte LED and switches out the glass covering for a MacBook Air style silver bezel.

While the matte option is very welcome to those that prefer a non-glossy screen (myself included) the workaround is more of a step backward then forward. By replacing the black bordered glass with a silver bezel, the MacBook Pro looks more like the original MacBook Pro model than a new unibody.

A non-reflective glass would have preserved the unibody look but may have added too much additional cost.

Carrying both matte and glossy displays must be a headache (added expense and stocking requirements) for Apple. But with some of their most loyal/pro customers preferring the matte finish (better color matching and antiglare) we’ll probably see both of these displays offered until a superior middle ground display comes out.

As far as replacing the screen on an unibody to get the antiglare option, the cost for the new upper section (LED and display bezel) will probably be too high to offer as a standalone upgrade.

However, those who need to replace the upper section due to damage may prefer going with the matte upper section instead.

We use Klear Screen

How do I clean my screen?

We often get asked this question and for good reason. You want to remove finger prints, dust and other grime from your screen but don’t want to damage the finish. What about a Glossy finish? Or how about LED vs. LCD?

While there are many different methods, we use Klear Screen spray and a micro-fiber towel to clean our displays.

A bottle of Klear Screen lasts a long time, has a good consistency (doesn’t drip) and is Ammonia and Alcohol free. A micro-fiber towel is lint free so the result is a nice clean screen. We use this method with both LED and LCDs and matte and glossy finishes.

While it’s true a little water can do the trick, the connivence and consistency of a good screen cleaner is well worth the money.

Rule of thumb is to stay away from glass cleaners. If the display is covered in hair and crumbs (which we see quite often) a little canned-air before hand can reduce the risk of scratching the screen during cleaning.

[ Klear Screen ]