In Germany there are also some kind of workplace regulations that demand as little display-reflexions as possible. But thats rather a guideline than a strict law.

I buy a new MacBook Pro 15 every year. I'm in the hotel business and travel constantly between the 12 hotels I operate. I wear tri-focals and my eyes are very sensitive to glare. After listening to Steve Jobs during his roll out introduction of the MacBook Pro say that the brightness of the screen would overcome any concerns about the glossy finish, I was excited. I went to the Apple Store to type on the new Macbook Pro 15". I love everything about it EXCEPT the glossy screen. It is so reflective you can see you face in the screen image staring back at you. It is almost like a mirror! If its that horrible in the Apple Store where you would expect them to show it off at its best, I can only imagine the eye strain and headaches long usage would cause. Hopefully the MacBook Pro brand manager will correct this misstep and offer a matte screen option to its Pro customers.

I'm amazed.The reputation Apple has for extensive testing,pokeing and prodding of new products,how did this happen? I just can't imagine that not a single engineer decided to do testing outside during lunch on a lovely spring day.Has the mighty giant blinked? Do the PC makers have them so worried that they are begining to make the same mistakes that they have been blasting the PC makers for?I'll give them between now and the first of the year to see how and if they handle this shot to their own foot.

@estreetband: It's classic Apple arrogance - "we know what's best for you, so we're not going to give you a choice."

Meanwhile, I expect it won't be too long before some enterprising soul comes out with a static-cling anti-glare screen protector, similar to what's been available on PDA's for years now.

(Remember you read it here first, in case someone tried to patent the idea!)

Well, it's damn near impossible to offer a matte option on a GLASS SCREEEN! Idiots, IT'S GLASS!! NOT THE CLASSIC LCD MATERIAL. Second of all, I agree that the glass is not ideal, but I understand why is was done. I am a designer and the glass is not great for me, but I'm sure an anti glare film set will be available as it is with the iphone, also made out of glass. I find it phone people use their iphones outside much more than their computers yet no complaints on that glass screen.

Furthermore, Jon, it's funny you call Apple arrogant, though you assume you're the 1st to think about an anti glare film for the screen? Ok, Pot. What some people call arrogance, others call innovation. So were you being innovative or arrogant?

Technology is about being one step ahead. That means trying products and materials out, seeing what works and what doesn't, then refining and saying yes, I know what's best for this company and I hope t works for you. Apple seems to have a simple solution for those that say their products aren't good enough for them. It's "don't buy it".

http://www.powersupportusa.com/products/ef.php?category=mb

Here is that anti-glare film set that Jon invented.

I've been living with my new MacBook Pro for a week now, and I think this is one of those questions along the lines of the howling that happened when Apple dropped "floppy" disk drives out of their computers.

Sure, I can understand the reason that some people might prefer or need Matte finish screens (but seriously, how much "hardware calibrated" are we talking about using a laptop screen for critical color decisions anyway? Aren't ) After having a matte one for a couple of years, I was leaning towards a glossy screen before Apple made the decision for me.

Honestly, the screen is amazing and I haven't had an issue with glare/reflection (it's called tilting the screen a little.) No headaches or eyestrain. Actually, going back to the older machine with the matte screen seems to look a little out of focus now--and everyone who sees the machine just talks about how amazingly bright the screen is. (Of course, I'm not making a living from the color calibration of images on it either.)

IMHO, The bigger fumble is the whole dropping of FIreWire from the MacBook and only having FireWire 800 on the MBP.

I ordered a 2.8 MacBook Pro last Thursday. I heard tons of complaints about the screen. So, I cancelled my order. And decided to look on You Tube and check out some people opening their new machines. Now I've looked at tons of reviews via You Tube and CNet. Wow, for the first time I could see the person (via reflection) on the Apple screen. I still didn't believe it. So, I put some work on USB HD and went to the apple store to use the new machine for myself. Here is the verdict according to me:
-The track pad is cool, I simply used it like my old MBP (I just pretended the mouse button was there), I was impressed with the flexiblity of Pad however. The deal is still on.

-No firewire 400, it sucks but I used to run 400 and 800 at the same time. But I have an expansion slot so I can still do that. For 40 bucks I can get firewire 400. The Deal is still on.

-Glossy Screen, um, Super Glossy Screen. This was like looking at a mirror. I compared it the Glossy screen to that of the $999 Mac Book and the 17 MBP. The reflections were 5 times stronger than the the regular glossy screens. DEAL BREAKER!

Conclusion:

Compare the glossy screen of unibodies to other computers. You'll be able to decide on your own if it will work for you. While I understand Apple's position on the glass, it is too glossy.

So I regretfully, cancelled my order on MBP. I will test and see if a Anti-Glare screen can tame the Super Glare on this monitors. I just ordered one from powersupportusa.com, I'll post my results when I get it and test it.

The bottom line is when I look at my computer. I don't want to see myself!

The new glossy MBP are just too reflective. No scratch that, its SUPER reflective. Its probably great indoors at the right lighting conditions BUT its horrible everywhere else! I have a old CTR glass screen eMac at home and even that did not any horrible reflection because its glass was given anti-glare reflective coating - the MBP/MB however is a different story!

I disagree with the matte screen = floppy disc assessment. The floppy disc was already pretty much useless (people were already producing multi megabyte files then) and had several more viable alternatives (internet, external usb storage, thumb drives etc) the time Apple dropped it but matte screens have definite professional applications that cannot be replaced by a glossy screens.

Here is a white paper by Eizo regarding both kinds of screen. An interesting read.

http://www.eizo.com/support/wp/pdf/wp_07-001.pdf

Honestly you all are whiners. I love Apple and would willingly follow Steve Jobs and Apple until the day I die thats how my devotion to them! The glass screen is INNOVATION and what you all are saying is ARROGANCE! If you don't like the new Apple portable don't buy it you idiots.

http://www.eizo.com/support/wp/pdf/wp_07-001.pdf

Bullshit, this study is obviously made to favor this matte screen manufacturer!

Eizo is a two bit inferior monitor company! In my experience no one uses them. I don't even know the brand. If you want a real monitor check out the new 24 inch ACD!

I have not seen the new MBPs, but work full time video editing on 17" 2.4GHz MBP and MacPro 8 Core. The MacBook has the glossy screen and has been a pleasure to work on. Colors match up with ACD on the MacPro. We also have another MacBook Pro at work with the matte finish, which I do not like to work on, as I find the image to look muddled. When I work, it is usually indoors, even if we have a location shoot, the edit is completed back at the studio. My experience has not shown glare to be a problem. However, as I said, I have not seen the new machines, so I only have my past experience to share.

"Eizo is a two bit inferior monitor company!" . . . might want to research that a little. Eizo has long been known to make some of the best (if not THE best) monitors for graphics editing in the world. Considering they are SUPER expensive ($3000-$5000), I imagine that's why you haven't heard of them.

Apple's laid an egg, big time on this, and all I can say is that I'm very glad I got a Penryn MBP matte, which gives me a couple of years for them to make this right.

What's stopping them from using matte finish glass?

I simply don't get this. But I CANNOT use the new Apple laptops, and I would either have to hack to install OS X on a matte display PC laptop, or else switch platforms.

Agreed, it's seriously distracting and I can't work with it. Boosting the brightness doesn't help when you're working with UIs that are predominantly dark gray or black. It's a shame as they've clearly put a lot of effort into the unibody enclosure and the new trackpad; the keyboard feels great. Perhaps they've forgotten that some people intend to use the machine for things other than playing games or watching movies...

Why can't Apple still offer us a CHOICE of screen? Even their own promo shots of the Macbook show screen glare. I guess I'll buy a previous gen MB-Pro with matte screen and hope matte makes a comeback at Apple in time for my next upgrade. Otherwise I'll probably return to the dark side....

I was SO looking forward to the new launch of MB and MBP in the UK, I had already chosen all the extra memory, screen resolution... just to find out that all new laptops only come with a glossy screen!!!
Yes, I am completely gutted. Macs have always been THE thing to work for graphic design and photography; apart from people wanting to play fancy graphic games, I don't see the glossy screens being of any use.
Like many others I'm sure, I just can't afford working on my pictures and printing a completely different image. I never thought I would think of... buying a PC!
Shame of you Apple!

I received my anti-glare screen today, I will post my results in few days once I can apply to a Super Gloss Mac Book Pro Mirror.

Tara Baum......

Tara Baum=opinionated nimrod.

I liken Tara to Gov. Palin. You should think before you write. This forum is not a place to complain. But to state Facts based on observation and professional use. Not push what we think is cool or not. Everyone has different needs. I was in the studio editing a movie with a producer last night. I am using 2 glossy 24 inch monitors made by HP. I've been using glossy monitors for several years, as when it comes to editing video, they are excellent. However, they are stationary in a studio with no light source pointing at them. Apple's official statement regarding the Glossy screens complaints on the new laptops is "Users can simply move them to a better position". This is a poor way to handle a complaint in my opinon, as Apples are expensive (I own 2 G5s,a Mac Pro, MBP, ibook and a mac-mini. Taking Tara Baum's advice, I bypassed a unibody and picked up a 17" glossy MBP and I'm quite satisfied. The only idiot on this forum is Tara Baum, she is a clear example that even today women like Palin should just shut their pie holes and look pretty, they simply have nothing to add to a converstation.

Glossy laptops can work and have worked for years but Apple should have checked their work against their prior glossy laptops. Anti-glare screens do work, I have one for my iPhone which also uses a glass surface.

None-the-less I'm sure Apple will right the ship in the next revisions, there are more problems than just the glossy screen, it's just the one you see constantly.

I used to use glossy screens. Then my eyes punked out. Glossy screens are simply harder on the eyes. Brighter screens are harder on the eyes. You can't fix eye fatigue from glare with brightness. When I was working, but technically handicapped, my bosses accommodated my disability with a variety of anti-glare filters. Some of them worked very nicely. While Apple is not particularly concerned with the handicapped market, it is probably possible to use their machines, even with visual problems.

Somebody shut this Tara Baum hypocrite up. She's the most arrogant whiner of all. Apple fangirl/boy = blind sheep.

More info here. Somebody discussing their experience with the PhotoDon film. I'd be interested to hear if the PowerSupport one is any different.

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8300945231/m/595004135931

@Be and Omega

Well you can suck it you stupid idiots. Apple knows what is best and you all are just a bunch of whiners. Glossy screens are the future of Macs and nothing any of you can do about it. Professionals are only a small percentage of Apple's customers so you guys don't matter at all any more - sorry but if you don't like it get a Pee Cee.

I really don't understand the glass screen approach. I wish they would make it go away or at least give one an option.

Same here, working way too much on the laptop to have my face looking at me all day, a couple of years ago I switched from PC's, MBP 15 , I think I will keep it till it breaks and stands up to my editing needs, after that if there is still no solutions, I am jumping ships, don't want to,- but my old glossy Toshiba bugged me so much I had to get rid of it.

I love Apple products. I believed Apple would be making the 2.8GHZ chip available along with adding some kind of Blu-ray support and possibly eSATA to the 17-inch MBP. Instead I got no real upgrade to the 17-inch machine and saw some potentially problematic decisions on the 15-inch model, decisions that could carry over to the future 17-inch MacBook Pro. Dropping any FireWire port when video editors need both a camera and an external drive connected simultaneously wasn't a great idea. AVCHD is still an inferior format to HDV and I don't plan on using a P2 or xdcam setup yet. Also the glossy screen only option in tricky light situations for editors and photographers was a mistake that Apple is likely trying to find a solution for as these discussions appear online.

In conclusion I'm delaying any MacBook Pro purchase decisions for now.

OK so today the MacBook Pro 17 -inch has an antiglare screen option, a 2.93GHZ chip option but still only one FireWire port. FireWire 400 has been removed and 3 USB ports are more important than 2 FireWire ports it seems. I also have my doubts about a permanent battery. At least the antiglare screen is being offered.

Well i love tara baum. The explaination PDF was very quite! But Lady, Macs are made for professionals. I know there are alot of users aren't. But you should let those stick with pee-pussy-cee! For those are not professionals! If somebody loves mac, he shall get a professional screen instead, an matte are the best screens ever! I really love the color on matte screen. When i see at a reflection screen on the sellers place, i said to myself, what this a female makeup? lol ahha sorry but i really need a clear screen to see every point and not a brillant one, witch only for easy kickers. So if mac is only made for those unprofessionals, this proveing how much users are dump when working on a mac, sorry

Oh tara, what makes more sensefor you: to be able to see every pint on your body clearly when man looks at your body, or you just wannah shineing arround and showing incurracy? hahaha:)joke, you looks surely good;)

Good design has 2 goals: good looking and good using. Apple completely failed on the usage goal due to the glossy displays.
Should there be no change in the near future I as a professional am forced to turn my back on Apple.

I have had to use a glossy screen for high-end retouching, and the experience was not only frustrating, it was headache inducing. Even in a darkened room, the screen reflected too much of the environment, no matter how much I angled the monitor. There were times that the reflections competed with the image on the screen, adding textures and color shifts that just weren't part of the image. I was constantly shifting my position to be sure that what I was looking at wasn't a reflection and actually needed my attention. I've been doing digital retouching for about 20 years, and I have worked an a number of systems (Scitex, Barco, Macs...). These Mac glossy flat screens are by far the worst for retouching that I have encountered.

The professional arts community has been Apples main support for all these years. I believe that the majority of the people who have complaints with the new monitors are professionals who feel that Apple has spurned their needs while going after a younger crowd - by dangling shiny things in front of their eyes. When I purchased my MacBook Pro I did not go with the latest. I could not justify paying an additional fifty dollars on a top of an already expensive product.
I really don't know what I will do when the time comes to replace my MBP. If Apple were to drop the matte option altogether, then I would be seriously hard pressed to justify spending a premium for a product that wasn't suitable for my needs. Photoshop on a pc is the same as on a Mac.

I have an old matt screen MBP and think that an MBP without the matt screen option is retrograde cheapening the whole product. The gloss screen is simply not as pleasant to use in many senses of the word ... the only thing going for it is that it's supposed to be more environmentally friendly. If they have the matt option on the 17'' it is something to think about for the 15'' isn't it. Living in hope and feeling happy with my classy, matt, 15'' MBP, still with loads of life. We want matt!