New MacBook Screen Concerns: Too Glossy or Too Glassy

I recently switched from a CP laptop to a new MacBook, the MacBook version that came out in October.

I did a ton of research into the MacBook before buying it. Was there enough hard drive space? Was there enough RAM?

Interestingly, the biggest complaint of the new MacBook was about its screen; the old edition was "matte" and the new version's screen was "gloss."

Some critics called the gloss "glass." I read many complaints about how shiny the screen was, about how you could use it as a mirror and about how you had to reposition the screen in certain light to avoid glare.

After reading about these concerns, I had to decide for myself. First, I went to the Apple Store to test drive the MacBook. I loved the construction, but I was already sold on that. What about its gloss screen?

In the store, I didn't detect an annoying amount of glare. Then again, aren't Apple Stores designed to show off the product as positively as possible?

I figured I would take the leap. I bought the MacBook and brought it home, knowing that I had two weeks to return it if I really found the screen to be unsatisfying.

I live in an apartment with a variety of light sources. There is natural light through the windows. There is lamp light. And there is overhead ceiling lighting.

From the first moment I unboxed my new MacBook, I was pleased at how unremarkable the screen gloss was.

I should add here that I'm not a "power user" - I'm not a designer or photographer, beyond the regular photos I take and upload of my kids. For those, the MacBook screen looked great. In fact, colors seemed to pop, and videos were very enjoyable to watch.

My wife has the old, white MacBook with a matte screen, and when comparing them side-by-side, not only was there no negative difference with my screen, I would say my screen was superior.

A few weeks later, I have used the MacBook in all light conditions (except outside or on a plane or in a store like, say, Starbucks). I have found no issues with the gloss screen.

Do I notice my reflection from time to time? Yes, but I would not describe it as prevalent and certainly not as a dealbreaker. Maybe my eyes just got used to the glassy reflection; regardless, it simply isn't an issue for me.

Meanwhile, I like the glass screen more than the matte screen for other reasons - it feels sturdier and I wipe dust off of it (with the supplied cloth) with a lot more confidence.

I would characterize myself as a bit of a neurotic shopper and by no means impulsive. If there were any issues with the screen that made things even minorly annoying, I would not have gone through with the purchase.

On the contrary, I am very happy with my new MacBook - and its gloss screen. I would highly recommend that you check out the laptop for yourself at an Apple Store; you might have a different reaction than I did.

But I will say that the fanboy reaction that the glass screen made the MacBook problematic is overblown. I am quite satisfied.