As strong a suspicion as I had that this was on the cards, I was hoping that Apple would be a little kinder toward the matte variety of displays and at least let the existing ones live on, even as these newfangled glossy ones permeated through the entire lineup.
But it wasn’t to be and as we stand here in communion today, we mourn the loss of the Apple 23-inch Cinema Display, one of the last members of the endangered matte species of displays. It was put to rest recently without much fanfare. All that remains on Earth to remind us of its illustrious past are a few refurbished units available on the Special Deals section of the Apple Online Store and an entry in the main store with a small mention that shipping has now been discontinued.
The 20-inch and 30-inch Apple Cinema Displays and the 17-inch MacBook Pro are now the only remnants still hanging on to that matte display, but things are not looking very good for them either.
That said, being an optimist, I expect to see Apple release updated versions of the 17-inch MacBook Pro and 30-inch Apple cinema display in January, both taking design cues from the newly released MacBooks and LED Cinema Display respectively, while still retaining the matte display. I don’t expect the 20-incher to make the cut.
Either that or Apple will just hammer the final nail in the matte display coffin and move the entire lineup to the look-I-double-as-a-mirror-too glossy display generation. Either way, it’s not exactly going to be a rosy future for matte aficionados, specially those with small wallets.
So, what’s your take on this development?
I hope Apple makes the smart move and holds onto the matte display for these screens, as professionals probably don't want to be staring back at themselves while working. Try as they might, glossy displays just don't work under every lighting condition.
I just don't understand Apple's "screw you" attitude about this whole matte vs. glossy. I understand it's easier to deal with one option as opposed to two. Loyalty is apparently a waste of time.
Steve Jobs likes look at himself. I guess that's why he's turning all displays into glossy reflective surface.
Vampires don't mind...they don't reflect anyway... ha, ha.