Matte screen covers - is there such a thing?

manveruppd · 1 Jul 2010 at 16:15

Weird request, I know, but I bought my netbook mainly so I can work outdoors, and the glossy screen makes it completely unusable in sunlight! I thought maybe there are such things as transparent stickers that I could buy and put over my screen, and they'd change it to a matte texture. Is there such a thing, and where could I buy it from?
And if there isn't, anyone with a few hundred grand care to invest in the idea?

neoboy · 1 Jul 2010 at 17:05

I know there are screen covers available out there, but no idea on surface they provide. You may have just stumbled on a million pound idea there

EDIT: Nevermind you're still poor, check out google for "Photodon lcd protective film".

manveruppd · 1 Jul 2010 at 23:10

Bit pricey, and seems I'd have to get it shipped from America, so I'm still open for potential investors!

Amp34 · 1 Jul 2010 at 23:21

Buy a new matte screen and fit it yourself?

Unfortunately there are so few laptops that do matte screens any more, most of those are options only on very expensive machines (high end Vaios and the larger Macbooks). Thing is shiny and highly saturated screens sell more so companies make glossy screens.

It's a massive pain in the behind for those that actually use their laptop away from a desk... Or to create photos or video.

PhillyDee · 1 Jul 2010 at 23:30

Wire wool? Should take off the worst of it . . .

Nah, I would use scotchbrite ultra finishing pads. Very fine stuff.

Disclaimer: The person who wrote this post is slightly daft, completely crazy and has not taken his medication. Please do not attmept to sand your screen without expert guidance

manveruppd · 1 Jul 2010 at 23:44

Oh, they're pretty **** on a desk as well, any light behind you and it turns into a mirror! They just look s****ier on a shop floor so they make them more sellable to imbeciles attracted to shiny things, that's why they make them.

Also with the 16:9 widescreen format. Nice for movies, but try viewing a document on that thing - I can view more lines vertically on my smartphone!

Outpost262 · 2 Jul 2010 at 01:34

Here's an alternative:

http://www.protectionfilms24.com/ar...s-294-x-165,5-mm,-aspect-ratio-169-32654.html

That takes you to the size I was considering but you should see they have all sorts (and can cut to fit). Video (in German) explains it well enough but oversimplifies the air bubble issue. These usually occur around tiny dust specs. In reality you have to go quite slowly and peel the film back a bit to pick off the specs (with a piece of scotch tape) as they become apparent.

It's non destructive. Just remove it if done with it.

Seems a reasonable price to me if it solves the reflectance problem without adding any others. Price includes shipping to the UK.

Having said that, I sat outside today during a sunny evening with a beer and a standard Sony Vaio S. Reflectance wasn't too bad, even with the screen at half power. So much better than some I've seen. Will probably still investigate the film at some stage.

Amp34 · 2 Jul 2010 at 01:39

manveruppd said:
Oh, they're pretty **** on a desk as well, any light behind you and it turns into a mirror! They just look s****ier on a shop floor so they make them more sellable to imbeciles attracted to shiny things, that's why they make them.

Also with the 16:9 widescreen format. Nice for movies, but try viewing a document on that thing - I can view more lines vertically on my smartphone!

Don't get me started on 16x9 screens. My sisters have new VAIOs and both have those screens, both are terrible for it (lovely machines just a shame about the ratio!).