Skip to main content

Mac > News

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 TechRestore offers matte solution for shiny unibody Apple MacBook Pro

TechRestore also installs a custom black bezel that matches the finish of the MacBook Pro

Macworld staff

  • Email to a friend
  • Print this article
  • Bookmark this page
  • RSS feed

US company TechRestore has begun offering a matte finish screen replacement service for the 15-inch unibody Apple MacBook Pro.

Apple have received criticism from many who have complained that the glossy screens found on newer MacBook’s are less readable then matte ones, found on older Macs, especially in sunlight.

Question of the day!

Mark Hattersley
Editor in Chief

Do you share your creations online?

Question of the day!

Do you share your creations online?

% of Macworld readers agree with you

Yes
TBC
No
TBC

What do you create and how do you share it?

124 characters remaining

Follow the conversation at @TabletChat

paintings & illustrations, mostly, which i upload to flickr.RT @fragmentedm

I draw manga/anime characters. I also do graphic design and photography.RT @spialelo

Yes. I usually put them up on my #deviantart account for feedback on how to improve.RT @spialelo

In a FAQ on the TechRestore website the process is explained.

“In order to replace the super-shiny screen with a traditional matte (anti-glare) screen, we remove the glass screen cover (you know, that mirror-like glass you have been seeing your reflection in), then we remove the glossy LCD (LED backlight) screen. We then replace the glossy screen with a matte-finish screen that has the exact same specifications as the original; same resolution, same colour depth, same LED backlight...you get the idea.”

TechRestore also installs a custom black bezel around the edge of the screen that matches the finish of the MacBook Pro.

The bezel has all the required holes in it for the iSight and other items that sit at the top of the MacBook Pro screen housing.

In the US the service costs $199, which includes a 24-hour turnaround installation of a new replacement LCD screen, free return shipping and a 1-year warranty on parts and labour.

"Many of our customers have requested a non-glossy screen option to reduce the glare and reflection of the standard MacBook Pro Unibody screen", said Shannon Jean, Founder and President of TechRestore.

"We love the new MacBook Pro systems and we're thrilled to be able to offer this new service option."

Macworld February on sale now! Get the lowdown on the NEW 17-inch unibody MacBook Pro! PLUS there's a FREE copy of Carrara 5 Pro for every reader! For more information click here.

Email A Friend

Email this article to a friend or colleague:



PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.

<<prev article | back to news index | next article>>

Comments received


FM said on Mon, 19 Jan 2009

I love TechRestore - they think of Mac users even when Apple don't.

Gerard said on Mon, 19 Jan 2009

Tech Restore was showing this at Macworld. It was an amazing service for what seems to be an amazing price, considering all the work and parts that are needed. Tech Restore says they use the same part number LCD as Apple does.

I looked at a the glossy and matte screens at Tech Restore's booth, and they both appeared to have equal brightness, unlike the glossy and matte 17" macs offered by Apple that were on display at the show.

There is one downside, though. Apple reps--who seemed rather flummoxed when I pointed out the Tech Restore matte 15" computers looked better compared to the Apple glossy 15" than the 17" Apple matte did compared to the Apple 17" glossy, they claimed that Tech Restore's service voids the Apple Warranty. Even so, I'm still really impressed by Tech Restore's offering. If I had a 15" glossy, I'd be pretty tempted. I hate reflections :(

Keith Dixon said on Wed, 21 Jan 2009

Wonderful News! I've just had three people scrabbling to get the last 15in MacBook Pro's locally available because of the appalling glare / reflectivity of the new screens. How Apple could impose this upon laptop users is beyond belief; for so often they are used in situations where one has no control over lighting - e.g. airports, hotspots. Maybe different at home, with an iMac; but even then the reflective screen is a turn-off.

I wonder if the color accuracy is improved relative to the Apple LED screens? I doubt it; but this is a HUGE improvement and will command my $200 when I get a new MacBook Pro - no messing!

Disclaimer
Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Macworld. Macworld accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content.
Click here to read the house rules.

Click here for the latest reader comments

Latest News


More news...