Matte finish screen replacement coming for MacBook Air (updated)
One of the issues that I have with the new MacBook Air (besides, its dated processor) is its glossy screen. The new MBA still has the original-MacBook-style plastic-glossy finish with the metal bezel, not the far more reflective glass over a black bezel as seen on the MacBook Pro, according to Marco Arment.
While it's true that the new MBA has foresaken the glass in its display (presumably to save weight and thickness) and it has ditched the black monitor bezel in exchange for the more traditional aluminum bezel -- the screen still has a glossy finish.
Reflective, high-glare screens are horrible for portable machines designed to be outdoors and in sunlight.
If you're not a fan of high-gloss, reflective screens in your notebooks, but covet the new MacBook Air, relief is in sight. TechRestore has announced a new Matte Finish Screen Replacement Service for 11- and 13-inch 2010 MacBook Airs.
Unlike simple anti-glare covers, which can distort images and skew colors, the TechRestore upgrade involves replacing the super glossy, LED backlit LCD with a matte-finish screen that has the exact same specifications as the original; same resolution, same color depth, same LED backlight. We install a custom black bezel around the edge of the screen that matches the look of the unibody MacBook Pro systems and looks, well, pretty awesome.
The overnight MacBook Air matte finish screen replacement service costs $249 for a 24-hour turnaround time. The price includes includes installation of a new replacement LCD screen, free return shipping and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
No word yet on the date that the service will be available, but you can enter your email on the product page to be notified when the service is available.
Update: I asked CEO Shannon Jean about the relative difficulty of replacing the MBA screen he replied:
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It’s much more difficult. The screen is paper thin and it’s not inside a housing like the traditional screens. It’s in layers, it’s insane. I don’t think there’s ever been a screen like this used in a laptop. It’s very similar to a Sony PSP screen, where the LCD panel and backlight are separate pieces.