Dell TrueLife, really that bad?

[blueDepths]

I've been looking to buy a laptop recently, and noticed that most screens in the mid- and high-range segment have got glossy, reflective screens.

I have heard a lot of criticism about these screens, and some pictures I've seen are really horrible, like this one: http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/CDE/_GLARE.JPG

I've checked out a Dell laptop in particular, and I am therefore curious about your own experiences (not hypothetical thoughts) with the "TrueLife" screens.
I will be using the laptop as a stationary thingy, but switch between places. Mostly indoors use, but in well lighted areas. I won't be using it much in dark environments, and I have sun coming in through the windows.

Thanks in advance

[thideras]

Well, it is all personal preference.

The glossy screen IMO looks very good (better than non-glossy), when in dark conditions.

That is the catch, if you have any light behind you, it is very annoying. I sometimes use mine in the car (NOT while driving ;)) and it is un-usable.

[PhysX]

My gf has it, its very nice, seems to add more, but yes, if there is light behind you when your using it, its obviously going to reflect into your eyes.... like a plasma screen tv. reflective.

[denz_1]

Unless your watching movies/ playing games I wouldnt really bother. I had a truelife screen and loved it, if its bright you just have to turn up the brightness on the screen and it cuts out the glare. But if your in the sun all the time, well get the standard screen.
Truelife makes the image look much sharper tho

[nd4spdbh2]

Well, it is all personal preference.

The glossy screen IMO looks very good (better than non-glossy), when in dark conditions.

That is the catch, if you have any light behind you, it is very annoying. I sometimes use mine in the car (NOT while driving ;)) and it is un-usable.

I TODALLY AGREE WITH YOU.... i LOVE glossy screens when in dark conditions.

My 52inch LCD hdtv is a glossy screen and its alright during the day (difinetly alot of glare) but at night MY god it looks so good, the glossy type lcd's will generally have a better contrast and more vibrant colors than the same pannel with a matte or non glossy finish, just due to the fact that the light doesnt get scattered thats emmited from the tv.

[OC101]

Truelife = mirror

You can shave in front of it.

I learned it the hard way. Just ordered a Dell laptop last week. It arrived already. Too much reflection if there is any kind of light source in the room.

[Surfrider77]

I like my glossy screen laptop. As said, you just need to crank up the brightness when in a bright room. The image is spectacular though when in a normal environment. It shines most in DVD playback.