Although Microsoft’s new Surface has a lower resolution screen than the Retina display on the new iPad, Microsoft engineer Steve Bathiche argues that the Surface still offers a superior picture quality because of “ClearType” display technology. According to Bathiche, Microsoft’s ClearType maximizes the “perceived resolution” of the 1,366 by 768 pixel display found on the new surface. His comments were made in a Q&A session on Reddit this week.
Bathiche said the following regarding the matter:
The amount of light in a room and the reflections of the screen have a huge effect on the contrast of the display. In fact, a small amount of reflection can greatly reduce contrast and thus the perceived resolution of the display.
With ClearType Display technology, we took a 3 pronged approach to maximize that perceived resolution and optimize for battery life, weight, and thickness.
With ClearType Display technology, we took a 3 pronged approach to maximize that perceived resolution and optimize for battery life, weight, and thickness.
It should be noted that Bathiche did seem to “struggle” for an answer when asked why Microsoft decided to offer a higher resolution display with the forthcoming Intel-based Windows Pro Surface. He responded by saying that the extra screen real estate with the Surface Pro might help in office presentations.
Upon its release in March, the Retina display on the new iPad has been claimed to be a major improvement from the previous iteration of the device while also being given the crown as being the highest quality screen available on a mobile device. In addition to offering an increased resolution, Raymond Soneira, a display expert with DisplayMate said that the iPad Retina display offers state of the art sharpness and color saturation. We’ll find out if Bathiche’s statements are true or fictitious when benchmarks start rolling in for the Surface in the near future.
Source: Reddit via CNET
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