What are the advantages and disadvantages of glossy monitors for photo editing?

Apple is not the only manufacturer who provides the option of glossy monitors. Because you see rows of iMacs in the Apple store with glossy monitors does not mean Apple is the only manufacturer who provides them. Also, not all Apple monitors are glossy.

Pros for Glossy Monitors

• Higher perceived contrast and saturation. This is a two-edged sword. The increase in contrast is wonderful when working on images and just working with applications; however, people viewing your image may have anti-glare displays and they will not see the same saturation and contrast you do.
• Increased perceived sharpness. Again, wonderful when you are working on your images and with your applications, but be aware that anyone using an anti-glare monitor may not see things as razor-sharp as you do.

Cons Against Glossy Monitors

• The obvious problem with glossy monitors is that they reflect whatever objects are in the room. The greater the ambient light, the worse this problem can be.
• As stated above, people with anti-glare displays may not perceive your images as you do.
• Fingerprinting. Any smudges and fingerprinting (and sneezing and cat paw marks) are very obvious on a glossy screen, whereas you can get away with it longer on an anti-glare surface.

Personal Notes

I prefer a glossy monitor for my main working display. I have an anti-glare as my secondary monitor, so I do have a chance to preview the images somewhat as others will see them. These are both Apple displays. Both are color calibrated and I have not been disappointed with either. On my laptops, I have been far more pleased with the glossy display than the anti-glare, primarily because when I show images to others on the laptop, they display to better effect. Many prefer an anti-glare display on a laptop because you cannot control the lighting around where you use one, but I've been pleased with the added perceived brightness and besides, I don't do any final post processing on a laptop.