Comment Glossy for desktops, matte for laptops (Score 1) 663
No matter what the primary use of a laptop is, it should always have a matte display. The matte display allows for increased visibility under various lighting conditions.
For a desktop display, you can go both ways. If the primary use of a display is to render color accurately (i.e for a graphic designer, web designer, digital artist, etc) one should ALWAYS go for the matte display. I have yet to see a professional display with a glossy surface.
If the primary use is any other than the above, go for glossy. It renders more vivid colors, has a higher contrast ratio which makes reading easier on the eyes, and everything looks better.