Glass monitors from Apple seen as potential hazard
updated 03:10 pm EDT, Mon June 15, 2009
Apple monitor safety
Australia's Queensland University of Technology has released health-based recommendations for using high-gloss Apple screens, claiming that reflections can lead to users adopting awkward postures, in turn producing injuries. The report takes a fairly negative stance against the glass found in iMacs, MacBooks and MacBook Pros, and also recommends considering a number of factors that could help alleviate or minimize harm. Injury is only a concern however in cases of intense usage, the university suggests.
Proposed solutions include sitting monitors at angles of 90 degrees in relation to overhead lighting. Further adjustments may help, such as cutting out side-lighting from windows. Brightness levels should be set low to reduce contrast, the university adds, and more drastic tactics may involve moving a desk and lowering or removing overhead lights. Should reflections still cause problems, the ultimate solution is said to be finding a different computer or display.
silly glass
06/15, 03:31pm reply
while I'm not sure about it actually causing injuries, the lack of a matte option is definitely the number one reason I'm still hanging on to my first gen white Intel iMac and MBP.
Kees
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right...
06/15, 03:31pm (1 reply) reply
That would apply to 99% of pc laptops.
dliup
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Not just Apple
06/15, 03:39pm reply
dliup... exactly.
The solution is simple:
Apple should really offer a matte display option.
JeffHarris
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I second that
06/15, 03:58pm reply
Yes, there should be a matte option for ALL Apple machines. I know a few people who are always bothered by the iMac glossy screen, because of overhead lighting. Since most of them cannot reconfigure the entire building's lighting, they'll probably not buy another machine with a glossy display [Hint to Apple: that's a lost sale].
I think people need to voice their complaints loud and clear (i.e. with their wallets), as was the case with the MacBook/Pro FireWire issue. Once they do that, then Apple will have to consider their case.
I'm also holding out on purchasing a MacBookPro because of the display.
shawnde
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tilt your monitor?
06/15, 03:59pm reply
I realized that if I tilted my iMac monitor down that it greatly reduced distracting reflections and glare from my office surroundings. And I also feel like having the monitor pointing slightly down reduces the strain that the backlight's brightness causes when pointed directly at my eyes. But that's just me.
c4rlob
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Mine works fine
06/15, 04:12pm reply
I just bought a 24" Cinema Display, after five years with the lovely older matte 23" Cinema Display. After a few minutes with it, I got used to the difference. The shine doesn't bother me, and I don't think the reflection affects my posture.
Can't you just buy a matte screen cover if you're so worried about the shininess? It's not like you're sitting outside on the lawn with it. Or are you?
It seems to be a slow news day at MacNN.
Mimi-mim
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Doc
06/15, 04:20pm reply
it hurts when I do this...
TomSawyer
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re: I second that
06/15, 05:17pm (1 reply) reply
I do find it surprising that the 17" is the only model offered with a non-glossy option.
ff11
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BS Report
06/15, 05:57pm reply
Nothing unique in report about "Glass" nor "iMac". The hazard reported is about glossy screens. Why report this as an iMac issue?
Who is making (or failing to make) the editorial decisions around here?
ezylstra
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Ow! The monitor attack me
06/15, 06:25pm reply
Lol, glossy/glass puter monitors have been around for more than 20 years, i've used them for 24 years on a daily bases. It's like saying don't stick a fork in your eye when you eat and you'll avoid injury. They pose no injury issues unless your the next candidate for the darwin award. Now please excuse me while I go twitter with my samurai sword...
RiscX
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