new Macs = splitting headache

MacOrNotMac · Feb 4, 2009

just tried out a new MacBook 13". needed to return it after about 3 days due to splitting headache and aching neck and shoulders. thought the solution was an iMac, however, i am still plagued with the same symptoms. this after about 5 days of using the brand new 20" iMac. :Shouting:

i have a terrible feeling that there is something very different about the resolutions, response time, refresh rates, etc... compared with the run of the mill LCD screens. it really seems that i am just not cut out for these flashy LED screens

i never have these awful pains with either a 15" toshiba laptop or 17" Sharp lcd.

does anyone have any thoughts or opinions about this situation. i am sitting here at a pc laptop, trying to recover from the terrible eyestrain and neck/shoulder cramps. :Grimmace:

ouch. help!

Dysfunction · Feb 4, 2009

the panels are really not all that unusual, actually they're probably the same used in other manufacturers. The aching neck and shoulders points more towards ergonomics than the panel refresh rates.

Aptmunich · Feb 4, 2009

MacOrNotMac said:
just tried out a new MacBook 13". needed to return it after about 3 days due to splitting headache and aching neck and shoulders. thought the solution was an iMac, however, i am still plagued with the same symptoms. this after about 5 days of using the brand new 20" iMac.

i have a terrible feeling that there is something very different about the resolutions, response time, refresh rates, etc... compared with the run of the mill LCD screens. it really seems that i am just not cut out for these flashy LED screens i never have these awful pains with either a 15" toshiba laptop or 17" Sharp lcd.

does anyone have any thoughts or opinions about this situation. i am sitting here at a pc laptop, trying to recover from the terrible eyestrain and neck/shoulder cramps. ouch. help!

So get a Mac mini and external display that is height adjustable. Follow these steps and you should be fine:
CUergo: Computer Workstation Ergonomics Guidelines

MarkY · Feb 4, 2009

I got headaches when I first started using my 24" iMac. Then dummy me figured out that the brightness was 100%. Knocked it down to about 45 and haven't had a headache since.

xstep · Feb 4, 2009

I was going to suggest brightness too. The tension from that may likely be causing the other pains.

frazzm737 · Feb 4, 2009

I, too, lowered the brightness somewhat on my new iMac, but I would think the problem probably occurs because of incorrect posture and placement of the machine.

cwa107 · Feb 4, 2009

You also have to consider that getting a new computer can be like getting new glasses. It takes time for your eyes to adjust, and also to find a good, comfortable position to use it in. Sometimes just a few days is not enough.

oakie · Feb 5, 2009

or you may want to get tested for meningitis.

True Bassist · Feb 5, 2009

hahaha...I'm sorry, my lecture class now thinks I'm a complete idiot.

scathe · Feb 5, 2009

I have to agree with the brightness, I have MBP and I can't stand the brightness at full, just too much

well, not when I'm outside, then I'm glad it's bright

MacOrNotMac · Feb 5, 2009

while there have been lots of suggestions re: brightness, adjusting that hasn't resolved the problem.

as well, while i do understand that a new computer and monitor can take a while to get used to, i can't really handle having my splitting headache and shoulder pains for days. i use my computer several hours a day for reading, writing, etc... and that just wouldn't be feasible.

also, the posture issue is something to consider, but i am very comfortable when sitting in front of my usual 17" LCD. these pains never existed before!

any other ideas or input would be helpful! thanks.

Aptmunich · Feb 6, 2009

MacOrNotMac said:
while there have been lots of suggestions re: brightness, adjusting that hasn't resolved the problem.

as well, while i do understand that a new computer and monitor can take a while to get used to, i can't really handle having my splitting headache and shoulder pains for days. i use my computer several hours a day for reading, writing, etc... and that just wouldn't be feasible.

also, the posture issue is something to consider, but i am very comfortable when sitting in front of my usual 17" LCD. these pains never existed before!

any other ideas or input would be helpful! thanks.

Well, figure out what's changed. Is the screen now higher / lower / brighter / darker? Is the external keyboard different? Try booting into Windows, perhaps the font smoothing is annoying you...