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Farewell, iMac... at least for now.

Dyne said:
Yep, you can! Odd thing is that, even at the lowest settings, it still appeared really... bright to me? It's hard to describe... it's like the monitor itself was always "burning" my eyes. The small text was more of a nuisance than anything.
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I'll throw in my two cents:

I just got my 27" iMac and I'm a switcher. The text on the screen did "burn" my eyes at well at first. I had to really turn down my brightness till I got used to it. I haven't changed the text size, although it was very hard to read at first but I've gotten used to it now.

Yeah, as dumb as it sounds it does takes a bit to get used to these high quality screens. My eyes are still adjusting to the huge screen and high resolution, but it's getting a lot better. I mean, I'm coming from a 19" cheap LCD screen that was displaying maybe half the resolution and it wasn't nearly as crisp as this one.

It's kinda like when I switch from my prescription glasses to my contact lenses after a while. My glasses aren't as good and when I put on the contacts, my vision improves so much that it gives my brain something of a headache because its just not as used to it. But after a while, your eyes adjust and it works out fine.
 
Spike88 said:
I've got older and weaker eyes as well. So far, I've learned how to configure Font Sizing my Windows XP (now broken) and Windows 7 laptop. Thus, allowing me to see its icons and menus at 125% "from default". How does one change the default font size on Mac OS (Snow Leopard)? I'd like to run larger size fonts on my wife's "on order" iMac box.

thanks.
Click to expand...

You can download something like TinkerTool to help a bit, but not with everything. Luckily, most programs have a way to change font sizes, such as Mail and Safari.

2560x1440 is a bit of a high resolution for only a 27' screen. I bet it looks perfect on the old 30' Apple Cinema Displays.
 
Jakelshark said:
I'll throw in my two cents:

I just got my 27" iMac and I'm a switcher. The text on the screen did "burn" my eyes at well at first. I had to really turn down my brightness till I got used to it. I haven't changed the text size, although it was very hard to read at first but I've gotten used to it now.

Yeah, as dumb as it sounds it does takes a bit to get used to these high quality screens. My eyes are still adjusting to the huge screen and high resolution, but it's getting a lot better. I mean, I'm coming from a 19" cheap LCD screen that was displaying maybe half the resolution and it wasn't nearly as crisp as this one.

It's kinda like when I switch from my prescription glasses to my contact lenses after a while. My glasses aren't as good and when I put on the contacts, my vision improves so much that it gives my brain something of a headache because its just not as used to it. But after a while, your eyes adjust and it works out fine.
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I have a feeling this would be the case with me further down the road as well, but I don't think having to go through temporary eye strain and headaches that feel like minor migraines are a viable solution for me. :) I know exactly what you mean about the glasses/contacts switch though!
 
TinkerTool from what I read.

I mostly just increase font size in the program I'm using. LIke in Safari. command +/-.

You can just right click on the desktop for the viewing option to increase font size on the desktop. Same with Finder.

Google is your friend. (Also not saying this is perfect solutino ok peanut gallery.)
 
Dyne said:
You can download something like TinkerTool to help a bit, but not with everything. Luckily, most programs have a way to change font sizes, such as Mail and Safari.

2560x1440 is a bit of a high resolution for only a 27' screen. I bet it looks perfect on the old 30' Apple Cinema Displays.
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Not really as 2560x1440 is a 16:9 ratio and the 30" ACD's aren't 16:9.
That said, 2560x1600 on those 30" ACD's is a very comfortable resolution, and they look beautiful.
 
plasticphyte said:
Not really as 2560x1440 is a 16:9 ratio and the 30" ACD's aren't 16:9.
That said, 2560x1600 on those 30" ACD's is a very comfortable resolution, and they look beautiful.
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Hmm... maybe I should pick one up before they're all gone! :)

Oh, another thing: the fonts in Windows 7 via Boot Camp at the 2560x1440 resolution were very easy for me to read without any adjustments at all. Of course, the monitor still burned my eyes. :)

Out of curiosity, what is the reason behind that? Same resolution, same monitor, one OS was easier to read.
 
plasticphyte said:
Not really as 2560x1440 is a 16:9 ratio and the 30" ACD's aren't 16:9.
That said, 2560x1600 on those 30" ACD's is a very comfortable resolution, and they look beautiful.
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Having had one for nearly four years, I must agree. And when I turn on Spaces with a 4 x 4 grid, it's like having a TEN FOOT screen.
 
Dyne said:
Yes, that was turned down a while back to only half brightness, with shades running at about half strength, as well. Then I had to knock the brightness back even further. Kind of a shame that the screen started to cause my eyes to strain, and the headaches ensued afterward. :(
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I would second going to an eyesight specialist.
 
Dyne said:
Hmm... maybe I should pick one up before they're all gone! :)

Oh, another thing: the fonts in Windows 7 via Boot Camp at the 2560x1440 resolution were very easy for me to read without any adjustments at all. Of course, the monitor still burned my eyes. :)

Out of curiosity, what is the reason behind that? Same resolution, same monitor, one OS was easier to read.
Click to expand...

I know Microsoft recently updated all their fonts for better display on LCD monitors, so it has something to do with how they do their fonts.
 
MorphingDragon said:
I would second going to an eyesight specialist.
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I just went four days ago. There is nothing wrong beyond my normal nearsightedness. My prescription is the exact same it's been for the last six years as well. I just can't adjust to the backlit display; not everyone's eyes are the same. Really, I am not the only person with this issue.
 
Dyne said:
You can download something like TinkerTool to help a bit, but not with everything. Luckily, most programs have a way to change font sizes, such as Mail and Safari..
Click to expand...

Found it at: http://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerTool.html

thanks. If wondering, I will be implementing on my future iMac 21.5" system (when its delivered). Will enlarge icons and other text - where its needed (for my older / weaker eyes).

Thanks for this 3rd party tool.

.
 
I'm in the same boat. I used an iMac in my Audio Engineering classes in college - HORRIBLE experience! I don't know WHY people keep pushing for higher resolutions on everything. When I used to use Windows as my main machine OS, I ALWAYS pumped it to 800x600. It is the only resolution my only working eye has adapted to.

I don't like my MBP 15" for the same reason. The iBook is GREAT in that department though.
 
To the OP: if you're looking for a high-quality monitor with a lower resolution/pixel density, the Dell 2209wa is an awesome 22" IPS display. At 1680x1050, the pixels would be bigger than what you'd see on the iMacs.
 
"It's a combination of the overall brightness and the size of the small fonts on such a high resolution."

I sympathize with your complaint.

This can also become a problem for us older folks with vision that is in decline.

Younger people simply "can't understand", because they "haven't gotten there yet". But many of them will, eventually.

One problem with larger-screen LCD displays is that as pixel density increases (for higher native resolution), pixel size often DEcreases.

This makes text smaller and more difficult for older folks to read. Also, the "anti-aliasing" built into OS X contributes to the problem, and is difficult to "work around" or simply turn OFF completely (actually, it CAN'T be turned off). As someone 60+, I actually prefer the older bitmapped fonts for screen display, such as Geneva and Chicago. Yes, they could be a bit "jaggy" if blown up. But at smaller sizes, they are easier to discern and read for older eyes.

On this old g4 that I'm typing on, I use a Dell 1905FP display. It has a pixel size of .0294".

Typically, 24" displays have a pixel size of .0270.

However, Dell's [now discontinued] 27" Ultrasharp 2709W had a pixel size of .303. Definitely larger, it offered the same resolution as their 24", but with larger pixels. Definitely more usable for old eyes.

Apple has "gone the other direction" from Dell, and they've made the resolution of their 27" display 2560x1440. Lots of resolution but difficult to look at if you're viewing text at native resolution.

There's simply no way around this for older users and the iMac, at least the 27" model.

Suggestions:

Have you given any consideration to buying one of the refurbished 24" iMacs? They are much easier on the eyes.

I concur with your thoughts about going to the Mac Mini, which will give you a choice of displays. I would look for either a 27" display with .303 pixel size (if they still can be found), or perhaps one of the Dell Ultrasharp 2209wa displays, which has a pixel size of .0282. Not quite as "upfront" as a 19" display, but not that far off, either.
 
Could it also have something to do with over saturation? I heard somewhere that Apple cranks up the colors to make the monitor look more alive and beautiful with bright vibrant color, but that such harsh colors can strain the eyes?

I hear thats why many graphics designers wont use the Imac, because it don't display the colors right?
 
I'm one of the older guys whose eyes aren't as good as they used to be. My solution to the tiny type is to change the screen resolution to 1920 x 1080.

Then in Safari Preferences/Advanced I changed "Never use font size smaller than" to 16. This only applies to web pages.

Also in "customize toolbar" drag the icon that looks loke 2 capital letter A's (one bigger than the other) onto the toolbar. When you click on the big one it makes the text on that web page larger & vice versa.

I hope this helps someone.

Keysmark
 
I believe I have read the LED backlighting could have something to do with this as well. My eyes feel worked after I use my new iMac, and I'm only 29. I can work on a CCFL monitor for an entire day and feel fine.
 
TennisandMusic said:
I believe I have read the LED backlighting could have something to do with this as well. My eyes feel worked after I use my new iMac, and I'm only 29. I can work on a CCFL monitor for an entire day and feel fine.
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Yeah, I'm only 29 too and having that issue.
 
I'm in the same situation as other "old eye" folks as well. I've tried Tinker Tool (minimum font size at 18 pts) and even tried a lower res screen setting (which creates blured fonts). Still. I cannot find a "one button fixes it all" solution on my new iMac 21.5". Is Apple going to create a Mac OS x "update" for us soon? re: Create a simple "use large fonts" button like Win xx systems have today? For those of you who don't know, Win xx has a Control Panal - Screen "use large fonts" selection and all Fonts and "menus" are instantly larger size. No fussing with individual applications or 3rd party programs (like TinkerTool). Simply select one option and all items are larger - on same high quality screen resolution...

I bet the iMac 27" system folks would love a "one selection" makes all fonts and menus larger ability as well. Thus, reduction of eye strain and headaches. Adn, allow much more "comfort reading" - without having one's face a few inches from the higher resoltion / tigher DPI screens....

.
 
Fishrrman said:
"It's a combination of the overall brightness and the size of the small fonts on such a high resolution."

I sympathize with your complaint.

This can also become a problem for us older folks with vision that is in decline.

Younger people simply "can't understand", because they "haven't gotten there yet". But many of them will, eventually.

One problem with larger-screen LCD displays is that as pixel density increases (for higher native
I concur with your thoughts about going to the Mac Mini, which will give you a choice of displays. I would look for either a 27" display with .303 pixel size (if they still can be found), or perhaps one of the Dell Ultrasharp 2209wa displays, which has a pixel size of .0282. Not quite as "upfront" as a 19" display, but not that far off, either.
Click to expand...

Very thoughtful response fisherman.
I was ready to pull the trigger on a 21.5 for the wife who is quite visually sensitve, but now I may look elsewhere.
 
I just didn't like the size of the screen. I prefer no more than 24" for my computer displays. It's a comfortable size on desk and plenty of real estate.
 
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