Makeup Mirror iMac in office / lab environments?

[kis]

Hi,

We've replacing an increasing number of older FSC workstations by (white) iMacs and were planning on getting another 60 or so for the larger computer lab we're getting next year.
With the arrival of the MMiM (Makeup Mirror iMac) we're in trouble - I personally think glossy screens can't be used in offices because of ergonomics regulations. Are any of you planning on using the new MMiMs in schools or offices? And if so - how do you justify the problematic screen towards your management?

kis

 

[headhammer]

i currently use the new imac in an office situation, and it isn't an issue. as soon as you turn on the computer or wake it from sleep, the brightness of the screen negates any glossyness. there's been a big hoo-hah about the glossy screen but that's exactly what it is; a hoo-hah.

the screen is only mirror-like when turned off.

 

[kis]

i currently use the new imac in an office situation, and it isn't an issue. as soon as you turn on the computer or wake it from sleep, the brightness of the screen negates any glossyness. there's been a big hoo-hah about the glossy screen but that's exactly what it is; a hoo-hah.

the screen is only mirror-like when turned off.

I personally find the glossy screen dreadful - but Apple doesn't leave me with many options here. I guess it depends on the ceiling lights and other light sources in the room whether the glare bothers you or not. I'm leaning towards going ahead with purchasing the ones I budgeted for this year but some arguments as to why I bought glossy screen computers I could tell the management would be greatly appreciated.

 

[suneohair]

Your ability to deal with the screen does not imply there is no issue for others. Discrediting valid concerns to defend your purchase is rather childish. Your opinion is welcome, however don't make fun of others for having reservations about the new iMac.

i currently use the new imac in an office situation, and it isn't an issue. as soon as you turn on the computer or wake it from sleep, the brightness of the screen negates any glossyness. there's been a big hoo-hah about the glossy screen but that's exactly what it is; a hoo-hah.

the screen is only mirror-like when turned off.

 

[headhammer]

suneohair, please check your inbox.

kis, i'm not trying to "defend my purchase" here, i was trying to help, and i'm sorry if it came across otherwise.
i'm not aware of any erganomic regulations against glossy screens, has your company set up guidelines as to what is erganomically acceptable in your office?

the studio which i work in has white walls and is fairly well-lit, and has floor to ceiling windows along one wall. this does not stop me from working, and the reflections in the glossy screen only approach being an issue when there are large patches of black or very dark colours on screen. i'm not trying to rub your face in what i'm able to do or to say that it's not to your liking, because we're different people. but we now have 4 of the new imacs in our studio that get a fairly heavy daily workout, with no reported headaches or other maladies.

and our studio has more light in it than most.

if this is not a valid argument, then can someone else please step in at this point and save me?

 

[rainydays]

i'm not aware of any erganomic regulations against glossy screens, has your company set up guidelines as to what is erganomically acceptable in your office?

In the EU directive 90/270/EEC they recommend that "The screen shall be free of reflective glare and reflections liable to cause discomfort to the user".

I don't know if there's anything similar in the US. However, in a properly set up office environment I don't think it is a problem.

I personally haven't had any problems with glare, and I have a large bright window right beside my desk. But I suppose that in some environments it could be a problem. The question is what to blame, the screen or the environment?

It sure would make things easier if Apple released a matte version either way.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

Hi,

We've replacing an increasing number of older FSC workstations by (white) iMacs and were planning on getting another 60 or so for the larger computer lab we're getting next year.
With the arrival of the MMiM (Makeup Mirror iMac) we're in trouble - I personally think glossy screens can't be used in offices because of ergonomics regulations. Are any of you planning on using the new MMiMs in schools or offices? And if so - how do you justify the problematic screen towards your management?

kis

Have you used the iMac in a office or lab? What were the results?

I use an iMac at my office, and have not had a problem at all with the screen. What is the condition at your office that is causing the problem? Maybe we can think of a solution.

 

[headhammer]

I don't know if there's anything similar in the US.

neither do i, being in australia

personally, i've found that matte screens are not so great in bright environments either. they go all washed out, and lose contrast. i think bright environments are generally not great, because you're then needing the screen brightness to compete with the ambient brightness, whether they are glossy or matte.

 

[roland.g]

solution: go to Maczone, MacMall, or Amazon and get 60 of the white iMacs at blowout prices.

all the while I will fully enjoy my new 2.8GHz iMac.

 

[kis]

Have you used the iMac in a office or lab? What were the results?

I use an iMac at my office, and have not had a problem at all with the screen. What is the condition at your office that is causing the problem? Maybe we can think of a solution.

I have a 20" in my own office. There's glare from the windows (I have two window fronts in my office, so I can't place it in a way that won't show any reflections from the windows). This situation isn't present in most offices - so I guess placing the mac facing away from the window would take care of that. The (neon) lights mounted on the ceiling are the bigger problem I would guess, because they're present in all offices - not sure what I could do about those.

kis

 

[kis]

In the EU directive 90/270/EEC they recommend that "The screen shall be free of reflective glare and reflections liable to cause discomfort to the user".

We have similar regulations in Switzerland (actually, I bet they're exactly the same as we adopt pretty much everything from the EU). I'll probably have to have someone from workplace regulation come in and look at some typical office setups.

I found a volunteer today - I installed the glossy iMac for a co-worker and he'll be telling me what he thinks after he worked on it for a week.

Seriously - I have nothing against glossy screens as long as there's also a matte version Would make life a lot less complicated right now.

kis

 

[PhatBoyG]

The glare is a real issue, you can see anything behind you without any diffusion whatsoever. You can read text in the mirror whereas with a matte screen you would at least get a diffused light source.

While okay for a dimly lit home, I think the iMac would drive me insane at work.

 

[Gosh]

Time for a vote!

Whoever knows how to do a poll?

Yes, Apple should have offered a Matte option even if only to order.

They obviously need an incentive. Everyone has a price - so $49.99 matte extra cost option - will you take me up on that Apple?

Hello, Apple! Anyone there? Hello! Ello, ello eh, eh eh!

 

[Optimouse^^]

I use glossy at many different locations (MacBook) and I have no problems. I routinely work at computer science labs at universities all over the US. Many of these labs are very bright (having all types of overhead fluorescent light sources). I am not bothered by any glare or reflections at these locations.

Of course, my laptop screen can be moved (i.e. forward/back, left right, etc.) to deal with any reflection issues.

IMHO, this "problem" is grossly overstated. Furthermore, glossy screens appear to be the norm on most laptop hardware, and I suspect the EU's operational definition of "discomfort" does NOT include subtle reflections in a monitor screen.

OM

The glare is a real issue, you can see anything behind you without any diffusion whatsoever. You can read text in the mirror whereas with a matte screen you would at least get a diffused light source.

While okay for a dimly lit home, I think the iMac would drive me insane at work.

 

[Tommy Tallarico]

Your ability to deal with the screen does not imply there is no issue for others. Discrediting valid concerns to defend your purchase is rather childish. Your opinion is welcome, however don't make fun of others for having reservations about the new iMac.

Really strange overreaction here.

 

[Aea]

Really strange overreaction here.

Other then the less-then-subtle jab he has a valid point here. Some people are okay with glossy screens, others aren't. When you're dealing with such a large group of people you are bound to make a few people uncomfortable.

 

[suneohair]

Really strange overreaction here.

When you call peoples concerns a "hoo-hah" i would hardly call my post an overreaction. His post was not informative or helpful. I don't think "hoo-hah" is exactly being objective, I guess I am wrong however.

 

[kis]

IMHO, this "problem" is grossly overstated. Furthermore, glossy screens appear to be the norm on most laptop hardware, and I suspect the EU's operational definition of "discomfort" does NOT include subtle reflections in a monitor screen.

Well, the regulation only aims at monitor screens, that's what it's there for. And the word "subtle" is highly relative
I have a Macbook myself and don't mind its glossy screen at all - the iMacs are in a wholly different dimension glare-wise.

 

[mrgreen4242]

Time for a vote!

Whoever knows how to do a poll?

Yes, Apple should have offered a Matte option even if only to order.

They obviously need an incentive. Everyone has a price - so $49.99 matte extra cost option - will you take me up on that Apple?

Hello, Apple! Anyone there? Hello! Ello, ello eh, eh eh!

Judging by the take apart photos the whole glass cover of the iMac pops right off with a suction cup - it's held there by magnets I think.

If that's the case, it won't take long for a 3rd party to start building a drop on bezel that lacks the glass cover and just has the black bezel and magnets.

In fact, the more I look at the kodawarisan photos, the more I think: 1) why hasn't anyone pulled the panel off and tried it just bare (yes, it'll look ugly, but it's be temporary just to see how it performs, and 2) why someone hasn't already started building replacement front bezels, or non-glossy glass panels for it yet. It can't be THAT difficult of a task for a shop with the right tools already. Shrug.

 

[kis]

In fact, the more I look at the kodawarisan photos, the more I think: 1) why hasn't anyone pulled the panel off and tried it just bare (yes, it'll look ugly, but it's be temporary just to see how it performs, and 2) why someone hasn't already started building replacement front bezels, or non-glossy glass panels for it yet. It can't be THAT difficult of a task for a shop with the right tools already. Shrug.

From what I heard 1) will void your warranty and 2) isn't so easy because there's a gap between the actual monitor and the glass cover. Anything that has some kind of structure on the front (e.g. anti-glare coating) will cast a shadow on the monitor.