Need help switching back to Mac

[Jason Edwards]

Hey guys,

I need help with a decision. Last January I purchased my first Mac. It was the 24" iMac and I loved it. However, I ended up selling it about 3 months later because the screen was giving me really bad headaches. I tried everything I could find from changing fonts, resolution, applications, location and even a visit to my eye doctor. Nothing seemed to work so I gave up and sold it. Its unbelievable the resell value of these things.

However, I really fell in love with OSX and I really want to give it another try. Recently when speaking with a friend of mine he told me he thought that the 20" had more control over the brightness, which is what I think the problem was with the 24". Does anyone know if this is true or not. I thought about getting a mini, but would rather have the iMac. I would have to buy a monitor anyways as the one I have now I will continue to use with my Vista PC.

I convinced my wife to let me try switching, spent 2000+ on the iMac and then sold it a couple of months later. Its going to be a hard sell convincing her to agree to letting me purchase another one, but I really want to.

So, does anyone know if the 20" is any easier on the eyes than the 24" ? Again, my friend told me he thought they were different monitors and the brightness adjustment on the 20" worked better.

Thanks
Jason

 

[Ladybug]

Hey guys,

So, does anyone know if the 20" is any easier on the eyes than the 24" ? Again, my friend told me he thought they were different monitors and the brightness adjustment on the 20" worked better.

Thanks
Jason

I haven't heard or read of that Jason. However there is a difference in the screens, the 20" has cheaper panel as I understand it, whereas the 24" is of higher quality.

When you had your iMac, had you tried calibrating the screen before you got rid of it? Adjusting the gamma, etc?

I'd suggest before you give up on the next one, if you get another iMac that is, for you to calibrate your screen. I too thought my screen was a bit bright when I got it, but after calibration and setting the gamma, turning down the brightness its just great.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

[vansouza]

Are you close to an Apple store or a Best Buy? You might profit from a visit and finding out for your self. And did you have a headache or a neck ache? I adjusted my chair and the pain vanished. Good luck!!!

 

[Jason Edwards]

Thanks Ladybug and Vansouza,

It wasn't my neck. If was definitely my eyes and head that were hurting. And I did go by my local Apple store today to check things out. When talking with some of the folks at Apple they pretty much told me the same things you did....the monitor being better in the 24" and not being able to adjust the 20" anymore than you can the 24". Of course they also told me they have never heard of anyone complaining about their eyes hurting or that the screen is too bright. I was thinking to myself they obviously never visit any forums as it is brought up occasionally.

Anyways, I did order another 24" today. If this one gives me problems I will do as you guys suggest and calibrate it and adjust the gamma. I dont remember if I adjusted the gamma in my other one but have been told to do so by others on some different forums. My computer room is not the brightest and they suggested I get some better lighting in there to help offset the screen. Does this sound right ? How about distance. The Apple guys also suggested moving the screen back some. They suggested that maybe my eyes were having to move too much to read the screen as I did sit pretty close to my other one. I'll try re-arranging my desk to get the iMac to sit back further.

Anyways, I appreciate the help and I really hope I can find a solution if I encounter the same problem. I have been using Windows since the beginning and all it took was 3 months of using OSX to make me want to jump ship.

Have a great day
Jason

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

Third party app to lower brightness

You can also look in to third party apps that add greater brightness control.

There were a bunch of links in the threads originally complaining about the 24'' monitor issues when the latest iMacs came out. I think Windowshade might be the name of one of the programs? I'm sure there are others who will chime in.

Regardless, good luck!

 

[Action Bastard]

You could always try some sunglasses

 

[nakile]

I think the problem is that you're simply too close to the screen. Your eyes have to move around quite a bit. Try moving back.

 

[iPhil]

Could try this..


it'll control screen 'brightness' for free..

 

[Jason Edwards]

Thanks everyone. I will try moving it back some and will check out some of the apps if I still experience problems. If all else fails, I will get some sunglasses

I'm excited to be giving this another try,
Jason