University claims Apple's glossy screens may cause injury

[AppleInsider]

An Australian University is warning its faculty and students about some potential adverse health effects of using Apple's notebook and other products with high gloss screens, saying prolonged use could lead to injury if precautionary measures aren't adopted.

The advisory, published a few months ago by Brisbane, Australia-based Queensland University of Technology on its Health and Safety website, specifically addresses Mac users with Apple 'glass' or high gloss monitor screens and urges them to assess the manner in which those products are positioned and used.

"Reflections and glare on high gloss monitor screens and their relation to the angle of the monitor screen, could cause the operator to adopt awkward postures when viewing the monitor screen and using related equipment," the advisory says. "These reflections on the screen can be from internal and external sources such as the overhead lighting and/or position of windows."

Queensland recommends that users of such products conduct an assessment of the area in which those products are to be used to ensure the sources of reflections and glare are eliminated or minimised to reduce the potential for injury. It advises users to close their blinds or window shades and place the glossy displays at a 90 degree angle to any overhead lighting to minimise glare and reflection.

The university even goes as far as to recommend that students and faculty consider not purchasing products with glossy displays. Those who must, however, are urged to consult with a "Facilities Management Lighting engineer to determine if overhead lighting can be modified e.g. tube removed and still provide adequate levels of light to enable reading, writing and screen based equipment work tasks to be performed."

Other recommendations for those who must use glossy displays include adjusting the contrast to a 'low brightness' setting, which the school says will increases readability for users of high gloss monitor screens with a glass surface.

Apple began offering glossy displays as an option on its high-end MacBook Pros a few years ago before making them standard on its redesigned aluminum iMac line (review) in the summer of 2007. While introducing its all-new line of unibody MacBooks (review) and MacBook Pros (review) last fall, the company announced that glossy displays would be the new standard for its notebook lines with no build-to-order option available for downgrading to a matte display.

An early generation MacBook Pro compared to one of the latest models sporting a high gloss display.

Apple's new 24-inch LED-lit Cinema Display (review) also sports a glossy screen.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[lamewing]

I bought a replacement monitor (NEC Opticlear) with a glossy screen last year and I do find myself leaning to the left to avoid glare in the mornings from about 8am to 11am every day I use my computer. My chiropractor has even commented on how I lean to the left...something I did not do in the past.

I don't blame Apple any more than anyone else, but these glossy screens can impact your posture.

If I buy a Macbook Pro 13 inch this summer I will make sure to waste $30.00 on a matte screen "protector". I think it will protect me more than the screen.

[Shunnabunich]

All I can say is: as if they didn't suck hard enough already. Now we've got proof (of sorts).

[cima113]

Pifffft!! So sad... this is what they do at university?! Higher learning my @zz!

[Abster2core]

If anybody can supply peer-reviewed clinical evidence, please…

Now we know a lot of comments about Apples glossy screens are about to flood this site, it wouldn't hurt anybody to look at some of this university's other recommendations before commenting.

They even outline how you should was your hands, how armrests could be harmful and how to find out if the 'seat' pan is suitable for you. http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafe...ely/chairs.jsp

• Health and Safety
• Working Safely at QUT
• Chairs and Sitting Well
• Children on Campus
• Communicable Diseases
• Counter Designs
• Executive Chairs
• First Aid
• Health and Safety Induction
• Health and Safety Reports
• High Gloss Monitors
• Legislation
• Policy
• Reporting an Incident
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Risk Assessment
• Safe Computer Use
• Safe Office Checklist
• SARS
• Sharps Disposal
• Smoking
• Sun Safety
• Template for Health and Safety Roles
• Travel Advice
• Unauthorised Animals on Campus
• WHSOs and WHSRs
• Workplace Harassment
• Lab Safety
• Health and Safety Audit System
• Staying Healthy at Work
• Training
• Rehabilitation
• Workers' Compensation

[physguy]

The only question is why focus on Apple. These screens have been around for quite some time, as has the problems identified. It makes no sense not to issue a general comment. Why focus on any particular manufacturer?

[mechengit]

Apple knows that glossy screen has glaring issues. How do I know? Because they have an anti-glare option for the 17" MacBook Pro. They just don't want to admit the issue because many ignorant consumers like the glossy screen.

[MTO]

Dam people! Stop whining so much. Grow a pair. Only a bunch of pussies will complain about their back hurting because of a shiny computer screen. This school should be putting their resources into more important things then a back ache because someone up there has a vendetta with Apple for not offering matte LCDs.
There are starving children out there, we are destroying our earth..... Nope let's waist money on trying to shame Apple into offering an anti-glair option on their portable computers...
And if you get a back ache that's fine just make one of your girlfriends rub your back.. Thats what their there for.

[LE Studios]

Originally Posted by physguy

The only question is why focus on Apple. These screens have been around for quite some time, as has the problems identified. It makes no sense not to issue a general comment. Why focus on any particular manufacturer?

They mad cause they don't have a iPhone 3G S. In the hood we call them, Haters!

[mechengit]

Originally Posted by physguy

The only question is why focus on Apple. These screens have been around for quite some time, as has the problems identified. It makes no sense not to issue a general comment. Why focus on any particular manufacturer?

First, Apple fans should have much higher standard for Apple compared to other brands. Lowering the bar just to entertain the consumers is not what Apple fans should expect from Apple and Apple fans should be angry about that. Second, you're on an Apple fan site.

[JRoy]

Yes, it would be good if Apple extended the matte screen options to 15 and 13" Macbooks and Apple monitors. Has anyone compared the matte film add-ons to the native matte option on the 17" Mac? If it hasn't happened already, it's time for someone to publish such a comparison on several dimensions (brightness, sharpness, viewing angle, etc.). If a matte film provides a high-quality non-glare display, then we need to know about it.

[solipsism]

Is it just a coincidence that the dean’s brother-in-law sells anti-glare covers for computer monitors?

[broadbean]

OMG, what a bunch of morons... Have they got outlines how to wipe their backsides so as not to strain their backs as well?

[hmurchison]

So in essence it's not the glossy screen that causes damage it's the moron that adapts a non ergonomic position that precedes the damage.

[physguy]

Originally Posted by mechengit

First, Apple fans should have much higher standard for Apple compared to other brands. Lowering the bar just to entertain the consumers is not what Apple fans should expect from Apple and Apple fans should be angry about that. Second, you're on an Apple fan site.

So you're saying the University is an Apple Fan on this Site????

[mechengit]

Originally Posted by MTO

Dam people! Stop whining so much. Grow a pair. Only a bunch of pussies will complain about their back hurting because of a shiny computer screen. This school should be putting their resources into more important things then a back ache because someone up there has a vendetta with Apple for not offering matte LCDs.
There are starving children out there, we are destroying our earth..... Nope let's waist money on trying to shame Apple into offering an anti-glair option on their portable computers...
And if you get a back ache that's fine just make one of your girlfriends rub your back.. Thats what their there for.

No need to shame Apple. Apple already has the anti-glare option ONLY for the 17" Macbook Pro. This goes to show that Apple acknowledges the glaring issue of the glossy screen already and does not want to admit it because bunch of ignorant consumers like the glossy screen.

[mechengit]

Originally Posted by physguy

So you're saying the University is an Apple Fan on this Site????

Nope, all I'm saying is that it is rightful for Appleinsider to report this news and it is reasonable for Apple fans to take serious about the fact that Apple has lowered the bar just to entertain the consumers, especially when Apple obviously acknowledge the glaring issue! Responding to your "why focus on Apple", I don't see why Appleinsider needs to pick on issues from other brand names.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by mechengit

Apple knows that glossy screen has glaring issues. How do I know? Because they have an anti-glare option for the 17" MacBook Pro. They just don't want to admit the issue because many ignorant consumers like the glossy screen.

If the glare was such an issue then why is it only on the 17”. Why is it only an option? Why do customers like it more if it’s such a problem?

Originally Posted by hmurchison

So in essence it's not the glossy screen that causes damage it's the moron that adapts a non ergonomic position that precedes the damage.

Off to a fun week.

[Foo2]

Are matte displays so hard?

[RoboNerd]

Originally Posted by MTO

Dam people! Stop whining so much. Grow a pair. Only a bunch of pussies will complain about their back hurting because of a shiny computer screen. This school should be putting their resources into more important things then a back ache because someone up there has a vendetta with Apple for not offering matte LCDs.
There are starving children out there, we are destroying our earth..... Nope let's waist money on trying to shame Apple into offering an anti-glair option on their portable computers...
And if you get a back ache that's fine just make one of your girlfriends rub your back.. Thats what their there for.

This issue won't go away, no matter how much you try to gloss it over.

//Yes, I was just waiting for an opening to say that.

[Dogcow]

I'm hoping to add "Matte Screens" to the list of things apple has taken away from us only to give back sometime later to huge applause.

[NasserAE]

Where was this study when we had glossy CRT monitors and standard TV sets years back? I even remember using glossy monitor filters at that time. Well, I guess it is a university and somehow they need research funding.

My previous employer IT people were going crazy because employees keep scratching their desktop LCD screen with their fingernails and their pens when they try to point out at things on the screen. LOL.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by mechengit

Nope, all I'm saying is that it is rightful for Appleinsider to report this news and it is reasonable for Apple fans to take serious about the fact that Apple has lowered the bar just to entertain the consumers.

It seems to me that a company should try to give consumers what they want.

[midiac]

I for one, have chosen not to upgrade to any of the new MacBooks, simply because of this issue. . . Firewire went away, and then came back, I'm dearly hoping for the same thing and the matte screen option. TOOO Flippin' Annoying!

[JRoy]

Yes, it would be good if Apple extended the matte screen options to 15 and 13" Macbooks and Apple monitors. Has anyone compared the matte film add-ons to the native matte option on the 17" Mac? If it hasn't happened already, it's time for someone to publish such a comparison on several dimensions (brightness, sharpness, viewing angle, etc.). If a matte film provides a high-quality non-glare display, then we need to know about it.

[sequitur]

Originally Posted by mechengit

. This goes to show that Apple acknowledges the glaring issue of the glossy screen already and does not want to admit it because bunch of ignorant consumers like the glossy screen.

That's a terrible pun, or didn't you mean it like that?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by RoboNerd

This issue won't go away, no matter how much you try to gloss it over.

//Yes, I was just waiting for an opening to say that.

So bad it’s good.

[rnp1]

Because of this data, I'm going around my house and putting wax paper on all the windows and glass on the doors. Next Im going to my car and wax papering those glossy glass windows. The last thing Im gonna do is go to the Apple store and wax paper all that shiny glasss in the front!! Maybe I'll put plastic over my electric plugs so they won't leak AC onto the floor. Boy, this talk of all this work makes me hungry. I think I'll get in my Hummer, fill up the tank and head on over to McDs and get some corn based hi fat food. BS BS BS!!! According to this study, looking out the window will cramp my style! (ALL THE OTHER PUNS POSTED ARE GOOD THOUGH!)

[retroneo]

Well now the iPhone has matte glass, iPresume it will come to the MacBooks and iMacs...

[Maestro64]

This comes form a country, where crocks, and sharks can kill and eat you, more people are stung by jellyfish, where a kangaroo could kick your ass, and more people die in cars because of impact with kangaroo, I think there is more to worry about then whether stupid people know how to adjust their screen to reduce glare..

[sequitur]

Originally Posted by retroneo

Well now the iPhone has matte glass, iPresume it will come to the MacBooks and iMacs...

Don't hold your breath.

[schmidty]

Originally Posted by physguy

The only question is why focus on Apple. These screens have been around for quite some time, as has the problems identified. It makes no sense not to issue a general comment. Why focus on any particular manufacturer?

I can't speak for QUT, or Queensland in general, but in law lectures at Monash University in Melbourne (also in Australia, for those who aren't familiar with our country), the MacBook is the most common laptop. The majority is still Windows based, but Apple is the single most common manufacturer.

The unibody MacBooks are particularly noticeable in terms of reflections on the screens, and this is probably where the problem stood out most.

[KindredMac]

stop the whining already......

If people really hated them that much don't you think the MacBook would be a horrible sales flop?

I've had my glossy MacBook since the first gen was introduced and I have no issues with it whatsoever. I agree with the protection quality of having a glossy screen. I can't stand when people think that they have to actually touch the LCD screen to point out something.

Oh I'm sorry did I say "touch"? I meant to say "push as f#cking hard as possible to cause puddling" on the screen just to show me where they are referring to. I wish my 47" HDTV was glossy. Then I wouldn't have to play "Bat the Cat" every time I'm watching something that has a fast moving object on the screen and my cat thinks she has to dart at the screen and try and scratch at it.

[schmidty]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Queensland recommends that users of such products conduct an assessment of the area in which those products are to be used to ensure the sources of reflections and glare are eliminated or minimised to reduce the potential for injury. It advises users to close their blinds or window shades and place the glossy displays at a 90 degree angle to any overhead lighting to minimise glare and reflection.

Queensland is a state. It's rather misleading for you to write that Queensland makes these recommendations.

It's a bit like attributing a statement made on a UC Berkeley website to California, just because California is part of the university's name.

The proper abbreviation for Queensland University of Technology is the acronym QUT, which is how the university is commonly referred to in Australia.

[macxpress]

Originally Posted by mechengit

Apple knows that glossy screen has glaring issues. How do I know? Because they have an anti-glare option for the 17" MacBook Pro. They just don't want to admit the issue because many ignorant consumers like the glossy screen.

Such an ignorant post....

So I'm ignorant because I happen to like glossy screens? I really don't have issues with glare and I have both a unibody MacBook and a 24" Aluminum iMac. Just because you don't like them, doesn't mean everyone else is a moron for liking them. You need to think outside the box and not just in your own little world.

The fact that Apple sells millions of Macs every quarter with glossy screens tells me that people happen to like them. There is a small crowd (and a very loud one) that doesn't like them. The fact that they voice their opinion very loud makes this crowd bigger than it really is. If there was a problem people wouldn't be buying these products.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Shunnabunich

All I can say is: as if they didn't suck hard enough already. Now we've got proof (of sorts).

......but cause chiropractic subluxations and uneccessary eyestrain?
Should only be allowed on LED screens which the iMAc and MacBook are not.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by retroneo

Well now the iPhone has matte glass, iPresume it will come to the MacBooks and iMacs...

It does?

I am looking at mine right now and I would swear that you are lying.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by macxpress

Such an ignorant post....

So I'm ignorant because I happen to like glossy screens? I really don't have issues with glare and I have both a unibody MacBook and a 24" Aluminum iMac. Just because you don't like them, doesn't mean everyone else is a moron for liking them. You need to think outside the box and not just in your own little world.

The fact that Apple sells millions of Macs every quarter with glossy screens tells me that people happen to like them. There is a small crowd (and a very loud one) that doesn't like them. The fact that they voice their opinion very loud makes this crowd bigger than it really is. If there was a problem people wouldn't be buying these products.

No you're just ignorant because you refuse to acknowledge that Apple now offers matte after everyone said they would not.

[mechengit]

Originally Posted by solipsism

If the glare was such an issue then why is it only on the 17”. Why is it only an option? Why do customers like it more if it’s such a problem?

You ignored the obvious. If there is no glare issue on the glossy screen, why bother providing an anti-glare then?

A large number of consumers, if not most consumers, are ignorant. Period.

Why only on the 17" for the anti-glare option? We need to know that the 17" model is the high-end model. People who tend to buy the 17" are more likely to be more aware and intelligent about the screen quality compared to the mainstream consumers, like most consumers are happy with their 6-bit TN screen.

[mechengit]

Originally Posted by macxpress

Such an ignorant post....

So I'm ignorant because I happen to like glossy screens? I really don't have issues with glare and I have both a unibody MacBook and a 24" Aluminum iMac. Just because you don't like them, doesn't mean everyone else is a moron for liking them. You need to think outside the box and not just in your own little world.

The fact that Apple sells millions of Macs every quarter with glossy screens tells me that people happen to like them. There is a small crowd (and a very loud one) that doesn't like them. The fact that they voice their opinion very loud makes this crowd bigger than it really is. If there was a problem people wouldn't be buying these products.

Yours as well. People who can't acknowledge a problem doesn't mean there is no problem. If you can only make a judgment based on the number of crowds supporting the idea, then you're obviously ignorant.