Eye Strain question for X200 and T410s VS Macbook Pro

I have a fairly new Macbook Pro that comes with the glossy 15" screen and while I love my Macbook Pro's display it seems like it has been giving me severe eye strain and severe headaches (migraines). I did not used to get them before but have noticed that the more time I spend online the more severe that they get.

What I am wondering is if the displays on the X200 X200s and T410s are any different compared to the Macbook Pro's 15' Glossy Display for eye strain? Does anyone here get eye strain from their screens? Are the Think Pad screens better for not causing eye strain compared to the screens on the Macbook Pro?

Appreciate all comments..

 

I just went from a glossy CFFL HP Pavilion to the x200's LED backlit display and so far I'm liking it a lot. I even have mine running at 50hz all the time and don't have have any problems with eye strain.

However, I didn't really any problems with the HP screen either. The LED screen is much brighter, maybe you should turn down the level on your MBP? I run the LED screen 3 levels below brightness all the time, it's really bright other wise.

 

My screen brightness is pretty much all the way down sitting at just 1 notch at home and about half way during the day time. Have played with settings several times trying to get less eye strain. Was thinking maybe the Thinkpads had better screens for less eye strain

 

OK well I have to inform you that recently I bought a lenovo T400 with a LED screen and I cannot use it for longer than 10 min. Luckily it's for a co-worker and never really use it. It seems that some people are sensitive to LED technology as it actually flickers when turning down brightness. Not too sure but it seems Lenovo uses a fairly bad LED = cheap screen and it has something to do with frequency. Glossy LED screens are even worse. In your case you may just have eyes that get strained by glossy screens. To find out you would have to use a LED matte screen and see how you go. There should still be a few X200 series with the older CCFL screens... that is what I am looking at now ..

 

Personally I get more eye strain from glossy displays, so the matte LED displays of the X200 and T410s may be better for you.

Also, the X200 tablet has a very nice AFFS+ display, which is not only very bright, but also has very good viewing angles for great readability. Obviously, though, it is more expensive.

 

I don't have any flickering problems with my LED and I also don't wear glasses or contacts. What I am wondering is if it is from the glass screen which creates the gloss or the led its self. The Thinkpads have no glossy screens with glass on them but do come with led screens.

 

You would never notice the flickering but the retina of your eyes will. I have perfect eyesight. I went for an eye test when I was getting strain and it was all OK. I also do not get any strain on a CCFL screen Toshiba laptop I am using... but the matte LED gives me same eye strain as a glossy LED screen or a normal glossy screen. You will just need to try out what works and what doesn't. I think I read there is a 13 inch macbook Pro now with a matte screen option

 

Have you been diagnosed with a definitive clinical reason why you are having these problems? Without even that starting point, there is no way to know if you will get headaches unless you actually try it out.

For something as serious as migraines you really don't have many options other than trying to see similar models (perhaps through a workmate?) or buying one and being prepared to return it or to have to resell it.

If you really want to cut the potential money loss, you should purchase a bare bones used model with the monitor you are trying to spec. Get it from ebay and try to find a decent deal. When you are done testing it you can resell it, probably at the same cost or at a small loss. Used items don't lose value over just a few weeks.

Once you have found this out you will have an answer as to whether you can buy one.

 

CCFL backlight also uses PWM, which makes it flicker when running at lower-than-maximum brightness.

 

There are also aftermarket outfits that will swap out your glossy MBP 15" screen for their custom matte screen. Haven't read any reviews on them, but here's the link:

http://techrestore.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18467&cat=0&page=1

 

I went out and bought one of those screen covers which is supposed to be anti-glare for 1280 NT here in Taipei. Will have to wait a couple of days and report back on whether or not I find it useful

 

That sounds pretty good. May look into it when I am back in California.

 

How to check if your X200 is equipped with LED screen? I bought mine around May/June 2009. Possible to see in Device Manager?

 

you can check your model number in the Lenovo Tabook ... that will tell you. Also if it really bright then it's probably LED. Then again not all LED screens give headaches, also has to do with the frequency range. There is a Thread on it somewhere, but just google "eyestrain LED screen" and you will find plenty. Yes CFFL also flickers but it is different in frequency range. For me it is really clear but hey ... maybe the new screens will be better. Though only 5% is sensitive to LED maybe more so noone will take any notice

 

Hi,

Can anybody who has a T410s confirm whether the flicker problem has been solved or not? (problem: lower than max brightness producing faint flicker)

I am considering buying one, but this might be a show-stopper.

Thanks!

 

The LED backlighting typically flickers usually at 200Hz in LCD monitors, and from waving my fingers in front of the screen I'm estimating that this is also true for my T410s. This does not cause eye strain in humans, at least not any additional eye strain over than what you get from looking at a nearby backlight hight-contrast pattern.

 

I have been quite happy with the anti-glare screen cover that I got. It has made a difference on my eyes as far as eye strain is concerned. There is definitely less eye strain after I had the screen cover placed on my Macbook Pro.


I will update on eye-strain once I get my X201s in about a week or so.