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A Glossy iMac Is Bad for Your Back, Advisory Says

Research reveals that individuals may adopt unnatural positions while working with a glossy monitor

Jun 15, 2009 13:57 GMT  ·  By
Perfect example of how frustrating an iMac's glossy screen can become, if placed wrong on the user's desk top
   Perfect example of how frustrating an iMac's glossy screen can become, if placed wrong on the user's desk top

An HR advisory from Queensland University of Technology claims that “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.” Apple is known to be a big fan of glossy screens. All MacBooks but the 17-inch Pro bear one.

So, the question is obvious: are Apple’s computers (including the newer iMacs) really not all that healthy for us? The advisory in question continues to stress that, “These reflections on the screen can be from internal and external sources such as the overhead lighting and/or position of windows.” “Awkward postures adopted by the operator may in turn lead to an injury,” the Queensland University of Technology concludes.

As means of protection in case of injuries, “Users of the high gloss monitor screens should conduct an assessment of the area where the monitor is to be placed on the desk top and ensure the sources of reflections and glare are eliminated or minimised to reduce the potential for injury...”

The document then outlines some key methods of avoiding misuse of glossy screens, in case the respective monitor and other screen-based equipment are being used frequently during the day. Those include:

– Place the monitor so that the high gloss screen is at 90 degree angle to the overhead lighting to minimise glare and reflection; and/or adjust the tilt of the monitor screen slightly so that the reflections from both internal and external sources are minimised.

– Close venetian blinds or lower screens to reduce glare and reflections from windows.

– Adjust the contrast. A ‘low brightness’ setting on the high gloss monitor screen in combination with the glass increases the readability for the user.

– Consider positioning of the high gloss monitor on another section of the desk top, which is not affected by reflections and/or glare.

– Consider the purchase of other types of monitors, which are not high gloss.

How do you feel about your Mac’s glossy screen?