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underwater
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18 Nov 2017, 4:00 am

I want to buy a stationary computer. I'll use it mainly for text processing, but it's possible I'll use it for some graphic work too.

My biggest issue with computers is the screen, because of sensitive eyes. I've been searching the internet for info on screens that suit me, but I can't find any relevant or reliable information. Anyone else here who is autistic and struggling with computer screens? It's a big problem for me, because it is almost impossible to avoid screen work in the modern world.

So basically I just need a stationary computer with a good screen and possible filters/miscellany that will mitigate vision problems. I want to start using something Linux-based, I saw someone mention Fedora as a good option.

Any tips on what to buy and what to avoid?


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Enigmatic_Oddity
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18 Nov 2017, 4:23 am

You don't really need a specialised monitor if you have sensitive eyes. Most cheap monitors are going to be some variant of LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is fine. You'd really have to go out of your way to get a terrible screen, like go to a pawn shop and scrounge up an old CRT. If you want filters for your vision then you can have that done in software using programs like f.lux, many operating systems will do it natively. Or you can buy glasses instead to do the same thing.



underwater
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18 Nov 2017, 5:22 am

Enigmatic_Oddity wrote:
You don't really need a specialised monitor if you have sensitive eyes. Most cheap monitors are going to be some variant of LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is fine. You'd really have to go out of your way to get a terrible screen, like go to a pawn shop and scrounge up an old CRT. If you want filters for your vision then you can have that done in software using programs like f.lux, many operating systems will do it natively. Or you can buy glasses instead to do the same thing.


Aha. Thanks for the info. Glasses are a bit difficult, because I'm already wearing them, complicated prescription and whatnot.

Filters though is a good idea. What do you mean by operating systems doing it natively? How do I find out which ones do it? Sorry if I'm a bit thick. I used to be more knowledgeable, but that was before kids and illness, and now anything I know is outdated.


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Enigmatic_Oddity
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18 Nov 2017, 9:13 am

I don't use Linux, but a Google search reveals f.lux is available for it.



Trogluddite
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18 Nov 2017, 1:04 pm

^^Been using f.lux on both Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux for quite a while now. It's always been totally reliable on both systems, and has definitely reduced the feeling of the display being too "intense" for my visual processing.

Quote:
operating systems doing it natively?

Pretty much all operating systems these days will let you alter things like the colour balance, contrast etc. of your monitor on a user-by-user basis without needing any additional software. This is very useful if your preferred settings don't suit other people who have to use the same machine. That also applies to "accessibility" features, such as text-to-speech, setting a larger default font size etc. which are intended for people with visual impairments but can be just as useful for some autistic or dyslexic people.

Something else to consider is the lighting you use when you are at your PC. For example, I always have a desk lamp positioned to illuminate the wall behind my monitor, as I find it very overpowering when the screen is a lot brighter than the surroundings in my peripheral vision.

Another consideration is whether to opt for a screen with a glossy finish or matte finish. Glossy screens generally have more contrast, but are more prone to distracting reflections of your surroundings. Personally, I find a matte screen much easier to work with. I prefer the softer contrast, and my depth perception is not too good, which makes discriminating between the screen and reflections more difficult for me.


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underwater
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18 Nov 2017, 4:20 pm

Trogluddite wrote:
^^Been using f.lux on both Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux for quite a while now. It's always been totally reliable on both systems, and has definitely reduced the feeling of the display being too "intense" for my visual processing.

Quote:
operating systems doing it natively?

Pretty much all operating systems these days will let you alter things like the colour balance, contrast etc. of your monitor on a user-by-user basis without needing any additional software. This is very useful if your preferred settings don't suit other people who have to use the same machine. That also applies to "accessibility" features, such as text-to-speech, setting a larger default font size etc. which are intended for people with visual impairments but can be just as useful for some autistic or dyslexic people.

Something else to consider is the lighting you use when you are at your PC. For example, I always have a desk lamp positioned to illuminate the wall behind my monitor, as I find it very overpowering when the screen is a lot brighter than the surroundings in my peripheral vision.

Another consideration is whether to opt for a screen with a glossy finish or matte finish. Glossy screens generally have more contrast, but are more prone to distracting reflections of your surroundings. Personally, I find a matte screen much easier to work with. I prefer the softer contrast, and my depth perception is not too good, which makes discriminating between the screen and reflections more difficult for me.


Thanks! That's a very useful explanation! :D So I guess the difference between f.lux and the regular software is that f.lux will adjust the screen throughout the day, whereas in the operating systems you have to do it manually? f.lux seems like a good thing to install, then.

Am definitely going for a matte screen, anything to reduce reflections. Am planning to work more on the computer in the future, and I know I have to pace myself because of my wonky eyes.


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Trogluddite
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18 Nov 2017, 5:30 pm

Quote:
I guess the difference between f.lux and the regular software is that f.lux will adjust the screen throughout the day, whereas in the operating systems you have to do it manually?

Yes, exactly that. When you install f.lux you tell it your location and time zone, and it then synchronises itself with the local sunset and sunrise time.


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underwater
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19 Nov 2017, 9:54 am

Trogluddite wrote:
Quote:
I guess the difference between f.lux and the regular software is that f.lux will adjust the screen throughout the day, whereas in the operating systems you have to do it manually?

Yes, exactly that. When you install f.lux you tell it your location and time zone, and it then synchronises itself with the local sunset and sunrise time.


All right. I really thought there existed things like special coloured filters and things, but I had no idea what that might look like, or what effect it might have. Someone should invent that! :D Adjusting the screen itself does not help me much, but there's a possibility that f.lux might be much better for that. I'll definitely try that.

I just want that magic thing, you know, that'll fix all my problems :mrgreen:


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Enigmatic_Oddity
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19 Nov 2017, 8:21 pm

There are special coloured filters, if you're looking for a physical filter. It just seems simpler though to use free software.

Gunnar Optiks glasses
Fiara anti blue light screens



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19 Nov 2017, 8:26 pm

Not sure why you would need a stationary computer for that...or is that just what you prefer? I just know you could do the things you mention on a laptop and they are less expensive.


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19 Nov 2017, 9:19 pm

Less expensive... laptop? I've never seen this. Laptops come at a premium compared to desktops as they usually require much more engineering and a highly customised configuration.



Trogluddite
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19 Nov 2017, 10:37 pm

If the right monitor is a priority, a desktop makes sense, as you can pair the base with whatever monitor suits you best, especially if you don't have the space or budget to dual-screen.


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underwater
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20 Nov 2017, 2:37 am

Enigmatic_Oddity wrote:
There are special coloured filters, if you're looking for a physical filter. It just seems simpler though to use free software.

Gunnar Optiks glasses
Fiara anti blue light screens


Thanks! It might have a different effect, though.


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underwater
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20 Nov 2017, 2:39 am

Sweetleaf wrote:
Not sure why you would need a stationary computer for that...or is that just what you prefer? I just know you could do the things you mention on a laptop and they are less expensive.


Because in addition to my wonky eyes I have a bad back, and in general am very prone to muscle pains, so I try very hard to keep a good posture. I've really messed up my back and neck in the past by working extensively on a laptop. The vision problem also exacerbates the posture problem.


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underwater
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20 Nov 2017, 2:41 am

Trogluddite wrote:
If the right monitor is a priority, a desktop makes sense, as you can pair the base with whatever monitor suits you best, especially if you don't have the space or budget to dual-screen.


Yes, that's the idea, and it's possible for others to just connect their laptops and have a larger and better screen.

Do you prefer to dual-screen? I used to have two screens at work because I worked in several programs simultaneously and had to switch a lot, but I didn't think it was necessary for home use?


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Trogluddite
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20 Nov 2017, 8:38 am

^^ I think that depends largely on what you intend to use the machine for. I find it hard to manage with only a single screen these days, but that is primarily because coding is one of my special interests, which is greatly assisted by being able to view multiple code files at the same time, space for error reporting etc. But my second screen is usually empty if I'm just web browsing or using "office" applications.

I should maybe point out though, that I learned my computing back in the days where running multiple applications at the same time was seen as a luxury, so even now, I rarely have more than one or two programs running at the same time. I also don't like my PC to be multi-tasking because my brain is not good at multi-tasking - for example, I always check e-mails manually and would never have my mailbox open or notifications enabled while I'm working (note, this might be a useful "reasonable adjustment" at work for some autistic people.)


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