Help. WHY does my X61t make my eyes hurt?

[nikemen]

So, having been using this X61t multi-touch XGA now for about three months, (long gone is the saga of giving up brilliant screen quality of my T41 and T42 14" thinkpads) I STILL don't understand why use of this machine in regular mode (okay, all modes portrait included) makes my eyes hurt.

I'm actually starting to worry that it could be HURTING my eyes, and might lead to some long term vision problems. I have always had 20/10 vision and I LIKE that. But, using the machine just makes me need to rub my eyes sometimes and blink them more than normal. I had a similar problem with a WONDERFUL macbook with its glossy screen, but this ISN'T glossy.

What IS it? I have the brightness on about 8/14, have tried it at 12/14 or higher, it doesn't seem to change the way it feels?

Anyone have any thoughts, or are there good screen protectors that could eliminate THIS issue? I'm okay with the screen quality, sharpness and contrast being, in my opinion, semi-poor, but cannot get past this issue.

[SHoTTa35]

how about lower? The brightness certainly hurts my eyes.

Then again maybe you are just on the PC too long, it's warmer outside now... fresh air! Ahhhhh

[nikemen]

I'd like to think it was just the longer issue, but it really occurs within the first 15 minutes to use. It just happens.

I go back to my XGA t41 for the day and no problems, lovely,

[Trekk69]

Interesting, I also find my eyes hurting from starring at my X61T, but I think thats more to do with duration, every now and than I divert the eyes and focus on a distant target. When I look back it, they feel refreshed.

Possibly check with an optometrist?

[syeo]

I think the refresh rate on this screen is 60hz. Going to a higher hz should help your eyes out. The previous screen you used might have capable of a higher hz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flicker_(screen)

Read the intro to the article. I guess you might just have eyes sensitive enough to pick up the blacklight flicker.

[nikemen]

I wish I could change the refresh rate, it seems fixed at 60hz, does anyone with this model show a different refresh rate?

[Xtal]

The refresh on my SXGA+ X61T is technically 50 Hz but there is no flicker at all. Refresh has a lot less significance on an LCD screen than a CRT. Only poorly-designed LCDs or exceptionally sensitive people have problems with LCD refresh rates.

How bright is the background light where you use your X61T? Is the screen pointed directly towards you? Is it clean & free of fingerprints? Try adjusting the vertical level of the screen by raising or lowering the tablet.

[geobel]

and blink them more than normal. I had a similar problem with a WONDERFUL macbook with its glossy screen, but this ISN'T glossy.

Well, ALL tablets are a bit glossy so that might be your problem. They are not as glossy as macbook, sony and all those consumer laptops in retail stores, but they are more reflective than any LCD with conventional antiglare coating. IMHO, conventional antiglare coating is too rough and fragile for pen enabled tablet, hence more smooth and reflective coating has to be applied. I have X61t with XGA (non MV) and I consider it a bit too glossy, though tolerable. Normal antiglare coating somehow calms my eyes whereas tablet keeps them "a bit worried". On the other hand, contrast and viewing angle on X61T rival best desktop LCDs. Overall, I am happy with the screen.

Another related cause for you discomfort may be the very high contrast of these screens due to both IPS technology and smooth antiglare coating. Fuzzier screen may sometimes be more relaxing as eyes quickly give up finding the exact focus and relax. The very sharp ages may continuously keep eyes in perfect focus and generate strain.

George