05-08-2006, 06:30 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,386
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Are Shrinking PDA Screens Causing Eye Strain?
"Chris Kwak, a 31-year-old financial analyst, spends hours a day glued to the tiny screen of his Palm Treo hand-held computer. He fires off e-mails, checks stock prices and recently plowed through the novel 'The Da Vinci Code.' But staring at the 2-inch screen is taking its toll on Kwak's eyes: He regularly pops Tylenol to dull the headaches he gets from focusing on the tiny font he has chosen for his device."
While I can confidently state that I haven't experienced any pains from my use of PDAs, SmartPhones, GPS Devices, and Digital Music Players, I did wonder exactly how I'd be able to continue using these devices when I'm much older and my near-sighted vision starts going out on me. I mean, c'mon, how often have you heard an elderly person ask you, "how can you see that thing?" or complain that the fonts are too small. I can't imagine life without my gadgets, but I can see where I might force myself into squinting for a while before finally giving in to bi-focals. What do you guys think? Any concerns? What's the solution?
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05-08-2006, 06:43 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 184
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I hate to admit it, but as I approach 50 this summer, my reading vision continues to deteriorate. It really sucks. This is one of the primary reasons I switched from the 2125 the 8125. The 2125 screen, as beautiful as it is, made some viewing near impossible for me to read without reading glasses. Now with the 8125 I can read more without needing my reading glasses, but there is some stuff that I still need the glasses to be able to read on my 8125. Luckily I don't need bi-focals as my distance viewing is still pretty good.
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05-08-2006, 06:45 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 237
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If you are having a hard time seeing the tiny screen, just do like George Costanza, and squint your way to 20/20 vision 
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05-08-2006, 06:52 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 257
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YES -
I have used PPC's for 6 years and Psions before that but didnt really have a problem until I started using the smaller converged devices (Imate Jam and now the 02 Atom).
I think the 02 Atom was one step too far for my eyes - so much so that I have decided to go back to two devices a VGA large screen PDA for my regular business needs and a reasonable sized screen phone. The only problem is that I am so used to being connected I want both to have telephone and data functions.
The upside is that I get to order new stuff :devilboy: I have just ordered an MDA PRO and intend on getting a Nokia N80 (small screen but I checked this out and it has a superb resolution for a phone).
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05-08-2006, 06:55 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 41
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Well, I can either blame getting older or the fact that I stare at computer screens of all types and sizes for some 10 hours a day for the fact that my days of glass-free vision are coming to an end.
I don't suffer from headaches but there is no question that forcing my eyes to read tiny print through the day will have an effect sooner or later.
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05-08-2006, 07:02 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,329
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No problems with my iPaq 4700 4" screen. :P
__________________
PDA History: Palm Pilot 5000 -> Apple Newton 2100 -> Casio E-11 -> iPaq 3650 (64MB Upgrade) -> iPaq 3700 -> Casio EM-500 -> HP Jornada 568 -> HP iPaq hx4705 www.spreadfirefox.com |
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05-08-2006, 07:05 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 34
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I agree. There is no way i can read ebooks or long documents on 2.5'' screen, especially excel spread sheets. Thats why im still using my hx4700 with 4'' screen.
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05-08-2006, 07:07 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,386
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Jonathan1
No problems with my iPaq 4700 4" screen. :P
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Brutalba
I agree. There is no way i can read ebooks or long documents on 2.5'' screen, especially excel spread sheets. Thats why im still using my hx4700 with 4'' screen.
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No joke... that 4" screen on my 4700 is one of the primary reasons I have NO plans of upgrading anytime soon!!
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05-08-2006, 07:10 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 359
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I am not worried about it because by the time my eyesight starts to go they will have ultra cool eye implants that allow you to have 20/20, microscopic, night vision, telescopic views. Just don't be the one to buy version 1.0 wait for the 1.1 firmware update at LEAST! :devilboy:
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05-08-2006, 07:12 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 676
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I'm with the 4" screen crowd. I love the 4" VGA screen on my e830. Actually I'd love to see a 4.3 to 4.5" VGA screen come out - that would be even better (although hardly pocket-able).
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64 GB iPad 2 WiFi, Apple TV 2, 32 GB iPhone 4
Early 2011 MacBook Pro 13" (dual boot with Windows 7), Early 2009 Mac Mini
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