New LCD monitor

[Sawyer]

After 9 years with my old CRT it finally crapped out and I bought a 22" Samsung Synchmaster 2220wm. I may return it as I notice a lot of uneven brightness towards the edges of the frame. But I am also getting headaches. Is it common to have trouble with LCD's. I have had troubles in the past but I thought it had to do with looking at older screens. I do have trouble with fluorescent lights. Is this a screen issue or a technology issue?

 

Thanks

[Billabong]

hmmm, Iv'e got two 19" flatscreens, I do get headaches from time to time,but I'm sure thats becuase I'm sitting in front the comp about 16hrs a day. So to answer your question I don't think that is a common problem

[gfa2]

I've got 2 22" Planar LCD's and like Brandon even though I stare at it way too much everyday. I don't get headaches...unless there is something else going on that day. What refresh rate is you graphics card set too? Maybe there is a flicker that you don't notice, but your brain does.

[IceAged]

You certainly shouldn't have uneven brightness, for starters. Run a search on the Internet and see if anyone else has had similar issues, and have the monitor replaced if necessary.

Flickering isn't an issue with LCD's, as they display a constant image unlike CRT's with low refresh rates. If anything they should be easier on your eyes - however, they are of course brighter, and this is most likely the cause of your headaches. Stating the obvious, but try turning the brightness settings down slightly.

If the LCD's are your main source of light, you are likely to get eye strain. I use a number of Dell's spanning across the desk, and can't look at them for long in the dark, (they illuminate the entire room)! I've found it comes down to how you light the rest of the room - try to have fairly even, balanced light - as much natural daylight during the day whilst avoiding any direct sunlight, and warm, 'homely' lighting at night, (again, nicely balanced).

If you must endure florescent lighting, (the most wretched method of lighting a room possible), try positing a desk lamp over your work area fitted with a warm light bulb - the type you might have by a bedside table. I used to sit in the middle of an office, and found it really made a difference.