Filed under: Accessories, Odds and ends, iMac, Macbook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air
Blinded by the light? RadTech's ClearCal may save your eyes
Since Apple made the design decision to forgo glare-free screens on MacBooks, iMacs, and Cinema Displays, a common problem for lots of users is reflection of light off of displays. It seems to be particularly bad if you sit with your back to a window, and it can cause both figurative and literal headaches.RadTech has come out with some cool products for Macs over the years. For example, I've owned at least one of their ScreenSavrz "LCD Display protection, cleaning, and refinishing systems" for each MacBook I've had. The company is always in touch with the pulse of the Mac community, so it didn't entirely surprise me when they recently started selling ClearCal Anti-Glare films for MacBook, MacBook Pro, 24" iMac, and the 24" Cinema Display.
ClearCal is similar to the films you can get for iPhone and iPod touch screens, but in addition to protecting your screen, it also provides a solution for those pesky reflections. As you can see in the marketing shot to the right, it appears to do a decent job of making your Mac screen anti-glare. You can even remove the ClearCal a few times, wash it, and re-install it.
RadTech has an installation video if you're interested in seeing how easy or difficult it is to apply the ClearCal film to your display. Pricing starts at US$19.95 and peaks at US$25.95 for the 24" iMac and CInema Display. As soon as I replace my old iMac with a new 24", I'm installing a ClearCal so I can see more of my screen and less of the glare from the picture window behind me.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brian said 7:24AM on 7-13-2009
Where can I download these from ?
Kidding..........
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JamieD said 7:35AM on 7-13-2009
I like the way the guy has a fair amount of difficulty fitting the screen, these things are NOT easy to fit. One thing I found really useful was to actually lay the film over (after cleaning everything) with the backing still on, this stops any dust in the air from landing on your screen.
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Gillan said 8:04AM on 7-13-2009
seems a bit pricey for a sheet of plastic
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arjav patel said 11:17AM on 7-13-2009
Ya $19.95 is a lot better than $34.95 for one offered by Power Support at the Apple Store. People seem to like it but a lot of people are stating you lose some picture quality. I wonder if the same is true for this product. Anyone know?
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TV183LL/A?mco=NDg5MDk3Nw
Mike P. said 7:22PM on 7-13-2009
I use one on my Thinkpad Tablet from Photodon. Theirs are reasonably priced and very durable. The glossy one has an anti-reflective coating (like glasses, or Canon/Sony camera screens). The matte one makes the screen a bit grainy, but the glossy one doesn't impact screen quality much (slightly darker).
Allan said 8:39AM on 7-13-2009
I expected glare would be an issue, but it really hasn't been for me. I don't notice that much difference between my BlackBook and my MBP.
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Drupa said 10:56AM on 7-13-2009
Unfortunately, my office has a large rear window with plenty of natural light. While this is a benefit as a human, it is an inconvenience with a unibody MBP. I kept an open mind for the first 6 months of ownership, but it is official now - I liked the screen on my last generation G4 Powerbook more than the screen I currently own.
I will be buying this product!
Dave Hagan said 8:59AM on 7-13-2009
Ummm, why doesn't Apple offer an anti-reflective option on all of its displays?
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ErnieP said 9:15AM on 7-13-2009
Because Apple really doesn’t like listening to their customers. You’ll take it and like it!!! That's the real slogan. Personally, I would never buy a MacBook or iMac with these glass screens. They are far too reflective with dark colors on the screen. It’s like looking in a mirror. I'm hoping they offer a matte option with the 15" again. If not, I'm going with a Thinkpad T400s.
Tony C said 8:55AM on 7-14-2009
I think manufacturers purposefully include shortfalls/flaws in their products so they can be specifically addressed by third party accessory providers. It's the nature of business -- if Apple (and every other manufacturer) created "perfect" hardware all the time, there would be no aftermarket, which is bad for business as a whole. Call it a necessary evil or what have you, but it's an integral part of the ecosystem.
bill said 9:15AM on 7-13-2009
I'm thinking about one of these for my MacBook 13", but I'm worried it will be just like the "anti-glare" screen films for the iPhone. I had one on my 3G, but it just destroyed the image quality while it was on. It gave the whole screen a blurry appearance, far from the crystal clear sharp images on the screen without a protector.
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Harvey said 9:40AM on 7-13-2009
When I bought my last MBP, I weighed the glossy vs. matte choice. I had always "preferred" matte like so many others. However, this forum thread changed my mind.
http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-202306.html
e.g. A glossy screen does have a reflection when used in front of a window, but a matte screen is mostly unusable since all of the reflected light is diffused into the screen which gives it that ghostly white look.
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John Hamilton Farr said 10:29AM on 7-13-2009
This is all fear-based. How many of you have actually tried the thing you're afraid of? -- and I don't mean for 10 minutes at the Apple Store!
There is no question that colors are FAR more saturated and vibrant with a glossy screen. I have a 24" iMac that's the best computer/monitor combination I've worked with in over 20 years. This is a stunningly beautiful screen. Putting a non-glare coating over this glossy screen would be like those stupid "car bras" that never let their owners enjoy their automobiles.
I suggest everyone lighten up and enjoy Apple's gift to the masses. I don't notice a glare problem at all.
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Josh said 10:39AM on 7-13-2009
I have used two Macs with glossy screens, a MacBook and an iMac. Honestly, I think it's fine for most people, but the glare really is terrible. I used to enjoy taking my laptop outside, but now the MacBook stays indoors at all times. As for the iMac, I was forced to reorient my desk so that it doesn't sit opposite the window, and it's still annoying during the day unless I keep the brightness up.
I am pretty unhappy with the glare. Like someone else said, I am considering a ThinkPad T400s to replace the MacBook. As for the iMac... I just haven't decided yet. I love OS X, but Apple's design -- while attractive -- just keeps getting in my way.
chuck said 10:42AM on 7-13-2009
Yes, you're right and everyone else is wrong. That's a great approach to take.
Maybe a glossy screen looks great in your windowless office, but for many people, the glare is a major issue. For those who use their iMacs use windows, and especially for those who use their MacBooks outdoors, the glare is horrible. I have a MBP and the screen is practically useless outside unless the screen brightness is at 100%, and even then, using my computer involves lots of squinting even though my eyesight is 20/20. I'd prefer a glossy screen that didn't require so much squinting and would allow me to reduce my screen brightness. Maybe then I'd get something a bit closer to the 7 hours of battery life Apple claims.
Drupa said 11:00AM on 7-13-2009
You don't notice a problem because of your lighting situation. I doubt you'd be so supportive if you had to completely rearrange your office (to a less than ideal situation) simply so you didn't have to stare at your reflection for 8 hours a day!
markerik2000 said 2:21PM on 7-13-2009
@Drupa. I use my glass 17" MBP in my kitchen bay window with a southern exposure. How bad could your situation been? I smell over reaction.
Josh said 10:35AM on 7-13-2009
No ClearCal option for the 20" iMac? That sucks.
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AnSc said 4:15PM on 7-13-2009
Why buying a product when you know it will need screen-enhancement?
Sorry, can't follow this decision.
Would not buy it when knowing it would not fulfill my needs.
Seriously, the screen is the most important part of this device. The screen should dictate your decision.
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Drupa said 12:07AM on 7-14-2009
I'm not a complainer and I have been loyal to apple long enough to point out when things don't "just work". The screen is an issue. I deal with it. I'm not happy about it, but I am not going back to windows because of it. If an inexpensive sheet of plastic solves the problem, I will accept the diminished clarity or color or whatever. The reflections are a problem in my office. I like natural light, but I need to draw my blinds to use my screen comfortably. My Powerbook was more than adequate and didn't require that I shut off the natural light source. RIght now I am traveling and am in a hotel room - the screen is NOT an issue. It's quite nice actually. I'm just saying - once I get back to my office, I have to change my routine and preference to fit the arrogant apple aesthetic.
They KNOW that this screen doesn't work for many of us!
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