A Free & Easy Way To Make Your Glossy iMac Screen Glare-Free
April 21st, 2009 | Published in Technology | 82 Comments
There’s a simple and free method to make your iMac screen glare-free that I haven’t heard anyone recommend or discuss yet. It’s so easy that I can’t believe no one has mentioned it.
Maybe because it’s crazy?
Anyway, glossy screens are great for looks. But if you’re sensitive to reflections or struggle with headaches and eyestrain, you do not want a glossy screen. Good God, anything but staring into a glossy screen all day! In spite of that, for some unfathomable reason — and even though their customers want it — Apple has stopped making iMacs with matte displays.
Anti-Glare Add-On Filters Suck
When I got an iMac, I purchased the best anti-glare filter available (by Photodon) which I thought would fix the glare issue. It was laughably bad. It made the image grainy and the screen sparkle as I moved my head. There was no way I’d be able to use it without losing my mind.
I called support. They acknowledged the issue and said that “photographers and graphic designers wouldn’t like it.” I can’t see how anyone would like it, unless they enjoy a screen that sideshows as a kaleidoscope.
I returned it.
The Secret
Then I figured out an even easier and far more effective way to make my iMac screen anti-glare. No, I didn’t replace it: I removed the protective layer in front of the screen.
It ends up the front layer is the main source of gloss — the screen itself has very little reflection! According to my tests, it has about 50% less reflection without the front layer.
Removing the Protective Layer
Removing the layer is surprisingly easy:
- Get a large suction cup.
- Attach the section cup at the top left of the screen, then gently pull.
- With your other hand, pull the right part of the screen and it’ll come right out (it is held on by magnets).
- Finally, gently pull the bottom toward you until it pops out.
That’s all there is to it. You now have an anti-glare screen!
Here’s a howto video on how to remove the protective layer:
But It’s Not Purdy!
Yeah, that’s true. It doesn’t look as good without that sleek black bevel and the screws exposed. But for me, a little less beauty is a fair price to pay for less headaches and eyestrain. It’s the best way I’ve come up with, but if anyone has a better idea please leave it in the comments.
I’m sure it’s possible to mimic the black bevel border with heavy black paper or plastic, but I haven’t had time to try that yet.
Here’s a business idea for an entrepreneur: Get someone to make a black border that snaps right in and then sell them for $50-100. I’d buy one. And if I had time, I’d have someone make and manufacture it. But I don’t, so it’s up to you.
June 6th, 2009 at 9:24 pm (#)
I have watched your video 3x and I still do not understand what you are doing. It seems that you are taking off the the glass protective cover,cleaning it and the actual display also and then just replacing the glass cover.i don’t understand how this will reduce the glare? Thank you,John
June 9th, 2009 at 1:41 am (#)
That’s great, thanks for sharing. I’m now willing to upgrade from my old 20″ Core Duo iMac.
An even better business idea would be for somebody to either manufacture a replacement glass panel that is without glare, or to provide a service that somehow removes the glare from the existing glass panel. I think the latter may be impossible to do well, so the former is probably in the money.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:23 pm (#)
John — He is showing how to clean the screen. Skip the last step of putting the glass back and you will have an anti-glare screen. I haven’t tried it yet myself (chicken) but am thinking about it.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:13 pm (#)
I just got off with Apple, my eyes are burning and I have headaches – every single day, possibly because of the glare (not sure about it, yet).
I’m definitely going to try this, you did a really good job on this video!
Thank you!
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm (#)
Superb! British Ingenuity!!
Thank you for taking the time…
October 10th, 2009 at 6:41 am (#)
thank you for telling your story and the video this is really helpful!
I have suffered for months with burning eyes and headaches on a daily basis at work is really making me ill! i tried the film from photodon like you and this made it 10 times worse it was blurred and like crystals across the screen awful! So now im back to square one!
Please could you tell me where i could get hold of one of those large suction cups from????
if this works it will be an absolute life saver!!!!
Thank you and hope to hear your response!!
October 25th, 2009 at 12:23 am (#)
Use a piece of packing tape attached to just the glass on the lower-left edge of glass–use your finger to rub it and make sure it adheres. Pull tape (Be somewhat careful). Voila! I used this to clean behind my glass, which had somehow gotten fogged?!
December 11th, 2009 at 10:12 am (#)
excellent!
will this work on the new 21.5″ imac?
January 24th, 2010 at 6:38 pm (#)
Thanks for this excellent idea!
Who decided that all laptop displays must be glossy?
Laptop is not a TV. We sit and stare very close to the laptop. You can’t stare into bright light all day!
Ask an ophthalmologist, and see what they say.
February 25th, 2010 at 2:32 pm (#)
If you are careful, you need only your fingernail to separate a top corner (sharp knife even better) and gently “peel” the top, magnetized edge from the monitor, then tilt it further to extricate the clips which hold in the bottom edge. Just did it now after reading the posts, not even seeing the video. The bolts around the edge look like crap, but the native screen has less glare for sure. Killer tip!
February 26th, 2010 at 11:01 pm (#)
Thanks for the tip! I’ve found the glare from the 21.5 inch Mac intolerable, so this will be a great help. I also tried the Photodon anti-glare filter, and also found the image unacceptably degraded a sparkly. The only other solution I can think of is to hook the iMac up to another screen, one with a matte surface. It defeats the some of the purpose for buying an iMac in the first place, but it should work.
March 1st, 2010 at 5:43 pm (#)
I INSERTED A SHARP KNIFE AT THE UPPER LEFT EDGE OF MY 27″ I-MAC, (LATE 2009). THE GLASS CAME OFF EASILY. I AM IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT, MY OFFICE, SO NO ONE IS GOING TO TOUCH THE NAKED SCREEN.
March 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 am (#)
Yep, I did it on my wife’s 27″ new iMac and it works great. It’s incredibly easy and if somebody manufactures such a replacement glass panel without glare I would surely buy it. Removing the front glass is not the final solution, though. You can still notice glare in the screen but it’s surely more comfortable than with the front panel. Thanks for sharing!.
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm (#)
Oh thank you!!!!!!!!! I’ve had a headache and eye strain for a week – my eyes were so sore…. Fixed totally with this. Why on earth isn’t there a matt screen option?! Madness. Complete madness…
You’re right though, it’s isn’t pretty, but a small price to pay to avoid the headaches!!!
March 28th, 2010 at 4:28 pm (#)
I have a 24″ iMac at home, and I use Brightness Control and keep my house pretty dark, so the glare isn’t too bad. But at work I just got a 27″ iMac and there is a window right behind me! The glare is really bad, even with Brightness Control and my eyes and head kill me by the end of the day. And I feel like I have motion sickness. I am looking forward to suction-cupping my iMac at work tomorrow. I just did it on my home iMac and it worked perfectly! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
April 19th, 2010 at 11:30 am (#)
I’m debating whether to buy the current iMac (April 2010) or wait and hope the next version has a matte screen option. Apple is very aware of the dissatisfaction. ANY THOUGHTS?
Also, if the protective cover comes off, can it be put back (loosely) when not using the computer? Like you’d replace a lens cap on a lens.
Thanks.
April 21st, 2010 at 5:13 pm (#)
That’s a very clever solution you got there. I’ve had my 24″ iMac for just over a year now and it drives me crazy. Headaches, constantly repositioning myself away from any reflective light (you know the drill).
It’s got to the point where I’m just not comfortable sitting in front of it for long periods of time and it seems like a better idea to just get a Mac Mini + Matte Monitor combo instead.
Time to find a suction cup.. Cheers for this!
April 24th, 2010 at 2:17 am (#)
Okay, did not catch your name…. but you rock!!
Thank you so much. I have a new 21.5″ iMac. My eyes were killing me, not irritated but really bad. I school online and am so far behind. Several trips to the eye doctor and calls/visits to Apple regarding this issue.
I was told they knew of no such problem with the computers and eye “strain”.
I was only able to use the computer about 10 minutes at a time. Thought I was having to buy another computer or go back to PC.
Screen popped off with a fingernail inserted on upper right corner. Not difficult at all.
Thank you very much, who cares if it is ugly….. I am so glad problem is resolved.
Maybe one of us can make a little extra change and make a screen frame that comes in lots of colors to make it “pretty” again. :-)
Bravo
April 24th, 2010 at 11:28 am (#)
P.S. Is there any concern for the screen or exposed hardware being susceptible to damage with the protective/glossy screen off?
Thanks
May 19th, 2010 at 5:58 pm (#)
Ian,
this is wonderful.
My problem is my late 2009 model iMAC, 21.5 INCH.
I have a live BUG inside, walking all around..he’s driving me MAD!
Can I use this same technique on the 2009 iMAC, 21.5 INCH?
thank you!
June 29th, 2010 at 9:31 pm (#)
Thanks, the tip is great. One question. I have a 2006 iMac. Would this glass fit across the new iMac?
July 28th, 2010 at 5:33 pm (#)
Can the plastic screen under neath be cleaned with microfiber cloth and appropriate plastic cleaner or is this a different surface than the original Cinema Displays ??
August 27th, 2010 at 9:31 pm (#)
Mate, you are a LEGEND!
Aside from just seeing that this can even be done, it’s also great to see others are having the same eyestrain and glare problems that I’m having. It really took the “shine” off my 27″ iMac purchase. (Sorry about the pun! :)
A
September 1st, 2010 at 7:51 pm (#)
How do you do this? The video isn’t playing for me?
September 4th, 2010 at 7:07 pm (#)
also worked great to take off the broken glass screen after we took the computer for a ride in our rv without securing it. my previously crying wife (though it was trashed) is now enjoying a glass of wine and a glare-free screen! Who knew?!
September 25th, 2010 at 2:06 pm (#)
OMG… I am looking to purchase the GLASS that you all seem to want to have removed!
I cannot seem to find a place where I can purchase just the glass sheet covering the iMac’s screen.
If anyone here has in fact removed theirs, PLEASE get in touch with me, I’m sure we can set up a deal. (I need 2, by the way.)
Feel free to contact me at: procomer “AT” gmail.com
Thank you very, very much!
October 16th, 2010 at 1:07 pm (#)
Excellent tip and video!! Thank you so much!
I’ve bookmarked this page because I just received my 21.5″ iMac and I hope I’ll be able to get used to the glare. I love how beautiful my photos look on this compared to my matte-screen laptop!
But if I can’t sit in front of the screen for long, I’ll be trying your wonderful tip! So happy there’s a simple, free and easy solution!
October 17th, 2010 at 6:12 pm (#)
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
I cursed being a Mac user when I had to buy a new iMac and found out that the screen had a shiny surface. There was not even a choice.
It seems to me that iMac has gotten worse and worse in functionality since the first one. This is my 3′rd.
When talking to the Macpeople and finding out that they couldn’t care less -even though most people in the graphic, the photo, and the music industry uses Mac-I swore to myself that this is my last Mac (I’m a graphic designer and I love my iMac)
I find it quite odd that they do not take into account that we sit for 8-12 hours at a time, working intensely on the screen with our eyes . Even when the kids play games on them they sit for hours. I find it to be extreeeemly bad designpolicy to choose looks over function, when people really get hurt from that choice. OK pjyv -got THAT of my chest….sorry it’s really pissed me off because I do not see I have a choice, really. Should I learn windows….after 15 yrs. on Mac?
It’s been hell for 1,5 yrs. (i have lots windows behind me) so needless to say…..I am truely grateful for this solution…thanks a ton ;-x
October 29th, 2010 at 1:52 pm (#)
So… dumb question, but you’re all talking about the reflection on the glass right? I finally got a window office and I can’t take advantage of it because of the distracting reflection of the vertical blinds on my screen. thanks!
November 15th, 2010 at 12:15 pm (#)
Does anyone know if there is any long term risk in leaving the protective glass off your imac in order to reduce glare?
Allen
November 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pm (#)
If you remove the imac protective glass is the lcd screen any less protected than any other lcd screen?
Allen
December 27th, 2010 at 12:53 pm (#)
I agree with the majority of posters here. In my own words ” the 27 Imac shiny screen is A NIGHTMARE !!!!! and I am a huge Mac / Apple fan. The 27 Imac itself is amazing, but I just don’t understand why they would do such a counter productive thing. I have heard many people across the web state that a simple anti-glare covering will fix the problem. Hint: It does not matter how good the anti-glare coating is, it will not work by applying it to the shiny outer screen. The reason is that there is distance between the outer shiny screen and the inner screen which is actually providing the image. In order to make it effective, the a glare coating would need to be placed on the actual screen itself (inner screen) therefore eliminating the glare at the source. even after doing this, the screen protector cannot be replaced, because it would cause the original glare problem to occur over the coated screen. this is basically the same problem that we artists have with non-glare glass over our paintings. Thanks to everyone for help with this problem. Removing the shiny surface has helped, but I really would like a little more reduction of the glare. So if anyone out there finds a non-glare coating that actually works, please let me know I would like to place it over my inner screen. I. Thank you so much, I really appreciate the tip.
January 7th, 2011 at 2:21 pm (#)
What concerns me most about removing the outer screen is that dust, bugs and moisture might be able to get into the computer because it’s now open around the full perimeter of the monitor. If I continue this experiment, I think I’ll replace the screen each night before bed.
A possible side benefit of removing the screen? The computer may run cooler – I can feel heat emanating all around the inner screen. These Intel iMacs run really hot, so I figure any heat release can only be good. The upper left computer back is the hottest – almost too hot to touch. I haven’t noticed any difference in that temp – maybe I will over time.
The glare is indeed reduced, maybe by half – I have windows on two sides of me and the reflection is awful. It’s less with the screen off, but today’s a cloudy day. The test will be when the sun comes back – I’m in LA, so outside glare is very bad.
The screen is much easier to take off than it seems. As Wendy says above, you can just get your fingernail under one of the upper corners – left or right works. Separate the corner and pull gently, sliding your other finger along the gap to widen it – the opposite corner will just pop off because the whole top edge is held by magnets. Then just gently lift the screen up and out – be careful not to scrape the lower edge against the inner screen – it has metal brackets on it.
Putting the screen back is just as easy – slip the lower edge in first so the brackets fit into their slots, then gently push the top edge towards the monitor – the magnets will grab it and pop it into place.
January 9th, 2011 at 4:57 am (#)
I was a Mac fun, not anymore. All they want is money from us without any respect towards us. I have two iMacs, and a macbook pro, well, the new 27″ iMac was a waste of money, £2000 without few pence which gives me eyes problems, and headache, when I enquired how to fix this problem, they told me it is not a professional product. I have complaint, but they care about? no, for as long people buy their products does not matter the ones who complain!
Shame on you apple!
January 9th, 2011 at 10:37 pm (#)
Roxana, I don’t think that’s true. Apple uses glossy because the colors look brighter, not because they want more money. I don’t think the matte vs glossy has any effect on the price; when they sold both kinds of displays the price was the same. I’m pretty sure they do it just to keep things simple.
However, I do wish they would offer an iMac with matte again! My Macbook Air is amazing and is glossy, but thankful not anywhere near as reflective as the iMac.
For people that want to use a Mac and need a matte screen, I recommend using a laptop or mini with an external anti-glare monitor.
January 21st, 2011 at 11:49 am (#)
Glossy viewing surfaces increase the apparent contrast ratio of the underlying display. Blacks, in particular, appear much darker than they would on a matte surface, so image “punchiness” is increased. This is, I’m nearly certain, a technique of making the display more attractive to consumers.
It may also be that non-glare glass outer panels that are durable would be quite expensive. For example, we use Tru Vue Museum Glass on all our framed photographs. Museum Glass remarkably reduces surface glare, and nearly disappears in comparison to other framing glasses. But Museum Glass is many times the price of even archival framing glass, and because the non-glare surface of Museum Glass is created by an easily damaged coating, very special cleaning and handling instructions must be followed. There is no chance that the Museum Glass coating would be durable enough for an iMac’s outer surface. I use Museum Glass simply as an example to point out that “invisible” nonglare glass surfaces are both expensive and vulnerable. These factors, one might guess, have contributed to the slow appearance of the nonglare iMac option. To that add the observation that most consumers will go for high contrast every time, and there you are.
John Caldwell
Pittsburgh, PA
February 3rd, 2011 at 5:21 am (#)
The piece of crap called glossy screen’s. Apple (and all the manufacturers of these glossy screens) do not seem to care for people who work for long hours in front of the screen.
February 4th, 2011 at 12:03 am (#)
Mac user for 25 years (since ’86). Mac fanatic. Damn you Apple for these “mirror” screens.
February 4th, 2011 at 12:11 am (#)
This video is brilliant. Just now, I took out my pocket knife, gently pried the glass off the upper right corner, slid my finger across to the right corner and lifted it off. You’re right. The dull ache in my eyes I’ve had all day (my first day with my 27″ iMac) went away in minutes. There’s definitely something about these “mirror” screens that is hard on the eyes. I don’t know if I’ll leave the outer glass off altogether or not, but for now, its off.
Thanks Brit dude!
February 10th, 2011 at 9:50 pm (#)
I am in the process of choosing a new Mac. The lack of anti-glare option for the iMac may mean that I will have to choose a 17 inch laptop with an anti-glare matte finish. Have any of you tried the anti-glare film from Radtech:
http://www.radtech.us/Products/ClearCal-Displays.aspx
I echo the sentiments expressed here in that I wish that Apple supplied a separate anti-glare screen for the iMac. My first computer monitor was a NEC (purchased in 1994). NEC was considered one of the best monitors at that time – and yes they gave you the option of purchasing an easily removable anti-glare screen. Exactly what the iMac needs.
February 21st, 2011 at 3:55 pm (#)
I too hate the new mirror screens Apple is forcing us to use (if we want to stay within the Mac world). I have experimented with a number of possibilities including removing the front panel (which is not glass by the way, but some sort of acrylic material instead), which reduces the overall glare significantly (my guess by about 40%).
I have tried different films applied to the outside panel (terrible results with little improvement with low anti-glare films to awful red sparkles with the high anti-glare films (photodon films). I have tried applying the various films to the surface of the LCD itself. This has had better effects, and I settled on the MXH film from Photodon. This reduced glare slightly without any noticeable loss of graphic clarity. I would consider the higher rated MXT film if I had to do it over again. The red pixeling you see when film is applied to the outside panel does not exist with the MXH when applied to the LCD. I doubt even the MXT would be a problem if applied directly to the LCD itself. The film was much easier to apply than I suspected it would be and I completed the job w/o any bubbles at all.
I also had a piece of museum glass cut to size and replaced the front panel. I painted the outside edges black to cover up the hardware underneath, and are using it as I type this. From the outside it looks exactly like the original panel. The museum glass cuts down the reflection/glare by about 50% over the original Apple panel. I have contacted a fabricator to apply some metal strips on the glass to hold it tight in place and are confident it will be a very workable and attractive solution. Mind you, the film on the LCD and the museum glass in front together do not reduce reflection/glare to the level of our beloved matte screens, but it gets about half way there. I suspect it would achieve another 10% to 20% with a higher rated anti-glare film, but still not what Apple achieved with their old monitors.
Costs
The film from Photodon (which I had custom cut, and they did a great job) was about $45 or $50. The museum glass was about $125. The custom corner grinding was $15. I simply taped the glass once it was cut and shaped and spray painted the 1″ outside edges with a black paint. I am still working to get some metal strips attached to the glass so that it is held firm. Overall, I expect to have some $275 to $300 invested in my new panel. It should be indistinguishable from the original once complete.
Overall, I’d say I’ve got about a 50% reduction in reflectivity and a 10% matte appearance on my monitor. If I had gone with the MXT film instead of the MXH, I think my overall performance would have been closer to 60% to 65% improvement.
I am also investigating other materials for the outside panel. Museum glass is good if you don’t ship or move your machine much, but it would be a real breakage hazard if you did.
You can see my work and pictures at: http://www.photoworks.com/slideshow/album/A24A3933AAB4?c=pw59560&CS_003=4433951
February 21st, 2011 at 8:44 pm (#)
Take a look at Amazon customer reviews for the Radtech antiglare filter(abysmal). Keep searching.
Mega thanks Britt dude!
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:03 pm (#)
I read this and immediately used the sharp end of my hair clip, MacGyver style. It really takes nothing at all, so no need to find a suction cup. As long as you’re careful anything thin and sharp will work! Thanks again – I couldn’t take much more of the glare.
February 27th, 2011 at 7:20 pm (#)
wow this could be my solution a s a photographer spending my life with photo shop hate the idea of purchasing the newq imac with glossy screen do you think this will do it
March 8th, 2011 at 3:02 pm (#)
Hi James,
I’ve talked to the engineers at Pilkington about their Opti-view AR glass, which is two layers of 1/8″ glass with a anti-reflective membrane fused in between. They say this reduces the reflectivity of the glass about 80% (from a regular 8% reflectivity w. regular glass to 1.7%). This might be another option to the museum glass that I used before (see above post). Both seem a little expensive, with the museum glass a little more so.
I have not had the chance to visit with a metal fabricator about the metal strip on the back of the outside glass. In the mean time, I’m back to using my original glass since I messed up my museum prototype when touching up the outside black border (still trying to figure out how to remove the paint w/o taking off the protective coating of the museum glass). I still think it possible to construct a good substitute with about a 50% overall improvement or more for under $200. With any volume, this could come down I think.
Ken
March 8th, 2011 at 6:47 pm (#)
I like the custom museum glass idea. But rather than paint, have a vinyl graphics shop cut you a gloss black vinyl border. Prob. charge you $25 if you supply the vector file. Easy to setup, easy to apply, perfect finish and if you ever mess it up, easy to replace. A machine shop could waterjet a piece of thin guage metal. I’ve had small pieces of thicker stock cut for $10 each. They charge for time, and a thin piece of stock can be cut in less than a minute.
March 22nd, 2011 at 5:49 pm (#)
Back in the days of crt monitors designers used a hood over the monitor to cut out light from shining onto the screen. Not very elegant for an imac but might help.
I’m thinking about getting an imac but can’t decide between a 21.5 inch or 27 inch mode. This problem with glare is making me think twicel. All of my laptops running windows use matte screens.
March 22nd, 2011 at 5:59 pm (#)
I think if I removed the front screen I would take it somewhere where I could get the centre of out accurately cut out leaving just the black surround.this could then be put back into place on the imac to hide the ugly bits. After using the mac I would just hang a large cloth over it to keep out the dust.
April 5th, 2011 at 1:00 pm (#)
Brilliant …. thx !
I did it with my nails on the two top corners … it’s holding by magnets only …
April 16th, 2011 at 1:40 pm (#)
WOW..
that was easy!
Cheers fella .. now to find a way to replace the front panel or get the inside trimmed as Steve suggested or find a UK framer who does Tru Vue glass and get it cut to size with the edges ground, mask the inner square and spray the black border. Magnetic tape would be the best to replace the metal strips (IMO)
Thanks again!
April 18th, 2011 at 1:13 pm (#)
Thanks! I did this for my work computer (left screen off) so that I could reduce glare. Hopefully this solves a lot of the eye strain!
April 21st, 2011 at 4:42 pm (#)
(Spell checked ver. Sorry)
[Alan Said] “Does anyone know if there is any long term risk in leaving the protective glass off your imac in order to reduce glare?”
I would say that there is, indeed, a risk of allowing all the room air (pet hair and cooking grease-laden atmosphere) drawn into and past all the interior components by the cooling fan. This will certainly speed up the covering of the hotter items with crud that will make them even hotter that before the plate removal).
If you live pet-free and eat out a lot, this may be a bulletproof idea.
I’d like to know if the raw screen under the glossy plate is made with a less scratchproof material under the assumption that the glare screen will protect the primary surface? I would be a little scared to wipe it with anything wet or containing any kind of mild solvent for fear that it is now naked by removal of the glare screen.
–GG
May 18th, 2011 at 1:14 pm (#)
Why do all these people keep buying iMacs when they don’t like the glossy screen? I mean, you must notice the screen is very reflective when you look at an iMac in a store. Apple will never start making iMacs with non-glossy screens if everyone keeps buying them. Don’t. Buy a Mac mini and a seperate screen. Plenty of non-glossy screens to choose from. Also leave a comment on Apple’s support pages that you didn’t buy an iMac because you think it’s an over priced mirror.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:17 pm (#)
Because other than the glossy screen, the iMacs are the best desktop computers around.
May 27th, 2011 at 8:37 pm (#)
Here here, I’m hearing all of ya! I’m a graphic designer and work about 8hrs a day (maybe even more as of late) and we recently got shiny new (shiny all right) 27″ iMacs. I’ve been getting horribly sore muscles around the eye area, headaches and even sometimes I leave the office with a migraine.
Its ruined the quality of work, I have to look away so much more often now and I just feel so sick all the time, it’s ruining me! It picks up all the lighting and windows from behind me … In short, it’s driving me crazy. Sux because it’s at work and getting them to fix the problem when it only affects 1 out of 20 people (I had to be THE ONE), is a chore.
I think they’re getting me an anti-glare screen you all talk of, but they don’t sound like they’re doing much!
I’m considering a new iMac 27″ for home and drawing the curtains. It’s seriously making me think twice about buying it though, as I’ve got an old iMac G5 with a matte screen – no probs.
URGH. Apple has actually infuriated me beyond belief.
Anyone out there find that simply drawing the curtains (creating a very dark space) help them? Cheers :) Let’s hope Apple come up with a solution.
May 31st, 2011 at 11:22 am (#)
Ha ha, it never crossed my mind that removing the protective layer would reduce glare. Thanks allot!
June 1st, 2011 at 10:28 am (#)
The glare issue is bad, yes, but turn down the brightness which is three times that of an ordinary screen
June 28th, 2011 at 4:59 am (#)
Thank you so much for sharing!
I was waiting impatiently the new 2011 release of imacs. Unfortunatly there’s still no anti-glare option on the imac screens (alone on new Macbooks). :((
I had headaches and eyestrains too, as i’m working 24/7 on computers for editing and photography. (not to mention that glossy screens are shit to callibrate).
I invested in a cheap pair of anti-glare glasses (and got my eyes checked at the same time). Feeling much much better already!!
Ps: So hows the business idea going? I’m well interested aswell!
July 2nd, 2011 at 12:05 pm (#)
I am happy to read that I am not the only one infuriated and puzzled as to why they can’t make a portable 13″ laptop with a anti-glare option nor the IMac for those of us who get headaches and don’t want to lug around a 5.6 lb. 15″ laptop everywhere they go.
However, I am worried about taking off the panel and leaving it vulnerable. Any problems? Is this still the only solution?
Also, what have people done about the portable laptops? Just bought the 15″ and increased muscle mass?
Has anyone heard if Apple is going to do something about this? I’ve been waiting 5 years and so far they don’t seem to even admit there are people out there complaining, or are they listening?
My 12″ Powerbook G4 is less able to take on the new software but I can’t do the glossy and don’t want to buy a PC. All suggestions welcome.
Thanks
July 5th, 2011 at 1:17 pm (#)
Brilliant~! Life Saver~!!!
July 9th, 2011 at 3:16 pm (#)
I have had this imac for over a year and didn’t use it because of the glare. My PC sits next to it – nice glare-free screen. But, I want to use the mac so I, like many suffering from headaches and eyestrain, have now removed the cover. I grabbed a piece of clear plastic packaging tape and made a loop on the surface of the cover in the upper lefthand corner. I pulled gently and steadily while the cover moved ever so slightly. When it was far enough out, I put a fingernail behind it and off popped the cover.
The bolts and nuts around the edge make it look a little like WallE – cute, really. I will give this a try, and hopefully it will cut down on the physical problems of using an Imac – or should I call it the EYE-Mac?
What a pity that Apple hasn’t figured this out.
July 15th, 2011 at 8:17 pm (#)
I’ve been considering an iMac but hesitating to buy one due to this issue. I wonder if one could have museum glass or plexi (which does not reflect) cut to replace the glass after removal. It might be the perfect solution…
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:31 am (#)
Like Mike I’d like to buy an iMac but am deterred by this glossy screen issue, since I’d be using my iMac in a room with several windows.
I also wonder if one could have slightly frosted glass be cut by a glazier with the same dimensions as the original glass.
Question to those who have removed their front glass: how thick is it excactly?
July 28th, 2011 at 9:43 am (#)
HI. I just got home with my new iMac 27 a couple days ago and I love it so far. BUT the first thing I said to myself after starting it is “Wow – that’s a lot of glare.” I’m using a Lenovo laptop for work and, looking at the two side-by-side, there’s a huge difference. Absolutely no glare whatsoever on my Lenovo laptop. I’m a little nervous about taking the protective acrylic off my iMac, though…for aesthetic and protective reasons. All I did was dim the screen and create a dark atmosphere for myself in my office (dim lighting) and it has helped a lot.
July 31st, 2011 at 10:35 am (#)
As my older PC is on it’s last leg have been shopping for a replacement. Made decision to go Mac this go around and my eye caught the 21″ iMac. This mature lady can only say “it’s hot”.
I’m extremely disappointed that Apple does not offer, for an additional cost, anti-glare as an option on the iMac. If anti-glare was an option the iMac would be on my desk right now.
Wondered if the glass cover could be removed and you answered my question. My concern is same as others, that the exposure may cause difficulties for the cam and for us that have pets, etc.,
Agree the film is not a good choice. Got some samples and went to Apple store. Looks so poor.
Feel when spending high dollars for fully loaded computer should not have to disassemble or alter it.
Shame on Apple.
Believe we should find the corporate name & address that would be the most effective to send our requests for anti-glare options on iMac.
August 5th, 2011 at 4:58 am (#)
I hace the dame problem, bought my Mac 4 no tus ago and the antiglare film and is not enough, it is bright and points in white pages, so im gonna sell it and buy a Mac mini and LCD anti glare
August 15th, 2011 at 3:04 am (#)
To Karen and all who (like me) complain about Apple not offering an anti-glare option for the iMac, here is the place to post your request:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/imac.html
I did so, saying that if such an option becomes available very soon both on the iMac and on the LED display I would buy both (which is true), but if it doesn’t I would only buy a Mac Mini and two non-Apple displays (which is also true).
August 27th, 2011 at 5:15 pm (#)
Saved my iMac. Ordered an iMac online last week, moved from the macbook 5 years ago to a 21″ so I can edit 2 documents and have more space. However, my excited stopped when the HORRIBLE headaches started within a few minutes. I thought maybe I wasn’t used to such a big screen that close, and after reading reviews maybe it was the natural light reflecting, so I rearranged my whole office. I stayed away from the iMac for the whole week to help me recover, as I did some work on it because I needed to. I was worried all week and was trying to figure out how to ship the iMac back (as there are no stores within 90minutes of where I live that sell iMacs. Anyways, last resort I found this article and took a chance. Took my finger nail and tried to pull back the screen, the magnets were took strong and my nail too short. I then got a very thin knife and inserted it between the lay screen and the actual imac, with nerves and a little force it popped right off!!!! I have been working on my imac all day (6 hours at least) and no major concerns have been noticed!!!! If it was not for this article and video, I might have been out the $$$ for a nice paper weight.
Just pick a corner and off the screen will work! Just hope there are no longer term effects, so I’ll be putting the screen back on when I know I will not be using it for a few days in a row just to protect the inside. I put a page “Post-it” (the small kind for books to take little notes for textbooks) on the one corner so I don’t have to use a knife and scratch either product, works like a charm!
Hope this helps others! (I hope apple listens up, because next time I’ll save some $ and get the mini with a non-apple screen if the glare issue is not resolved.
August 29th, 2011 at 11:04 pm (#)
If you cant remove it yourself, have a teenager accidentally knock your Imac over and the screen will come off by itself, happened to me and luckily the LCD didnt break. I would recommend the suction caps though. I must admit at first I was really upset with him and wanted him to replace it, but now I actually prefer it without the from anti glare screen.
September 7th, 2011 at 9:34 am (#)
I just ordered a 21.5″ iMac, and am glad I found this site. I may just try this out if the glare is an issue. I’ve been using a Dell laptop with a glossy screen for three years now and have survived, but we’ll see about the iMac.
As others have wondered, I would think you could just go down to your local hardware store and have them cut a piece of glass or plexi the same size as your original, and just stick that in there.
September 11th, 2011 at 8:03 am (#)
Does this trick work with Apple Thunderbolt/Cinema Display?
September 14th, 2011 at 10:18 am (#)
When my new iMac arrived two years ago, I noticed what I thought was a burnt screen since the shadows reminded me of the old Tiger desktop. Now, those burn marks are far more visible and might just be condensation instead.
I watched another video showing how to take the screen off. And I saw another picture on YouTube where a man is holding a toilet plunger to remove his screen.
Hopefully, I won’t have to buy a new screen to replace it after I clean it. Like many of you, my eyes are killing me too.
I’m wondering if we might use low E glass as one solution and/or a product called “Invisible Glass” I saw yesterday at Ace Hardware.
September 23rd, 2011 at 7:41 am (#)
We use imacs as our computer in our business (nothing to do with graphic processing…we just like them much more than PC’s). We are pretty up to date in terms of hardware at this point which means everyone has a big glossy screen. However I have one employee who is complaining of his eyes burning and swelling, and has been to the eye doctor numerous times. The recommendation is to get an antiglare screen/film of some type.
I’m really glad I found this thread…looks like it saved me the hassle of getting the film and realizing that it makes things worse!
Thanks very very much for the tip! I have just pulled the upper screen off (really easy!) and will wait to see if it helps him.
September 28th, 2011 at 12:24 am (#)
bz reflective glare do you people mean the mirror effect? what i cant stand is looking at myself the whole day reflected on the screen….thats what bums me out!
September 30th, 2011 at 9:05 pm (#)
Suction cups worked a breeze, I love there reconstructed look of the iMac now.
Thanks for the great info!!!
October 4th, 2011 at 9:15 am (#)
I’ve had my iMac 27″ a month now, thought i’d get used to the screen but its killing my eyes. Its like looking in a mirror.
I had a route around ebay earlier and noticed the replacement screens
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/APPLE-IMAC-27-INCH-GLASS-PANEL-922-9833-MID-2011-/160652254430?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D3240669778321497294#ht_1588wt_1413
Maybe, buy one and have the middle cut out?
Mind you that still leaves the screen unprotected.
October 4th, 2011 at 9:16 am (#)
…and I must say I feel dreadfully disappointed with the screen.
October 29th, 2011 at 1:58 pm (#)
THANK YOU! My office is beautiful and bright with natural light. I was shocked at the amount of glare on the screen when I set up my new iMac. I had taken to closing all the curtains for most of the day. At that rate, I think my houseplants were going to die and I would have grown pale!
I tried the RadTech film and it helped but made things a little blurry, that is a very unfortunate side effect. Shiny screen is now off and the problem is mostly solved. So what if it gunk gets in and shortens the life a tad? Worthwhile tradeoff without a doubt, especially since now you can actually USE the machine!
December 15th, 2011 at 5:16 pm (#)
Thank you for sharing the info that the glossy screen is magnetically attached to the computer. I removed it from my new 21.5 inch iMac by simply using a sharp knife on the right top corner to pry it open and then peeling it off. Now the annoying glare is forever gone! Wonderful!
December 22nd, 2011 at 5:54 am (#)
I have removed an external protection screen with my GPS suction cup. The procedure is simple but it doesn’t really help. The LCD surface is also glossy and it still looks like a mirror.
IMO the only solution is to buy a normal matt 1920×1080 monitor that costs under $150 now and connect it to iMac Thunderbolt port via MiniDisplay->DVI/VGA adapter.
I regret that spent $1200+ on iMac which monitor is such a junk. May be a mini Mac with normal 3rd party display would be a smarter solution
January 14th, 2012 at 10:23 pm (#)
Thanks for sharing. I hate the glossy screen, but I still want the look. What to do… What to do… I think I’ll just keep the blinds closed, but that sucks also as I like the sun and my desk position. It also sucks that there isn’t a good anti glare. Nonetheless, thanks for sharing your story.
January 14th, 2012 at 10:24 pm (#)
Also, let us know if you find a good anti glare… Anyone…