Cheap solution for bright screen fatigue with general purpose computing?

[JawadLeLogeur]

I want to be able to do real work on Linux (browsing webpages, using office-like apps, CLI use etc.) on a screen that doesn't tire me out. This is of course very subjective, but if you are on this forum you probably understand what I mean when I say that e-ink feels a lot better to use than LCD or whatever else.

E-ink monitors would be the best solution, but even the recent Modos flow is expensive and not even funded or shipping until the end of the year

There was a story about a $200 eink monitor on alibaba but it was identified as a fire hazard

I have an Eyemoo S1 but it made me realize that RLCD screens are pretty mediocre as-is and require investment in lighting. In any case, RLCD monitors are as expensive as e-ink ones

Lenovo has an eink laptop, but again it's very expensive

Perhaps a Boox would be the solution but Android is quite dismal as an OS compared to Linux and they are still expensive, especially the ones that can double as an actual monitor. In that case the Modos flow would make more sense.

There is the Linux pinenote but its specs seem a bit woeful and it seems like a bad investment

I've heard of ChLCD but I don't know where to see them in person to evaluate

Is there anything else I could try in terms of getting at least 13 inch for a linux desktop or portable experience for max 400 CAD/300 EUR or USD? I really am willing to search for even a partial improvement on the LCD/OLED/VA/TN etc. experience that gives a subjective feeling similar to eink. Heck I have a 3D printer and could even try advanced projects even though I am a normie. Modos does have an eink dev kit that is a bit cheaper but price-wise it makes no sense to invest in it instead of the flow.

I have the TCL nxtpaper 60 XE and it's honestly a marked improvement on my previous phone's screen but the screen still feels like a screen. I do use it as a mobile typewriter/browser with a keyboard but it's still android

I guess the answer would be 'stfu already and starting saving/sacrificing' but any cheaper suggestion would be welcome

[nana77]

For what it concerns CLI, and office-like apps, if it's fine to use a dark theme on background, to me it comes to mind an used Plasma TV (Panasonic Viera), which are 36",42" or 50". The blacks are the most close to "off", as like on OLED. The TV would be cheap; I don't know for the smaller models, but the 50" would consume (on paper, I don't know on real world usage) 450 watt. 1080p max, but very nices.
Ps: I see some "portable OLED monitors" as 13", on Amazon (from unknew brands, btw) that seem not too expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/InnoView-Port...dp/B0DGPF1GM6/
Without shipping/import charges is @EUR234.98.

Due to different output power of different devices, if the monitor flickers/black screen, please power the external monitor separately

[JawadLeLogeur]

Interesting, thanks. Do you think the effect on a monitor of this size would be similar to an OLED screen with non-matte glass cover on a phone? That was what I had for my previous phone and it didn't have that subjective 'not really like other screen' comfort of eink, though of course the dark mode and a dark launcher was real nice compared to a standard device

[DJUNGELSKOG]

I know it’s none of my business and it’s very subjective, but did you try using lubricating eye drops? I have a similar problem (bright screens and bright light in general hurt my eyes) and these eye drops make a lot of difference. They should be available in any pharmacy without a prescription and they are cheaper than buying a new device!

[JawadLeLogeur]

I genuinely appreciate 'holistic' advice like this, I will try this haha

I already use FL41 lens clips once in a while though I don't have the associated conditions like migraine or photobia, purely for subjective comfort.

[Aleron Ives]

Monitors like the Boox Mira and Dasung Paperlike are what you're looking for, but this is a niche technology, so you can't get it cheaply. You can use a 13" Boox device as a monitor, but since it runs on a battery, it's not a great solution for daily use.

[danicca]

You might be able to find pixel qi screen. It's pretty solid as alternative to eink, but never took off.

[JawadLeLogeur]

Originally Posted by danicca

You might be able to find pixel qi screen. It's pretty solid as alternative to eink, but never took off.

Very cool, I think I might test this one

[MegDreamsofBooks]

You might look into FL-41 "migraine" glasses. They are pink lenses that block a certain spectrum of light, and I've found them extremely helpful with eye fatigues from screens.

You can find cheap non-prescription pairs available online, or they are available with prescriptions from various places that provide eye glasses. I initially tried the non-prescription set just to confirm they were helpful, then ordered a prescription set from Zenni.

The bonus of doing glasses instead of replacing screens is that you can use them elsewhere. I have started carrying mine with me and wearing them when I'm in places like the doctor's office where fluorescent lighting gives me a headache and hurts my eyes.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by danicca

You might be able to find pixel qi screen. It's pretty solid as alternative to eink, but never took off.

They are rubbish except for direct sunlight. Even then poor.

Also avoid polarised glasses as many displays have polarised light.

If you need anything other than reading glasses the brightness is set too high.

Make sure no lights / sun / window openings etc reflect off screen. A matte screen is best and a "matte" screen protector film is poor compared to inherently matte screens, which have a huge variation in quality.

If indoors:
Turn the brightness down.
Position screen so no windows or lamps reflect off it.
Do not have a window behind the screen.
Turn off auto-brightness. Only use that outdoors.

[danicca]

Originally Posted by Quoth

They are rubbish except for direct sunlight. Even then poor.

.

The same could be said about eink, or notebooks. Pixel qi has its drawbacks, but it won't tire eyes as much as conventional screen and can be used for typical office apps.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by danicca

The same could be said about eink, or notebooks. Pixel qi has its drawbacks, but it won't tire eyes as much as conventional screen and can be used for typical office apps.

Citation? vs properly adjust matte surface OLED / LCD / QLED.

Why did they die with the OLPC?

[danicca]

I don't think there is any comparison being done, as pixel qi is old technology. I was speaking from my experience with Notion Ink Adam, which I used specifically for Word apps.

[JawadLeLogeur]

Originally Posted by MegDreamsofBooks

You might look into FL-41 "migraine" glasses. They are pink lenses that block a certain spectrum of light, and I've found them extremely helpful with eye fatigues from screens.

Heh I mentioned those earlier! Great minds think alike. I agree that they are quite effective. I can't afford to buy an extra prescription version for now, but I wear a clip (actually FL-60, the stronger version in brown now that I've checked) over my regular glasses

Originally Posted by Quoth

They are rubbish except for direct sunlight. Even then poor.

Also avoid polarised glasses as many displays have polarised light.

If you need anything other than reading glasses the brightness is set too high.

Make sure no lights / sun / window openings etc reflect off screen. A matte screen is best and a "matte" screen protector film is poor compared to inherently matte screens, which have a huge variation in quality.

If indoors:
Turn the brightness down.
Position screen so no windows or lamps reflect off it.
Do not have a window behind the screen.
Turn off auto-brightness. Only use that outdoors.

Great advice, thanks. Out of curiosity, do you have any specific monitor model recommendations? I remember learning quite a bit from your other posts and you seem to have a deep understanding of screens so I'm actually wondering what you use personally if that's not too invasive of a question

I guess the dilemma would be whether to save up for eink like the Modos flow or get a moderate improvement at a cheap price e.g. a VA panel or whatever (I do need to research this in-depth of course)