Anyone use LaptopMedia Recommendations and Software?

Dizzy

Hello all,

Has anyone used Laptop Medias list of “safe” laptops and/or their software that tunes settings to success?

Here is the link: https://laptopmedia.com/top-laptop-pwm-ranking-rated-by-negative-impact-on-eyesight/

Thanks,

WhisperingWind

I would approach this list and similar ones with a grain of salt. Brightness fluctuations that are technically not PWM can still negatively affect the eyes. This list includes OLED laptops, and while technically they do not use PWM, the brightness fluctuations on such displays can cause similar discomfort.

I would use this list as a reference, but I also recommend checking reviews, preferably those that include brightness fluctuation graphs. Unfortunately, there are very few such reviews (for instance, https://www.rtings.com/laptop), and sometimes you have to look for devices through friends and acquaintances to try working with them or use the option of returning the product to the seller if this is available in your country.

For instance, I once bought a BenQ BL2420PT monitor. Technically, it is PWM-free, but it has strong brightness modulation that made it difficult for me to work with.

Dizzy

WhisperingWind Thanks for the insight. I have been trying to find out exactly what is triggering my symptoms. What is brightness modulation?

WhisperingWind

What is brightness modulation?

For example, I set the monitor brightness to 30%. However, during operation, there may be deviations in brightness from this value for very short periods of time. There could be short-term spikes up to 60% (the number can be any) brightness every N milliseconds. Technically, this may not be PWM, but it may be related to the characteristics of the equipment. Nevertheless, such fluctuations can lead to almost the same effect as PWM for the eyes.

WhisperingWind

Another consideration is that laptop manufacturers sometimes source displays from various vendors. This raises the question of which displays will be tested and reviewed, and which one will end up in the laptop I buy from a retailer.