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backbraker25

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 9, 2007
71
1
I'm not sure if anyone has noticed this but it virtually impossible to see the iPad screen in portrait mode with polarized sunglasses on. However it works on landscape.
 
A LCD panel typically has a vertical polarizer film at the front of the screen. That's why when you have sunglasses, which have orthogonal polarization strips (say holizontal), you do not see anything. If you get sunglasses with circular polarization, you probably able to see the LCD screen.
 
Yup, my Maui Jim's render the screen invisible in portrait mode. ;)

Easy enough to work-around, though. Either switch to landscape, or remove the sunglasses.
 
Actually, I recall that I had the opposite problem - could only see my iPad in portrait mode. That makes more sense, because portrait mode seems to be Apple's "favored" orientation.

The astute reader will not my use of the words "recall", and "had"...

Surprisingly, the Power Control anti-glare film seems to have solved the problem!

I just tested with a pair of polarized Carrreras as well as a pair of Drivewear lenses. Same result - I can see the screen in both portrait and landscape mode, with some fringing, but not very objectionable.
 
I just realized that I can't see my iMac screen either. You guys are right.

Samsung SyncMaster 213T (old 2000-era 22" IPS), no screen protector - landscape OK, portrait 100% cutout.

13" Aluminum Macbook late 2008, no screen protector - landscape OK, portrait OK

iPhone 3G, Zagg - landscape OK, portrait OK (pretty sure this is OK without the Zagg as well)

I think the problem is primarily with IPS-technology displays (such as my Syncmasters and iPad).
 
Yup, my Maui Jim's render the screen invisible in portrait mode. ;)

Easy enough to work-around, though. Either switch to landscape, or remove the sunglasses.

Maui Jim's rock! I have the sport carbonite ones! I noticed this too and honestly thought it might have been my Zagg invisible sholield causing the problem. Good to know I'm not crazy!
 
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backbraker25 said:
I just realized that I can't see my iMac screen either. You guys are right.

Yup. I can't see my iMac screen when I have my sunnies on - and all of my shades are polarized, so it kind of sucks. Not that I often wear my sunglasses indoors, but when you throw then on and check something on the computer on your way out the door, it's kinda lame. The best ones for viewing the iMac are my Ray Ban Aviators - it's hard to explain, but the polarization angle of the two lenses is very slightly different, so a slight head tilt does the trick. Both of Oakleys, OTOH, are perfectly aligned, making the polarization blackout 100% ... Oh well. At least they look good. :)
 
Easy enough to work-around, though. Either switch to landscape, or remove the sunglasses.

Tell that to pilots, whose kneeboards hold the iPad on their thigh in portrait orientation. I would never fly in the daytime without good sunglasses. Or tell others in mobile applications where the mounting system holds the iPad in portrait orientation (which is more likely to be the ideal orientation in a vehicle and for mobile apps).

The current polarization is backward. The screen should be visible in portrait orientation but not landscape. People sitting watching a movie are the least likely to be wearing sunglasses.

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