Laptop angle: I use a laptop to do all of my photo downloads, PP, etc. The problem I have is what is the proper angle for the screen. It seems that when I have the screen at one angle...

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

I use a laptop to do all of my photo downloads, PP, etc. The problem I have is what is the proper angle for the screen. It seems that when I have the screen at one angle my photos look OK but when I move the screen just a little one way or the other, my photos look different. Is there a proper or precise angle where my screen should be and how do I make certain it is at the optimum angle?

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Thats unfortunate about laptops. Some are worse than others. Macbook Pros seem to be the best.. At least of the three that I own. Make your screen and your face parallel to view a laptop screen.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Ideally, 90 degrees to your line of site, (perpendicular)

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

Who the hell knows....this is another one of many questions I've never been able to get a straight answer from the "experts" on. Having said that, I have been told to do the following. I'm using a 17 inch MacBook Pro, I have it on an elevated pedestal stand in such a position that when I open it my eyes are at the level of the top of the screen, i.e., I'm looking straight at the little camera lens built in the top frame. I should note I'm looking slightly down overall in a comfortable position. I then move the screen up and down a bit. I can see the light change on the screen and there is one spot where it seems to be the brightest and cover the entire screen...That is THE spot....

Picdude Loc: Ohio

A laptop screen is optimized for head-on, personalized viewing. Adjusting the screen as Mudshark described works great until you have to change your posture/position (say for fatigue) then you have to readjust. If you are really concerned about the best viewing/processing from your laptop you may want to look into an external monitor. Not only will you get a more consistent view but you will be able to calibrate it better for color as well.

I use a laptop myself and understand your frustration. I have just gotten used to finding that "sweet spot" angle over the years.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

cspear42 wrote:

I use a laptop to do all of my photo downloads, PP, etc. The problem I have is what is the proper angle for the screen. It seems that when I have the screen at one angle my photos look OK but when I move the screen just a little one way or the other, my photos look different. Is there a proper or precise angle where my screen should be and how do I make certain it is at the optimum angle?

Nothing beats a good desktop with an awesome IPS monitor for photo editing. Thank you for confirming that I never want to use my laptop for such tasks. Sorry, I don't have any good advice for you, but since I'm constantly adjusting my glasses, I probably wouldn't be much help anyway.

richie4223 Loc: Ocala Flordia

Hi
I heard about this cool little devise at one of our local cammera club meetings. I have ordered one but haven't received it yet. But for $ 15 - how can you go wrong....! I think it will at least minimize the varience of the tilt angle,making your viewing angle much more consistant.

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=70&cat=4&page=1

ttlthor Loc: Grapevine, Texas

richie4223 wrote:

Hi
I heard about this cool little devise at one of our local cammera club meetings. I have ordered one but haven't received it yet. But for $ 15 - how can you go wrong....! I think it will at least minimize the varience of the tilt angle,making your viewing angle much more consistant.

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=70&cat=4&page=1

That actually makes sense. Been strugling with this issue for a long time. Thanks.

richie4223 Loc: Ocala Flordia

Clever and it's so simple....."Why didn't I think of that "

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

Picdude wrote:

A laptop screen is optimized for head-on, personal... (show quote)

I would agree 100 percent...and being able to color calibrate a larger moniter is a huge plus...

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Mudshark wrote:

quote=Picdude A laptop screen is optimized for he... (show quote)

One of these days when the kids are out of school, and out of the house, and a few other things are paid off I want to upgrade my computer. Will probably stay with a laptop for mobility but really want a good flat-screen monitor at a permanent work station/office area (which is what one of the boys' bedrooms will become if/when they move out). Got plenty of time to work it out :?

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

cspear42 wrote:

I use a laptop to do all of my photo downloads, PP, etc. The problem I have is what is the proper angle for the screen. It seems that when I have the screen at one angle my photos look OK but when I move the screen just a little one way or the other, my photos look different. Is there a proper or precise angle where my screen should be and how do I make certain it is at the optimum angle?

That's what I've forewarned about laptops on here many times in the past. Everybody's eager to run out and buy a Mac laptop for editing but the screen angle is a variable that can't be controlled. Even a few degrees change from sitting up straight, leaning back, laying on the bed, reclining on the sofa, how far you open the lid to avoid reflections from a light source behind you, and anything else will completely change what you are seeing. It happens with a desktop monitor somewhat but at least the monitor sits at the same angle all the time and only the operator moves around some.

I suppose a solution could be to connect your laptop to a desktop monitor during editing functions and never edit on the laptop's screen but just use the laptop's screen for other functions like downloading and general previewing without editing.