Is a screensaver still needed? I have a Mid 2013 13" MacBook Air. I'm curious if I need to be concerned with using a screensaver. I use one when I'm in public or around others, just to ensure privacy and all. But when I'm alone, can I just turn off my screensaver? Is there a possibility of image retention or screen burn in from not using a screensaver on modern displays?
Thanks for any direction you can provide.
Screen savers are part of the OSX. If you go to System Preferences>Energy Saver, you can adjust the time intervals to put the display and MBA to sleep. That should reduce any possibility of any 'image retention'.
Ciao.
Hey OGELTHORPE,
Thanks for the reply. I totally understand how to control my usage of Screensavers on a Mac, including the time intervals, choice of particular animation, etc. More question is more about whether or not it is still necessary to use one, even though it is built into the OS.
If memory serves me right, screensavers were originally created to ensure that older CRT monitors would not experience burn in or image retention when left on a particular screen for too long. Considering that, it begs the question, are they still needed for computers with modern monitors? Or will I damage my MBA screen if I do not use a screensaver?
Thanks again.
pmpknetr21 wrote:
Hey OGELTHORPE,
If memory serves me right, screensavers were originally created to ensure that older CRT monitors would not experience burn in or image retention when left on a particular screen for too long. Considering that, it begs the question, are they still needed for computers with modern monitors?
I have noticed a few retina MBP owners raise the issue if image retention on their displays so perhaps for them it is an issue.
Or will I damage my MBA screen if I do not use a screensaver?
Though not 'proof positive' I have not seen any such complaint for 'ordinary' led MBPs or MBAs nor have I witnessed any such issue with my equipment. One could argue that it may not be necessary, but then a nice screen saver does have some entertainment value. 🙂 I can leave it for each individual to decide if they want it or not.
Ciao.
I'm not particularly interested in Screen savers (I get tired of them after a while). However, haviing had CRT's burn in I'm concerned about the possibility. I don't know if LED / LCD (I think Apples screens are LCD with a LED light to illuminate the screen) screens have that problem. But I'm also concerned about saving energy.
My solution is to turn the monitor off in the Energy Settings / Screen Preferences after 25 minutes.
So the screen displays what is there until the energy save kicks in and it is black until I hit a key. Solves all my problems.
I agree with anothre responder, on my MB, I set a screen saver as well as a energy timeout to make my screen display private and since I need my password
to clear the saver on my MB, it is safe.
I feel the balance of things I have achieved are good for me. You can explore or experiment to find a solution that fills your needs.
Bruce
Another reason I ask is because my wife hates using a screen saver on her MacBook Air. If we're in public she uses it. Otherwise, when we're at home, she uses a utility called Caffeine to keep her Macs screensaver from starting up. At times, she may walk away from it, go to bed, and the screen stays lit up on Safari or whatever she was using all night until the next morning when she returns to it.
In this scenario, is it possible that she could have burn in issues in the future?
Just put it to sleep.
Are screensavers still necessary?
