World's First Glasses-Free 3D Laptop Comes With Health Risks - Mashable
<div id="post-703769"><header class="entry-title summary"> </header> <div class="description" readability="45.8769161407"> <p><img src="http://5.mshcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Toshiba-3D-Laptop.jpg" alt="" title="Toshiba 3D Laptop" width="275" height="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-703773"/>Toshiba announced the Qosmio F755 3D laptop on Tuesday, describing it as "the world's first laptop capable of displaying glasses-free 3D and 2D content at the same time on one screen."</p> <p>The press release proudly featured the laptop specs in the body of the text, but other seemingly minute details — such as potential health risks of 3D viewing, in this case — were kept in the footnotes. One footnote stated:</p> <blockquote readability="13"> <p>"Due to the possible impact on vision development, viewers of 3D video images should be age 6 or above. Children and teenagers may be more susceptible to health issues associated with viewing in 3D and should be closely supervised to avoid prolonged viewing without rest. Some viewers may experience a seizure or blackout when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain 3D television pictures or video games. Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition, or has a family history of epilepsy, should contact a health care provider before using the 3D function."</p> </blockquote> <p>That disclaimer footnote then points to another more lengthy disclaimer on Toshiba's website entitled, "3D Viewing: Important Safety Information," in which another list of health risks continues. The first point on the list is especially poignant: </p> <blockquote readability="19"> <p>"If you or any viewer experiences the following symptoms or any other discomfort from viewing 3D video images, stop viewing and contact your health care provider: Convulsions, Eye or muscle twitching, Loss of awareness, Altered vision, Involuntary movements, Disorientation, Eye Strain, Nausea/Vomiting, Dizziness, Headaches, Fatigue."</p> </blockquote> <p>Priced at $1,700, the laptop will be available in mid-August. One can't help but wonder if consumers will be paying attention to these small details relating to their health when deciding to purchase the latest in technological wonders.</p> <p>It can be argued that these health risks apply for any type of 3D viewing — even so, should they be relegated to the footnotes? </p> <p>What are your thoughts on how tech companies should disclaim health risks regarding use of their products? And is owning a 3D laptop worth risking your health? Let us know in the comments below.</p> </div> </div>
