The Sentinel

Smart light combats screen eye strain from screen time

The ScreenBar Halo offers tech-driven eye comfort for computer users by supplying real-time auto-dimming light to soothe digital eye strain. Attach the device with a clamp, adjust lighting with the wireless controller, and enjoy the immersive illumination from the back light feature.

Photo: NAPSI

NAPSI - Research shows that remote workers spend over half of their day—13 hours on average—looking at screens. This much time spent looking at a computer can produce digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

It’s estimated that digital eye strain affects 60 million people worldwide, and over 70% of computer users. Resulting symptoms include headaches, blurry vision, neck and eye pain, double vision, delay in shifting focus, and more.

Sound familiar? If you’re experiencing digital eye strain from spending countless hours in front of a screen, you will be glad to know, BenQ’s tech-driven smart lights can offer a solution.

Digital eye strain is often caused by differences in light—screen glare, light reflection, screen brightness and contrast are all contributing factors. Renowned for its pioneering lighting solutions—including the world’s first monitor light bar, the ScreenBar—the company boasts a full line of smart lights that help reduce digital eye strain. Designed based on extensive research by a team of optical professionals and backed by EU IEC/IR 62778 and IEC/EN 62471 dual certifications for blue light hazards, these smart lights bring tech-driven eye comfort to computer users everywhere.

For someone needing a portable solution to mitigate insufficient computer light, BenQ’s new LaptopBar (https://bit.ly/4arLWb2) is ideal. This compact light bar attaches to your laptop via a non-damaging magnetic patch, and through an innovative process involving 20 million beam simulations, creates a CIRCUM-Light™ 3D-surrounding illumination that brings together central brightness and ambient light to alleviate eye strain.

The light bar also offers:

A personalized auto-dimming feature, which remembers your specific lighting preferences and intelligently adapts to changes in environmental light.

A foldable arm offering height adjustability for your smart light, letting you choose between a limited or wide field of light.

Weighing less than an iPhone 15 Pro, the LaptopBar is easy to transport and intuitive to use. A built-in battery can maintain 100 minutes of operation at 100% brightness and 160 minutes at 50% brightness, so you can use it anywhere.

An innovator of eye-comforting light for your monitor, BenQ’s ScreenBar Halo securely clamps onto most monitor models to distribute light around your workspace. It features:

BenQ’s first immersive back lighting mode, which lets you switch among three lighting modes to balance any contrasting light between your computer screen and its surroundings.

An ASYM-Light™ asymmetrical optical design that prevents reflected glare on the screen and reduces digital eye strain; and a real-time auto-dimming feature with a built-in light sensor detects ambient lighting and supplements illumination of the desktop as needed.

The wireless controller lets you switch lighting modes from your desktop and customize the lighting for a range of environments.

You can take care of your eyes by supplying the light relief they need. Your screen time likely won’t be decreasing any time soon, but with smart lighting solutions like BenQ’s LaptopBar and ScreenBar Halo, you can decrease eye strain and promote eye comfort no matter how much time you spend in front of a screen.

For additional information and resources on improving eye health, visit: https://www.benq.com/en-us/lighting.html.

Tolono chess club is forming

TOLONO - A new chess club is taking shape in Tolono. Organizer Jonny Bates has created a Facebook page for Tolono area chess players to meet once or twice a month. To learn more, follow this link: Tolono Area Chess Players

Making space:
Freestanding units are a popular choice for people who want more room

NAPSI - If you are like many homeowners seeking to enhance your property and support your lifestyle interests, adding a freestanding hobby shop, home office, vehicle storage building, or recreational facility can be a great idea.

Photo: NAPSI

Building a freestanding unit on your property versus renting a retail location might be advantageous for a small business owner or an avid hobbyist. While renting commercial space offers more immediate flexibility and lower initial investment, generally it is better for small businesses with limited access to capital or needing a shorter rental commitment. On the other hand, owning a freestanding building might be a much better option.

Owning a freestanding structure does comes with challenges, including higher upfront costs, responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, and potential zoning or permitting issues if used for a business operation. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your current and projected financial position and long-term goals. The first step is to talk with a financial advisor, an insurance carrier, and your attorney to make an informed decision.

There are several advantages to having your own building on property you already own.

A freestanding building can provide you with increased equity over time. As the property value appreciates, it will increase the overall value of your land with the improvement. Since you own the property, you have control over how and when it is used. No more worrying about negotiating new leases, rent increases, security deposits, or restrictions imposed by landlords. From a profit/loss perspective, this can be crucial for long-term business planning.

While the initial investment for building a structure might be higher, in the long run, you may save money when comparing the aggregate rent paid over a three-, five-, or ten-year period. Plus, once the building paid off, your business becomes more profitable almost overnight with no mortgage or rental expenses.

Another advantage is you can customize your space just the way you want it. Constructing your own building allows you complete control over its aesthetics, creating a unique and distinctive space. Building on your property provides flexibility in terms of size and functionality. You can design the space to meet your specific business needs.

While in the planning stages, one should also allow for future expansion or modifications if you can not afford to build your dream space right off the bat.

Don't need space for your side gig or business, but need space to pursue your passion? What can be better than having an MMA or CrossFit gym just a few feet from your backdoor? Need a space to restore and maintain vintage vehicles? How about a space for your band to rehearse? A freestanding building is just the ticket.

For hobby enthusiasts, freestanding building projects range from a small garage to an elaborate workshop to support a wide range of interests, such as woodworking, classic car restoration, various collections, or simply for storage of equipment and tools, said Andy Brown, Morton Buildings suburban product line manager. Also popular are man caves and she sheds, which offer a place to get away to relax and unwind, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with friends.

"Our customers have used their Morton buildings for such diverse interests as an art studio, a family game room, a space for music and instruments, doing meditation and yoga, brewing beer and exercising," Brown noted. "Some couples split the space in their hobby building so they each have separate areas for their own interests."

Many owners of boats, RVs, and other recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles and ATVs, he added, want an attractive, well-designed storage facility to protect and enhance the enjoyment of those assets. Many of these vehicle storage facilities also have amenities such as an office, kitchenette, lounge, bathroom, and space for hobbies.

"Homeowners want a building that will not only support their hobby and recreational needs but is also stylish and can be customized to complement the existing structures on the property with design features such as brick and stone, cupolas and porches," he said.