Dear Dr. Bob: My computer screen has the shakes - the image regularly jumps up and down. I suspect the shimmy is being caused by the massive power transformer just outside my window. Is there a monitor that resists energy waves, and more important, am I in any danger from this?
Dr. Bob: You're encountering an electromagnetic wave pulsing at 60 Hz, and the electrons on your screen, like mayflies in the wind, are being blown off course by the energy. One solution is to invest in one of those slick flat-screen LCDs, which use liquid crystal to produce an image. But even a smallish 17-inch model will set you back more than $1,500. What you really need is a protective shield for your monitor, such as those made by the aptly named Magnetic Shield Corporation (www.magnetic-shield.com). For about $500 to $1,000, you get a hood made from an alloy of nickel and lead that fits over your display and instantly stops the shakes.
As for your well-being: Although serious concerns have been raised about long-term exposure to electromagnetic energy, there's still no conclusive scientific proof of any health risks associated with either low-frequency waves, like the ones in your office, or high-frequency radio waves, like those coming from mobile phones. Maybe you should occasionally talk on your cell while sitting at your computer and hope the frequencies cancel each other out.
Got a tech question? Ask Dr. Bob at askdrbob@wiredmag.com.
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