skip to main content

screen went dim

10 years ago

I never had this problem before. I bought a used 27" iMac to replace an older model. Everything was good for a week or two, then one morning when I turned on the computer from sleep mode, the screen was noticeably dimmer than it was before. I did not do anything that I know to have caused that.

I cannot access Apple help, as they are closed for maintenance, or something, so would appreciate help here.

I'm sure it's a simple fix, but having fiddled, I have not been able to figure it out.

I'm on Mountain Lion.

This post was edited by naturelle on Mon, Aug 26, 13 at 8:34

Comments (6)

owbist
10 years ago
Take a looksee here. I have no experience with Apple stuff so I had to goggle it :~)

You might need to look through a few to find the right answer for your problem.
naturelle
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you so much. Actually, I did not have to look at much. One of the links was concerning a dimming problem, but it was a more serious problem than mine, as they tried everything, without success. However, in the discussions, they referenced the dimming and brightening keys on the keyboard. I had no idea of their existence. Sure enough, I found them and that was the problem. I must have hit them, when I was fumbling for another key.

The keyboard is a wireless, which came with the purchase of the iMac, and it's about 1/2 the size. Very nice for a hunt and peck typist like me, much easier to use, as my peripheral vision sees the whole panel. Also, I can use it off my lap while I lean back on my reclining chair.

Thanks again, I now see the light!!
Related Discussions
San Francisco friends---dim sum?
Q
Comments (8)
I hope this isn't too late, but I suggest Yank Sing. There are 2 locations - one in the Rincon Annex (only a couple of blocks from the Hyatt Regency) and the other is only a few blocks west of there on Stevenson [between Market & Mission] between 1st and 2nd Streets. It's a family-owned and operated place that is a little upscale and utterly delicious. It's always on my list when I go back to visit SF, where I lived for 22 years... Here is a link that might be useful: Yank Sing
...See More
Screens or no screens?
Q
Comments (3)
Hum... screens not being attractive? I have to disagree on this. Screens have came a long way. They now come in different shades and different amount of holes per square inch which helps them to be less visible. I used to have windows without the screens. I live in Texas and we have so many beautiful days that I'd loved to open the windows but could not. The mosquitoes truly believe that I'm their buffet. Without the screens, I wouldn't dare inviting them into my home. Seriously, who wants to be their dinner? I recently replaced all my windows with double panes and with screens for 3 reasons: energy sufficient, minimized the train noise and the ability to open the windows. The windows also have LoE2 film in between the glasses. When looking from the outside, the windows are tinted and the screens blend into it so well that it's almost invisible. From the inside, the net is so fine that is not even noticeable. I now looking forward for good weather to allow me opening the windows. It's just that perfect time of the year down here in Houston, Texas for letting some fresh air into your home. Hang up your screens and see if you like them. You can always take them out if you don't. If you don't like your current screens, you can also look for some that are less noticeable and would blend in to your existing windows better. Try matching the frame of the screen with your window frame and choose a screen shade that is less noticeable.
...See More
dimming halogen lights
Q
Comments (12)
Found the answer: http://www.teklight.com/faq_s.html Yes, conventional incandescent dimmers will work to dim halogen lamps. However, the effectiveness of the halogen cycle to keep the lamp walls clean and give longer life may well be affected. This cycle depends upon correct lamp operating temperatures, which of course will be changed when the lamp is dimmed. Therefore, using a dimmer may not extend the life of your halogen lamp as much as a dimmer typically extends the life of a standard incandescent lamp. The halogen lamp is designed to prevent the tungsten from depositing on the inside of the bulb wall and darkening it. Because the halogen action stops working when the bulb wall temperature falls below 260 degrees Centigrade, which may happen when the dimmer lowers the voltage, the halogen lamp blackens and its life is not prolonged as much as an incandescent lamp on a dimmer. Eventually a severely dimmed halogen lamp can become blackened and fail. The wall blackening can be partially reversed if the halogen lamp is operated at full power, non-dimmed, periodically to allow the halogen cycle to remove some of the deposited tungsten. I guess the reason I had never seen a reduced lifetime is that we tend to change the brightness frequently (sometimes it's full bright, sometime very dim, etc) and the full brightness usage counteracts some of the problem related to dimming.
...See More
Wondering where the pizza went ?
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks for the warning, unfortunately I have to agree. i probably could hunt up some other sewing and baking forums, but then i would have to sew and bake. I'll stick to making mudpies for the roses.
...See More
owbist
10 years ago
Glad to read it was a simple fix. Another happy camper :~)
kudzu9
10 years ago
naturelle-
A friendly suggestion: you need to read the manual. Otherwise I suspect that you will have a series of problems, or you will not be aware of certain basic, time saving features. Look at your keyboard: if there are any symbols you don't recognize, you should research them in the manual. You should also be aware of certain keystroke combinations that will make your experience much easier. I'm not trying to insult you, but virtually all keyboards have screen brightness controls. If you were unaware of this, I'm betting that there are other useful things you might find out going through the manual.
naturelle
Original Author
10 years ago
I've been on a iMac for about 7 years. The previous keyboard, which I still have, does not have keys with the dimming and brightening icons on them. Those icons show on the new keyboard specifically on the F! and F2 keys. Possibly, those same keys on the previous keyboard may serve the same function? Well, it's too late to worry about that now, but you have a point, there are no doubt other useful strokes which are available to me, should I study the manual.
DA_Mccoy
10 years ago
I am not a iMac user just an occasional iMac reader. I believe the F1 and F2 viewing concept has been around fro a while.

DA

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: From Dark and Dim to Cheerily Colorful in Pennsylvania

By Adrienne DeRosa

New windows and lively colors combine with updated accents to wake up a 3-bedroom home in Pittsburgh

CRAFTS Silk-Screen a Tumbler for a Singular Designer Look

Turn a cheap thrift store piece into a rich-looking, personalized decor accessory in this unbelievably easy DIY project

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Full-Tilt Reinvention for a 1950s Ranch

By Heather Merenda

Out went the dated features of this Vancouver hilltop home, and in went contemporary finishes and clean lines

GARDENING GUIDES Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape

HOUSEKEEPING Why Cleaning Window Screens Should Be Part of Your Winter Strategy

By Bonnie McCarthy

Dirty mesh blocks light, heat and views. Learn how to keep screens looking good and if they should be put away until spring

Screens Are So Hot Right Now

WINDOWS Salvage Spotlight: Warehouse Windows Become a Storage Screen

By Becky Harris

Full of character but originally short on practicality, these panes in a Brooklyn loft now hide gear instead of leaking air

HOME TECH Coming Soon: Turn Your Kitchen Counter Into a Touch Screen

Discover how touch projection technology might turn your tables and countertops into iPad-like devices — and sooner than you think

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Great Plants for Borders and Screens

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Get the effects of a shrub but in less time — and drawing more winged pollinators — with these herbaceous perennials

DECORATING GUIDES How to Focus Your Family Room on Family

By Design With Science

Reclaim your room from screens and headphones with these ideas for fostering family togetherness

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3