The 21 inch MacFrame for iMac is available from MacFrame for $49.00. It is a great solution to the glare problems that have plagued the iMac’s since the introduction of the black borders. The MacFrame is an anti-glare frame that replaces the ultra-glare one that is currently on the iMac. Let’s see if it is the anti-glare solution for you.
Form:
The form of the product is simple. It is simply a frame that is made out of anti-glare material. The frame is currently sold only in the exact black that the iMac has but without a glare to it. If you have seen the border around the screen on the black MacBook, you will know what I’m talking about. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same material or even the same company (we know Apple bought it from somewhere). Of course, it is much sturdier than the frame on the black MacBook but it looks and feels the same. One thing I would consider if I were MacFrame is to make different colors. This is the only company that I’m aware of that sells anti-glare frames for Mac so adding color would be a cool touch. The material on the frame is smooth and it actually looks good on the iMac. In fact, it is better than how the iMac originally looks because of it’s lack of glare. The material is pretty sturdy and will not break easily. The MacFrame fits around the screen and the camera perfectly, as it should. Nobody wants the frame to overlap the screen, I know I wouldn’t! Overall, the MacFrame excels in the Form category.
Function:
The function for the MacFrame is no different. The installation of the MacFrame is fairly simple. Take off the existing frame with the provided suction cup, slide to a certain degree, slide it up and out, put the new one in the reverse order. Useful instructions are provided. Should you buy this product, be sure you don’t break the original frame. You might be thinking “why would replacing the frame improve the glare problem? I mean the glare is on the screen too!”. You would be right. The glare on the screen remains. However, a large part of the glare on the iMac, thus a lot of the distraction, is actually located on the black frame part of the iMac. The glare on the black part and the glare on the screen join forces and create one big glare that is very distracting. However, when you stop the glare on the sides, it’s not a big glare anymore. Only the glare on the screen remains and this glare, you’ll notice, is lessened to a great degree without it’s glare-y frame friend, more so than you would think. The glare from the frame is no longer on the sides of your vision and distracting you. This frame, in my personal experience, reduces glare significantly. It does exactly what it advertises it will do and it does it well. This product does well in it’s function too.
Conclusion:
Pros:
-Frame is well-made
-Easy installation
-Anti-glare takes away most of the glare, to the point where the glare that remains doesn’t seem like it’s there
Cons:
-I would have liked to have seen more color variety.
Ways to improve:
The only thing I would add to this product is color. Apple may not approve of it but it would be cool to see different colored iMacs, just like back in the day.
The MacFrame is a great product. It succeeds at doing what it set out to do. It effectively removes much of the annoying glare that iMacs have been plagued with for far too long. Personally, I think that Apple should adopt these anti-glare frames. They are being made, Apple. Buy them. This product definitely gets a five star review from me. Good job MacFrame!
Thanks for reading,
Joe