If you spend your days looking at a computer screen, laptop, or phone, you surely know that it can be mentally draining. All those lines and dots staring at you really takes a toll on you and before you know it, you’re rubbing your eyes and temples, fighting off headaches.

Just about everything you work with, including the device you’re using right now, has some form of a screen. Then, when it comes time to unwind at night, what do we do? We spend more time staring at another display.

Eye strain is a real thing and it sucks. Not only that, but the blue light that emits from our devices doesn’t do our brains any favors either. Sure, a lot of phones, laptops, and tablets have the ability to toggle off blue light, but not enough of them.

If you find that you spend six-eight-ten hours of a day looking at a display, you might want to consider a pair of eyeglasses designed for computer users. They’re a relatively newer concept and one that we’re glad see come along.

While the term “computer glasses” conjures up images of nerdy types with generic frames, and one-design-fits-all aesthetics, the truth is you can get some really stylish ones. And the best part? They don’t cost all that much.

Pixel Eyewear

Pixel Eyewear is a company that specializes in computer glasses. It offers standard lenses that protect against the blue light that comes from computers and other screens as well as an “Amber” line for heavier users and those who spend a lot of night time on devices.

Further, you can also shop for sunglasses that filter out UV and blue light. Taking things a step further, you can order lenses with your prescription, too. Indeed, there are frames and designs for men, women, unisex, and children.

Our team was provided with a pair of the standard lenses and a pair of the Amber lenses. We’d previously spent time with other blue light/computer glasses in the past and came to appreciate how much they help.

We received the “Buteo” pair of computer glasses and the “Meru” pair of Amber lenses. Both look similar at first blush but a closer inspection reveals one is slightly more squarish while the other is closer to a rectangle.

Both pair of glasses are comfortable, very light, and slip on easily. There’s no real size guide or fit to worry about, however Pixel does have a guide to help find something that might be more flattering to your face shape.

It doesn’t take long to forget that you’re wearing the glasses, even the Amber lens. If you keep these near your PC, we imagine you’ll still be working on that morning coffee before remembering that you have them on.

Given that we spend about eight hours looking into three monitors and another few watching TV and using phones, we preferred the Amber. They have slightly yellowish tint to them and call to mind what hunters might use. Once on, the blues in your screens diminishes and everything does get a slight amber.

Wear them for a few minutes and you don’t even notice the tint. It’s not until you take them off again that you realize how much different things are. It’s after wearing them that you get a true sense of the blue that’s emitted.

One of the worst parts about this time of year is that the days are so short. It seems we get very few hours of daylight to work with, and even then it’s often grey and overcast. That high contrast of dark rooms and bright screens is dangerous and taxing.

Results will vary from person to person and depend on which lens you go with. We can’t say which is right for you, but we do recommend giving a look.

It’s not just some placebo effect, either. We tried using these for 3-4 days at a time and then not using them for the same amount of time. It’s noticeable.

Side effects can often include better sleep, reduced eye strain, improved focus, and fewer headaches. That’s exactly what we experience. Day after day we find less anxiousness or mental drain.

We recommend these for anyone who might spend their day on a PC or laptop. We recommend them for anyone who watches TV to go to sleep at night. We recommend them for anyone who stares endlessly at their phone.

In all reality, there’s a high likelihood that you might fit any of the aforementioned scenarios. Chances are good that you go from one screen to the next throughout your day, never really giving your eyes and brain a chance to relax.

Availability

Prices start at about $75 for the standard computer glasses and Amber line; look to spend around $125 for the prescription lenses. A lot of the models are unisex and can be shared with members of the family or co-workers on different shifts.

Pixel provides a 30-day return policy so that’s more than enough time to see if they work for your needs. Pixel will also offer you an exchange with recommendations based on the fit of the pair you originally purchased.

There are seemingly endless ways in which we use our phones today, including pictures, videos, social media, and live broadcasts. After all, we live in the age of influence and everyone wants to be a star, right?

Having the right equipment can go a long way to ensuring you properly capture your pictures and videos. Fortunately, it doesn’t cost very much to get started with something that’s helpful and practical.

Take the ShutterGrip 2, for instance. Currently in the starting stages of its crowdfunding campaign, it’s already hit twice its Kickstarter goal. We’ve received an early look prototype of the ShutterGrip 2 and it’s pretty obvious as to why it’s doing so well.

What is the ShutterGrip 2?

There’s no specific place to start when discussing the ShutterGrip 2, just as there’s no particular way to use it. It’s a great all-in-one accessory that makes capturing video and photos easier.

As to how you might use it, that’s up to you. Want a small selfie stick to take wider shots? How about a Bluetooth remote that activates the shutter? No problem.

You can also use the ShutterGrip 2 as a clamp-on accessory that provides a physical button for snapping pictures. It gives you a thicker grip and camera-like feel that’s more intuitive. This is a terrific feature to have when so many devices employ software buttons.

If you’re taking pictures with slow shutter speed, such as night shots, you’ll want to remain completely still. The ShutterGrip 2 also has a standard 1/4-inch cold shoe mount which can screw into your tripod or monopod. Likewise, you can flip it over and use the same mount to screw in an external light or microphone.

What else should we know about the ShutterGrip 2?

There are a number of moving pieces on the ShutterGrip 2, each of which is tightened by a hex screw. To that end, there’s a tiny wrench that’s hidden away and easily removed. If you ever feel any of the hinges getting loose, simply tighten them up. Or, loosen them a smidge if you want more play so you can be creative with your shots.

If you flip the side arm out and fully extend it, you can put about eight inches of space between you and your phone or action camera. This makes a big difference in selfies but helps with standard shots, too. It’s much easier to hold to the arm than a flat plate of a phone.

The remote shutter button pairs via Bluetooth 4 and uses a removable CR2032 lithium battery. According to its manufacturer, Just Mobile, the battery will last up to six months of continuous usage, or offer a standby time of 18 months. To help it last longer, the button automatically turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

In many cases you can use the ShutterGrip 2 as a tripod or stand for your phone. If you do, you’ll want to center it to the handset and avoid clamping onto any buttons.

What is it like using the ShutterGrip 2?

We really enjoyed our time with the ShutterGrip 2 as it’s one of those devices that speaks to different needs. It’s lightweight and doesn’t require any setup. Even if you go with Bluetooth pairing for the shutter, it’s a quick and painless process.

The clamp had no trouble fitting the various phones we used, even with protective cases. Now, this isn’t a blanket endorsement for all handsets, but we feel pretty safe suggesting it for most of the phones on the market.

The shutter button is removable and we dig that. Having remote access to the shutter is great, especially if you’re mounting the ShutterGrip 2 to a tripod. It’s a small disc that hides away in the palm of your hand but it also has two handy places where it fits on the extending arm.

Conclusion

When it comes to mobile accessories it’s not often that you find something that’s flexible, practical, and affordable. Typically you get your pick of two, but the third one falls to the wayside. The ShutterGrip 2 is all three.

Given its size and weight, we can easily see the ShutterGrip 2 being one of the first accessories we grab for a day at the park or a weekend getaway.

There are other products in the space that seem to do most of what’s possible here, but few have the same all-in-one appeal. Each of the features feels thought out, intentional and built with care.

Availability

As of today, the ShutterGrip 2 is just getting started with a Kickstarter campaign. It took less than three days to double its goal and looks to be well on its way to runaway success.

Pricing looks to be about $50 for the accessory, but early backers can save a pretty sizable percentage. Indeed, you can receive up to $15 off the ShutterGrip 2, or snag one as low as $35. Choose from Silver or Pink Sand.