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Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

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Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#11
post #5

> Is it comfortable for longer periods of time? Absolutely no > How is it on the eyes? Like staring at a tv from 4cm away for extend periods of time

This just isn't true, optics really do work, the focal point is not close to your face and it doesn't feel or effect you like the screen is close to your face in anyway.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#12
Depends on software, was messing around with SimulaVR. It's cool though needs work. I was using the Index it could be better on resolution/text focusing.

I would not use it for productivity because it's a new environment/more distracting than useful. Also turning your head a lot to look at things.

I like my curved ultra wide monitor.

When the physical SimulaOne comes out I'll try it out again that one is not tethered/better quality eye display.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#13
You can comfortably work in VR, but the trick is that you can't use any of the headsets as is.

There are upgrades that you really need: A better head strap, ideally one with an adjustment knob at the back to easily loosen and tighten the headset. Also one with an extra battery that both gives you longer unplugged time but more importantly balances the headset front to back.

And a better headset/face interface. You can get one that is much softer and thicker, which puts less pressure on the face and moves the screens a few extra mm away. They also have vented interfaces, which help cut down on the problem of getting hot face.

And lastly, you know how all the experts advise that when you're working you stop and take a break to look away from your screens every 20 minutes or so? It's more important in VR to heed that advice. All you have to do is slip off the headset (you got the easy to adjust one that just slides right off, right?), take ten seconds to look at something far away our out the window, and then put it back on and keep working.

If you do all that, there are a lot of great products out that that will give you great virtual monitors and keyboards.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#14

It's not good enough yet. The strain on the eyes is apparently really bad in VR. My husband needs glasses again due to doing VR 1-2hr a day.

From working in VR or playing games in VR? I spend just as much time in VR as your husband and it hasn't hurt my eyesight at all, but I'm not spending that time reading. I'm interested in how you were able to determine that VR was the cause vs age or just eye strain from using a regular screen in suboptimal conditions.

I don’t believe GP’s assertion. High more likely the the husband is 40-50 years old and at the point where he had vision changes or the focus muscles in the eyes aren’t working as well and he would need reading glasses… with or without VR use.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#15
I question if any of these other commenters have actually tried the Quest Pro yet and specifically with 1) Horizon Workrooms and 2) a mac and 3) a supported tracked keyboard from apple or Logitech.

I was a complete Meta disbeliever and long time Quest owner, having put a few dozen hours into working in Immersed last year before putting it down and accepting it wasn’t good enough.

Fast forward to last weekend, give it a try with the setup described above instead. Proceeded to do a 9hr shift fully in VR. Went out, got the Pro, and now I am all in. We are there. Give it a shot, you can always return it right?

Also +1 to everything jedberg said in their comment, great advice.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#16
post #11
post #5

> Is it comfortable for longer periods of time? Absolutely no > How is it on the eyes? Like staring at a tv from 4cm away for extend periods of time

This just isn't true, optics really do work, the focal point is not close to your face and it doesn't feel or effect you like the screen is close to your face in anyway.

I'd give all my belongings to anyone who can work full time for a year with a VR headset instead of screens and who wouldn't complain a single time about it

I've used VR headsets, nothing is comfortable after even an hour of use, we're just not designed for that

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#17
> I am comfortable with at least two 27" monitors.

I embraced a single-monitor workflow early in my career after experimenting and finding that having multiple monitors often makes me less productive than just switching workspaces with ⌘+tab. Now it's extended to a single-laptop workflow that's given me incredible flexibility to travel and move around the office.

When do people really need multiple monitors? My only guesses are if they're using Windows, or have a really short feedback loop workflow between two apps that are too big/awkward to share a screen? Which, I guess OP could be in both boats.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#18
I like it.

I setup a login just for working in VR. I get MUCH more done as I'm totally distraction-free, and it's much better for my neck, as I'm looking at the screens in front of me, instead of down at my laptop. Looking down at my laptop for years has become a source of chronic pain, and working in VR removes it.

Setup is a Macbook Air M1, Quest 2, elite strap, and over-the ear headphones. I use Immersed, which is free, and put up a big screen in the middle to work on, with two narrow screens on either side for reference material.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#19
post #17

> I am comfortable with at least two 27" monitors. I embraced a single-monitor workflow early in my career after experimenting and finding that having multiple monitors often makes me less productive than just switching workspaces with ⌘+tab. Now it's extended to a single-laptop workflow that's given me incredible flexibility to travel and move around the office. When do people really need multiple monitors? My only…

I like being able to read both screens at the same time. I can type on one while reading off the other.

Re: Ask HN: Working in a VR Headset?

#20
post #17

> I am comfortable with at least two 27" monitors. I embraced a single-monitor workflow early in my career after experimenting and finding that having multiple monitors often makes me less productive than just switching workspaces with ⌘+tab. Now it's extended to a single-laptop workflow that's given me incredible flexibility to travel and move around the office. When do people really need multiple monitors? My only…

It's nice to have 3+ source files + documentation open at once
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