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    What screen brightness and contrast for outdoor use ?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Laptopaddict, Feb 10, 2010.

  1. Laptopaddict

    Laptopaddict Notebook Deity

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    What screen will be the most viewable outside in the sun ?

    Screen A that has max brightness of 300 cd/m^2 with contrast of 120:1

    OR screen B that has 200 cd/m^2 with contrast of 500:1 ?



    Are there any other values besides brightness , contrast I have to look at for outside use ?
     
    Laptopaddict, Feb 10, 2010
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  2. Judicator

    Judicator Judged and found wanting.

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    Oftentimes, you'll also want to check if the screen is matte or glossy. Glossy screens will tend to reflect your surroundings more (like a mirror), and thus will usually have to be brighter to drown out any reflections when outside in the sun. Unfortunately, matte screens tend only to be available for business class notebooks...
     
    Judicator, Feb 10, 2010
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  3. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Screen A will be far more visible outside.

    For matte screens above 200 cd/m works quite well. For glossy more than 250 cd/m is handy. (as long as the sun is not shining directly on the screen, if it does you need more).

    PS. I'm referring to measured brightness, not manufacturers specifications.
     
    Phil, Feb 10, 2010
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