There are many ways to improve the readability of your laptop screen in the sun, such as adjusting the screen brightness, using a laptop cover, and sitting under an umbrella. Even wearing polarized sunglasses and a darker shirt can reduce glare from the sun. Here you can see what options to change and how to optimize the environment, and even find some tips on how to find the perfect laptop optimized for use outdoors. It's time to make your outdoor computer experience less frustrating and more productive.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Adjust the Laptop for Best Results
Step 1. Increase the brightness (brightness) in the display settings
Higher brightness generally means high power consumption (screens need the most power in a laptop). You may need to rely on an electrical outlet rather than a battery. Take an extension cord or battery backup.
- On a Macbook, increase the brightness with the F2 key and decrease it with F1.
- Laptops typically have brightness controls on the top row of keyboard keys, indicated by a sun icon and a plus sign (+) to increase and a minus (-) to decrease. Depending on your system, you may need to hold down the Fn key while pressing the buttons.
Step 2. Turn on High Contrast Mode in Windows
Press the ⊞ Win + S keys to open the search bar and then type "accessibility" in the box. When "Accessibility" appears in the search results, click on the accessibility options. Click on "Make your computer easier to use." Under "High Contrast," click "Choose a High Contrast Theme" and then one of the four options with a black background.
Step 3. Increase the contrast on your Macbook
In the Apple menu, select "System Preferences" and then "Universal Access."
- Click on the "View" tab and scroll down to "Display." Right now, "Black on white" is marked. Set the mark to "White on Black."
- Slide the "Enhance Contrast" slider to the right to increase the contrast between dark and light colors. Higher contrast will help you see the screen in sunlight.
- You can quickly toggle between "Black on White" and "White on Black" mode by pressing the Control + Option + Command + 8 keys.
Step 4. Buy a laptop cover or sunscreen
Many different companies offer covers or screens that you place over the screen to decrease glare from the sun.
- Take a look at options like CompuShade's SunHood and NuShield's DayVue.
- Visit your local camping or hiking store and look for laptop sunscreens. These useful items will be more expensive than buying a small box, but they provide the added benefit of protecting your computer from the weather.
Step 5. Build your own laptop cover
Stores like Target and Ikea sell black, square storage boxes or buckets that can be used with certain types of shelves. These boxes can also make cool DIY laptop covers. Simply slide the laptop inside (with the open side facing you) and use the laptop in the normal way. You can also try using a normal cardboard box.
Method 2 of 3: Adjust the environment
Step 1. Work in the shade
Find a spot under a tree or install a large beach umbrella. This will not only make the laptop screen easier to see, but it will also prevent the laptop from overheating (especially if it is black). If you prefer to keep your body in the sun, just keep the laptop in the shade, and wear a hat with a brim to prevent the sun from shining directly on your eyes.
Step 2. Put on sunglasses
A pair of polarized sunglasses can do wonders for your vision in the sun. Also, sunglasses make you look cool. When shopping for sunglasses, choose amber lenses to increase contrast and make details clearer. If given the option, upgrade your glasses to ones that have an anti-reflective coating on the front and back of the lens to effectively reduce glare from the sun.
Step 3. Put on a darker shirt
If you are wearing a white shirt, you will see its reflection on the screen. Switching to a black shirt will reduce that glare more than you think.
Step 4. Get under a sheet or towel
If you're in a hurry, try placing a piece of cloth (if you don't have a sheet or towel, a piece of clothing will do) over your head and the laptop. Although not the most ideal situation, this will definitely improve the visibility of the screen in the sun.
Method 3 of 3: Choosing the Right Laptop for Outdoor Use
Step 1. Find models optimized for outdoor use
If you have a choice between a few laptops, or if you go shopping and have a penchant for thinking outside, look for laptops with screens that have a matte finish. Those with a glossy finish may look better indoors, but they will reflect the sun perfectly if you take them outside. Matte screen laptops are in short supply these days, but you might be lucky to find a used or refurbished model.
Step 2. Find a laptop with a bright screen that performs great in the sun
Now that glossy screens outnumber matte ones, your options may seem limited. But not all screens are created equal, even some bright screens have design enhancements that make them perform well in the sun. When deciding between different glossy-screen laptops, look for keywords in advertisements or descriptions such as “Outdoor view,” “I / O,” “Indoor / outdoor,” or “Enhanced exterior.” outdoor).
Step 3. Buy a “rugged” or “outdoor” laptop
Some laptops with outdoor displays also have other features that are convenient for outdoor use, such as a thick chassis that protects the laptop if it is dropped. These laptops almost always have the word "rugged" or "outdoor locations" in their product names. Some of these laptops are even waterproof. Look online for reviews of these models, or stop by your local computer store for recommendations.
Advice
- Carry an extra fully charged laptop battery, especially if you've increased the brightness of your computer. Many changes you make to your display settings can impact your battery.
- The sun can make a black or dark laptop very hot, and not only painful to the touch, but also damaging to the components. If the laptop feels hot to the touch, store it until the weather cools down.