LG's sunlight illuminated LCDs work both indoors and out

We know what you're trying to do, LG. You want to see us venture outside more, and watch our pale skin burn in the ominous glare of that Big Bright Thing in the Sky. The company is bringing to CES the sunlight illuminated TFT-LCD, a 14.1-inch laptop display with the aptly-titled "Backlight Data Signal Switching Technology" that lets you switch from reflective mode for high-luminance (read: sunny) situations to transmissive mode for low-light and indoor settings. When in reflective mode, the display boasts a 75 percent reduction in power consumption and a 9:1 contrast ratio -- that's still really low, even if it is an improvement over other reflective screens. It sounds like a big version Epson's 3.5-inch a-TFT, both of which have the advantage of a backlight over Funai's recently-announced Dynamic ECDs, meaning it should be a perfect solution for those looking to liveblog their dog's shenanigans both at the park and at home.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

[Peter @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:17PM]

I wonder if the contrast is better or worse then the Gameboy Color.

[Tonicboy @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:29PM]

Well it would be a pretty poor technology if it couldn't outdo the ten-year old Gameboy screen.

[Plothole @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:10PM]

@Tonicboy

The GBC screen was purely reflective though. It's far easier to make a screen one or the other (backlit or reflective) rather than being both.

[BlurMagic @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:18PM]

Laptops outside in Seattle = Bad Idea.

I'll just stick with my un-special un-reflective screen. It works well in coffee shops.

Plus, something tells me that blogging about your dog while you should be watching it,

isn't a good idea.

"Scruffy is attacking some guy right now... It's so funny! He just won't let go of his leg... Michael Vick just showed up offering me money..."

[dale1v @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:22PM]

"I'll just stick with my un-special un-reflective screen. It works well in coffee shops"
For a second I thought you owned a mac.














do you?

[BlurMagic @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:35PM]

Edit:

"I'll just stick with my un-special un-reflective un-glossy screen. It works well in coffee shops"

I wouldn't mind one of the new Macs. But right now Im justC using a real simple Compaq V6000 that I got for free.

[Bad Beaver @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:23PM]

The nice! Now put these on a notebook I'd actually buy and we're in business!

[Matt @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:27PM]

AH THE LIGHT! it buurnss...

[Samurai Jack @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:34PM]

Hey Engadget... those of us in the northwest know it as the Baleful Orb in the Sky. And Monty Burns was right... ever since the dawn of time, man has yearned to destroy the sun.

[markatlnk @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:43PM]

The XO computer from OLPC has had that for a few years now. Works great in the sun.

[directive0 @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:20PM]

Agreed, this is the one feature that the XO has that I was waiting to spill into the commercial market.

[MattNL @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:47PM]

Nice, maybe now you will still be able to see google maps on your laptop when your running from the thugs in the park on a sunny day.

[XoXo @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:28PM]

I know some of my friends with macbooks, they're just dying for such a screen. Some displays are just too glossy for livebloging by the sidewalks. Fanbois, start begging for this. NOW.

[Adam @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:13PM]

The best outdoor screen i've ever seen was on an Itronix VR2 / GD6000. If you get the chance to see one i highly suggest it.

[Platinum_Skeet @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:07PM]

ZEH GOGGLES!!! ZHEY DO NOTHING!!!



I had to do it....

[Ryan Meray @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:08PM]

"Big Bright Thing in the Sky?" I think you mean the DAYSTAR.

[Boards of Canada @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:35PM]

The good thing is you can save 75% of battery time. This is great just for browsing the web or write stuff... I wish a netbook would have these...

[dosguy @ Dec 22nd 2008 8:26PM]

How 'bout putting this technology on cellphones and on digital cameras that come without a viewfinder?

[Grayster123 @ Dec 23rd 2008 8:21AM]

I've got this technology on my Toshiba R500, the replacement (R600) has it as well. I can';t fault it, seeing it weighs less than 1 KG and the battery lasts a working day for me (I do actually work an 8 hour day before anyone chooses to question the hours I keep)