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]
[Via Engadget Spanish]

















I wonder if the contrast is better or worse then the Gameboy Color.
Well it would be a pretty poor technology if it couldn't outdo the ten-year old Gameboy screen.
@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.
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..."
"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?
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.
The nice! Now put these on a notebook I'd actually buy and we're in business!
AH THE LIGHT! it buurnss...
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.
The XO computer from OLPC has had that for a few years now. Works great in the sun.
Agreed, this is the one feature that the XO has that I was waiting to spill into the commercial market.
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.
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.
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.
ZEH GOGGLES!!! ZHEY DO NOTHING!!!
I had to do it....
"Big Bright Thing in the Sky?" I think you mean the DAYSTAR.
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...
How 'bout putting this technology on cellphones and on digital cameras that come without a viewfinder?
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)