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Using Your Laptop in a Sunny Location

by Mary Jo Manzanares on May 15th, 2006

I was sitting on my deck yesterday afternoon, thinking that I could answer the emails that stacked up while I was out of town.  Besides that, it was over 80 degrees, and I also wanted to enjoy some of that early-in-the-season Seattle sunshine.

I went outside and got all settled in, turned on the computer ““ and then the problem hit.  I couldn’t see the screen.  The glare of the sun, combined with the need to wear sunglasses, made it virtually impossible to see the screen.  My efforts were doomed, and I opted to stay outside and delay my work.

This problem has occurred on a plane as well, when the bright light coming through the window has impaired my viewing.  It’s also occurred while sitting outside my hotel room on a balcony.  I’m sure for some of you, it’s occurred when you’ve been playing hooky by the pool, but have still needed to keep in touch with the office.

When I finally went back inside, I came across this new product: the Comp Shade.  It’s a glare shield for a laptop, and is distinguishing itself from its competitors in its ability to fold up to a mere 3/8 inch in thickness.  It will stay attached to your laptop, adds minimal weight (7 ounces), and will also act as a privacy barrier.

I’ve seen a variety of screens in use on the plane, but never this one.  If anyone knows how this works, I’d love a product review.  I’m still not taking my laptop to the pool, but it might help in some other situations.

Photo credit:  The IT Helper

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POSTED IN: Air Travel