GPS screens in daylight-reflections

Submitted: Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 12:47
ThreadID: 88975 Views:2378 Replies:4 FollowUps:1
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I am looking at upgrading my current 4.3 inch generic gps to a larger, preferably 7 inch screen. I bought a 7 inch unit and could not see any detail on it during daylight. When I mounted my old unit next to it the difference was huge, I could see what I needed to with no problems.
My question is, has anyone got/seen/heard about larger units (7" preferably) that have readable screens in daylight.
I've spoken to some gps people about the anti glare screens with mixed reports, and they are in a matte finish, not 100% clear.
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Reply By: Notso - Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 13:13

Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 13:13
I presume you checked to make sure it was set on the highest brightness setting.

Other than that I have seen them with a little sun shade on them to keep the light off the screen.
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Reply By: Robin Miller - Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 13:52

Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 13:52
They are all pretty hopeless Workhorse.

Its one of several reasons why I stick with the 276c gps which had an output of about 400 nits.

These days most only have an output of about 2-300 like most laptops.
(check set correctly as Notso said.)

New screens like Samsungs new Galaxy Amoleds will truely be sunlight readable
but for now the only thing you can do is put a cover around your unit.

The readability of these devices depends on 2 factors, the actual light emitted from the screen which competes with the external light that the screen reflects back at you.

These 2 factors need to add together to give you an effective contrast ratio of 4 to 5 or more.

So best work on mounting the unit such that it gets little light to reflect (why in dash units aren't as bad) or make up or purchase a screen cover.

P.S. Dark window tint helps as it reduces light available to be reflected back at you from the screen.

Robin Miller

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Follow Up By: Member Al (Sunshine Coast) - Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 14:01

Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 14:01
Certainly, sunshade over the top and sides is important, but I have also noticed that reflection from seats or clothing can have a large adverse affect. The solution to this is to tilt the screen a little so that it is not 'looking' at the reflective object.

Cheers
Allan

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Reply By: Echucan Bob - Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 15:59

Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 15:59
The iPad is very bright and legible. a bit bigger than 7" though.
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Reply By: Member - Stanley D - Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 18:20

Monday, Sep 12, 2011 at 18:20
I have found that the LCD screens of the things are polarised as well. Wearing sunglasses can make the screen dark. On mine I need to angle the screen off square to read it with the sunglasses on. Odd but one gets used to looking at the maps cockeyed!
Hope this helps.
regards, Stanley
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