# Glare on my laptop when I use it outdoors

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glare-on-my-laptop-when-i-use-it-outdoors/1024900>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 16, 2025, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glare-on-my-laptop-when-i-use-it-outdoors/1024900 "2025-11-16T15:12:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hideousidiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/858c86/32.png) [@hideousidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hideousidiot)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glare-on-my-laptop-when-i-use-it-outdoors/1024900/1 "2025-11-16T15:12:07Z")

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I like to work outdoors but often can’t see my screen hardly at all when I work outdoors, even in the shade. Can anything be done to reduce glare?

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**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glare-on-my-laptop-when-i-use-it-outdoors/1024900/2 "2025-11-16T15:19:11Z")

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They sell laptop sun shades, but you could easily make your own out of cardboard and tape.

> **[SunShader Eco (M, Tropical) Open-Box (Grade A: Very Good Condition)](https://sunshader.com/products/sunshader-eco-m-tropical-open-box-grade-a-very-good-condition?variant=46761746137306&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=hs_google&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=18313632479&device=c&product_id=shopify_US_8992341197018_46761746137306%7D&Product_group=&placement=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17509111629&gbraid=0AAAAABdBXGCxzD3egpesG0t50f9nlvzqq&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3LfQ2Pv2kAMVkzgIBR0HuhbaEAQYASABEgL4jvD_BwE)**
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> SunShader Eco is the planet-friendly laptop sun shade, made from recyclable, premium quality layered cardboard that will last the entire summer season, and can be recycled after its life.

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**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2025, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glare-on-my-laptop-when-i-use-it-outdoors/1024900/3 "2025-11-16T22:22:40Z")

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There are also aftermarket screen protectors that can give you a matte layer for more diffuse reflections, or polarized ones that can help block directional light. And portable shade umbrellas that clip onto a table or chair.

I tried all three in combination, but still nothing was quite comfortable enough for when the sun was right overhead on a clear day.

Also check out [daylightcomputer.com](http://daylightcomputer.com) for a display-based approach to this.