Ok, I have had enough; I just can’t take it any more. Whoever invented the glossy computer/tablet/netbook screens must live in a windowless, unlit world. I am a techie person; I always have been. I bought my first TRS-80 about 30 years ago and spent hours and hours on it. I even changed my occupation from an electric engineer to information technology a few years after that. I am no stranger to this techie stuff.
The first thing I bought that had a glossy screen was a laptop. I innocently didn’t really think of the consequences of my action. But I soon discovered the computer basically became a mirror when there was anything other than candle light intensity coming from behind me. It is nice to look once in a while in a mirror to see if my hair (what I have left of it) is in place but I don’t care to stare at myself for hours at a time. Yes, I understand that with this type of screen the colors seem to be slightly sharper if they are viewed in a darkened room. I discovered that if I put the screen at a particular angle and squinted with my left eye closed and my tongue tilted to the right that I could see the screen without the glare.
Now fast forward to my netbook and the tablet, both of which were only available in the glossy screen mode. I have totally given up trying to use either of these devices while outside or even inside if a window or lamp is to my back. If some manufacturer would just offer me a matte screen version of these toys of mine I would probably be the first one to order them. Surely I am not the only person who has discovered this extra pain in my life!!
But what do I know…..
RJ's Corner - Having My Say 
The glossy screen is particularly annoying on cell phones. Called smartphones for reason I don’t quite grasp, these tiny screens are completely unreadable outside. Amazingly, many people actually use their phone outside.
Maybe everyone uses voice commands so all you have to do is yell at the phone to dial a number – there is no reason to even look at the screen. That would explain why so many people yell into their phone in public when in the middle of a “private” conversation.
Enough ranting for now. I only use my laptop inside. Even on a shaded porch the ambient light is too much.
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Yeah, I guess I forgot to mention my smartphone has a glossy screen. But I am just so happy to even be able to use the phone away from home via text messaging I guess I just forgive that one. Being deaf I spent many years not being able to talk with my wife or anyone else while on the road.
That is one area where my Kindle is superior. I can read it in even bright sunlight. I have my Kindle books on both my tablet (Glossy screen) and Kindle. When I am up on the mountain (more on that in a couple of posts) I always take the Kindle with me. The tablet is good for inside hotel rooms while on the road but as you say it is horrible for outdoor use.
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