T665C and screen visibility outside

[jmahone]

Okay, this feels like a question I should know the answer to, but I'll play newbie and ask it anyway.

I used to have a Handspring Visor Deluxe. I thought about upgrading to a Prism, but heard how you could not read anything on the screen when outside when conditions were the least bit bright. So, I waited for a better solution.

I eventually bought the T665C, which I love. My wife loved mine so much, we got her one, as well.

The question:
I hear people saying that they're so glad they can read their T665C screens outside. When I use mine outside and it's even just high clouds (medium brightness), I find my T665C pretty difficult to read, and the colors are pretty washed out looking.

Now, understand, I expected a color PDA to behave this way based on the Prism experience I've heard others talk about, but then I hear folks on this forum talk as if their 665s are just fine outdoors. It makes me wonder about my particular 665.

Indoors, it is very bright, and I can totally read and see all the colors even with the backlight brightness turned down to 0. With the backlight off, I can read the screen, but it looks about like it does outside: very, very dim, and the colors are hard to distinguish.

Am I missing something fundamental, or are people saying that they can read it, but not mentioning that outdoor viewing is still not great?

Thanks for the newbie question from someone who should know better.

Jerry

[___]

Visibility outside for TFT screens are not great at all. It is normal.

[Jeffry]

I heard somewhere that reflective screens have greater visibility outdoors than TFT screens... but the colours look washed out indoors. If you use your PDA outside alot then I suggest you exchange your T665 for a refurbished or used N760/N610 or even a Tungsten.

[patrickl]

Transflective screens work better outside than reflectives. I can read my T625C in full sunlight. The glare can become a problem though.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by patrickl
Transflective screens work better outside than reflectives. I can read my T625C in full sunlight. The glare can become a problem though.

You are wrong. Stop spreading propaganda if you do not have the right information. TFT screens are generally NOT better outside than reflectives. TFT screens are better inside while reflective are better outside.

[patrickl]

Nope, you are wrong the're BOTH TFT. Transflective or Reflective is a prefix for the lighting of TFT (or also STN) screens. Perhaps you should look it up with google.

[Anita]

Well, I don't have trouble with mine. Course, I'm not that concerned with colors -- I just want to see data entry. And I'm usually only looking at data-type screens.

I have found that it helps to turn the backlight off entirely sometimes, in bright sun, I think, but can't remember for sure. It actually looks brighter without the light on. Couldn't even see my IIIc in shade; had to stuff it (and my head) under the steering wheel in the car to even begin to get a look at it.

Anita

[T1000X]

I have no problem reading my display outside, but then again I am using FontHack123 and Lubak's OS5 fonts.

[tanker_bob]

I have no problems reading my T665C in bright sunlight. The colors aren't that great outside, but like T1000X I'm usually reading the news or looking up a date or phone number.

The strength of transflective screens is that they are a good compromise of indoor and outdoor viewing. My experience with the T615C and T665C has been borne out the advantages of that balance. Both are easily viewable in any light.