Computer use outdoors... cant see

Hello every 1
I had to set up outside for a picnic this weekend. It was a great event but i had to work harder than usuall because i had a hard time seeing the computer screen. How do I fix this problem in the future? Is there a way to make it so I can see the screen without squinting? I did think about placing the computer in a box to block out the sunlight but I think it would look ridiculous.
anyway does any 1 else have this issue and how do you work around it?

thanks guys

I went with matte screens on both computers and that helps a lot. If you can find sun shields that would also eliminate much of the problem

Whatever software you're using, try to find someone who has developed/made an "inverted" skin. In other words, what is normally black or dark is bright and white and visa versa. The fonts, generally white, are now dark and black and easily seen against the bright white backdrop.

For Virtual DJ, there is a program called Screen Resizer (available on the www.virtualdj.com web site) and within the paid/pro version, there is a selection that allows the user to invert any VDJ skin without changing anything else. Makes the software usable even in the brightest of sun.

I use a pc shade.
http://www.pcshade.com/

Marty

The bulk of the glare on the PC screen comes in from behind you, not from the sides or the top. Like Cap recommended, depending on your software, change the "skin" to something that is black on white instead of white on black. There is a shade made by http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1064 that works pretty well but I solved my same issues with your idea .... I built my cover with a box! As you say it might look ridiculoius but it works! I have a picture on my phone, let me see if I can get it here.

Here's the picture .... I have since painted it black but it really does work extremely well. As my gig progressed, the sun started on my left and slowly worked it's way to directly behind me. I was even able to use a 'skin' with a black background without eye strain.

I also used the hood and still had issues because the outdoor glare and subsequent reflection off my white tux shirt and face on the screen still made it extremely difficult to see. It was better than nothing but the inverted skin resolves 90% or more of issues with glare.

I have one of those "hoodies" that was used once if anyone wants it. Isn't doing me any good at all except as another dust collecting exhibit of "what did not work" in my Mobile DJ Museum of Failed Purchases.

Cap -
Maybe we should pool our "Failed Resources" gear and open a museum of "What Not to Buy." Maybe we could even get a booth at the AC and LV shows with an educational discount.

I find the matte screen and an inverted color scheme work quite well.

You said you were outdoors. The only way there should be glare is if you were not under covering or a tent. Use a tent. Problem solved.

Ditto on the tent. Whenever I book an outdoor event I require that the host or venue provide a six foot table, tent and access to suitable power. Let alone being able to see the computer screen, the tent provides some relief from the sun and equipment protection in the event of unexpected weather.

Wonder if there is some kind of film that would create that "matte" effect. We could somehow apply it over our current screens.

Even indoors I get some pretty bad glare from lights and my tired old eyes.

lil mama told me not to come jimmy

Hey every 1
thank you for the help i will look into both the screen and the inverted skin with virtual DJ
as for being under a tent i agree we should always be under cover but at this event i was at I was not able to be under cover, and even still i have found that there is still a dagree of a glare.

again thank you