LG has announced a 14.1" LCD display for notebooks than can switch to an outdoor mode at the touch of a button. Using sunlight to illuminate the display in this mode, the backlight is turned off meaning that power is saved (which will mean greater battery life). LG also claims that using the display outdoors in reflective mode provides a contrast ratio of 9:1. That doesn't sound that impressive without considering that it also claims that regular panels tend to have contrast ratios between 2:1 and 3:1 when used outdoors. Maybe that means we'll soon be moving towards windows on sunny days rather than trying to hide in a dark corner? LG will be showing the screen's Backlight Data Signal Switching Technology at CES 2009.