Is the screen of the new Edges 850 a flop?

We did our first ride outside using the 850 computers. really liked the larger format and the crisper screen brightness. Our only concern was that to see the screen data clearly, we had to leave the computer with the display ON for the entire time. We tried dark mode or light mode, but it made no difference. We'd think this would be a huge battery drainage concern as opposed to have the backlight go off.

We were riding during the brightest part of the day with almost direct sunlight on the computer.

On previous models, like the 830 or 840 we always used the computer display to turn off at 15 seconds and got very good battery usage per charge. But the screen was readable even without the backlight, especially when under sun reflecting on it.

Has anyone experienced this issue with these new computer screens, whether it is the 850 or 1050? Is Liquid Crystal only good to be use in bright light situations with the backlight ON?

Any other tips will be appreciated!

  • Unfortunately there are no „other tips“…

    I have a 1050 and a 530 and compared the visibility in bright sunlight and backlight set to minimum (10%):
    The 530 seems to have kind of transreflect layer which makes the display good readable in sunlight (especially under certain sun angles).
    The 1050 does not have such a reflective layer. With minimum backlight under sun you see nothing.

    Nevertheless I‘m happy with my 1050. With „ever on“ setting and auto backlight I have very good readability under every condition and it eats about 6% juice per hour - which is ok for me.

  • Thanks. Your response is useful regardless. I wonder, however, if battery life could be improved by using “dark mode” and using “always on”.