The laptop in the pictures is a Thinkpad X200s. The screen is matte which is a good start.

In my experience for basic stuff like writing words or code, a matte screen in the shadow is fine outdoors.

That's right; it's a Thinkpad X200s. Avoiding a reflective screen should go without saying, but it's surprising how many people don't understand this. The X200s is definitely the best I've ever used for mobile purposes: 1.2kg, high-res matte display, battery is easily swappable. It's got a low-voltage chipset, so with an SSD you can get six hours or so from a 9-cell battery, though usually I won't spend more than half the day outside since the seating is usually not as comfy.

I do use it in the sun occasionally for short periods, but a) I live in Seattle, and b) it actually gets uncomfortably hot if left in the sun for too long since it's black.

> Avoiding a reflective screen should go without saying, but it's surprising how many people don't understand this.

Yes, it surprised me the first time I brought my shiny new Compaq outdoors. :)

I sit outdoors alot in the summer. I use an umbrella, and a bit of proper angling and screen-tilt. Nothing special- now that I have a netbook I usually grab it and go outside (using HG makes keeping synced a breeze).