I cannot read my NC in direct sunlight or even bright indirect daylight outdoors. I put an anti-glare screen protector on it, but I haven't tried it outdoors since then as I applied the screen protector to cut down on the shiny glass which was way too reflective for my tastes. I doubt the anti-glare screen protector will help much in direct sunlight. About the only readers that work in direct sunlight or those with eInk screens. A few readers have non-backlit monochrome LCD screens with a secial reflective coating applied to the back layer to make them work in sunlight, but LCD screens like those on the NC will wash out in sunlight.