LG has developed a 14.1 inch LCD panel for notebooks that is illuminated by sunlight instead of the backlight unit when used outdoors. LG's new, sunlight illuminated, energy efficient LCD panel will debut at the CES 2009.
The sunlight illuminated LCD display reduces power consumption by 75% when outdoors.

Leveraging LG Display’s “Backlight Data Signal Switching Technology”, the use of selective reflection plates in existing backlight panels enables the switch from reflective mode in a high luminance setting (sunlight) to transmissive mode in a low luminance setting (indoors and at night). This is the first LCD panel to allow users to easily switch from backlight use (transmissive mode) to outdoor reflective mode with the touch of a button. In addition, this new product resolves visibility issues with a contrast ratio exceeding 9:1 when used outdoors in reflective mode. The display’s contrast ratio ranges from just 2:1 to 3:1 for conventional notebook PCs when used outdoors, implying difficulty in viewing the screen.
Via this LG Display announcement.

So far this announcement is one of the most innovative leading up the CES 2009. Let us hope that there are many more like this being unveiled at the CES 2009 next month.