Ask HN: how to get a tan as a developer?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7863324

by basdevries • 12 years ago

6 9 12 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

The question is pretty straightforward: I'm pretty much out of the sun all day long. Is there any way to work outside with a computer? Maybe a nice setup?

Skywing• 12 years ago

What about the weekends? It only take an hour to two to get some darker skin. It's not rocket science.

falsestprophet• 12 years ago

This is a solved problem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanning_bed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun

czbond• 12 years ago

I work outside fairly often - but that's mainly because I hate being in an office. You need a shady spot so your laptop doesnt glare - and even a portable wifi to work at the park.

nfriedly• 12 years ago

http://www.notebookcheck.net/ usually covers outdoor use in their laptop reviews.

I have a 4-year-old macbook pro with a matte display that I occasionally sit with on my back portch. It works well enough in shade but not in direct sunlight.

My main source of sunlight, though, is it taking a 30 to 40 minute break to take a walk once or twice a week.

kerstin• 12 years ago

I also have a 4-year-old MBP with a matte display (I'm so glad that back then, I decided to pay extra for that! Matte displays aren't even an option anymore for new MacBooks, are they?) and I find I can also work sitting in the sun. It really depends on the time of day/angle the light is hitting from/intensity of the sunlight. Wearing a cap with a peak/a visor/similar (it's all about shading the eyes) & turning the brightness of the screen up also helps.

To the OP: if you want to combine work and being outside and have everything that's necessary - basically a laptop which won't immediately overheat and whose battery is still doing alright (+ a WIFI stick if you need internet[1]) - go for it! If you don't have a matte display, look into privacy filters/screens (the one I have is shiny on one side and matte on the other), though those obviously work best on screens with a good backlight, even more so in sunglight.

If you do end up working outside, don't forget to use sunscreen and to stay hydrated!

[1]Alternatively, search for cafés with free WIFI that have outdoor seating or turn your phone into a WIFI hotspot (beware of mobile data costs though).

migrantgeek• 12 years ago

Stop working for an hour and go for a walk.

Repeat 2-3 times a week and you'll get some color + light exercise.

mkempe• 12 years ago

Alternatively take a 5-10 minute break every hour and step into the sun. Your body will feel better, and your mind will consider new perspectives.

poissonpie• 12 years ago

Tools down and eat lunch outside in the sunshine.

jasonkester• 12 years ago

There are many places in this world that have both high speed internet and sunshine (and beaches and tall drinks with umbrellas.). Many of these places are in different time zones from the rest of your team, leaving one able to sit on said beach (or bob around a short way out from it on a surfboard) for a few hours each day while your co-workers are either asleep or home for the night.

It's a solved problem.

Ask HN: how to get a tan as a developer?

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