I have the WSXGA screen and it is large enough for my taste without making the text too small to read. The resolution is nice so you can vertically tile two windows and be able to read almost like a book that way, have an internet browser on one side and a word document open on the other or a PDF or whatever.
The reason why the display goes dim without the power adapter is how it is programmed. The brightness backlight automatically dims to save on power but if you brighten it up using the FN keys, then you can have full backlight capability. And it should keep that setting the next time you have the lappy not hooked to the power adapter.
The screen when black is not completely black. I am sure everyone is aware by now the power leakage on the LCD screen at the bottom edge of the screen. This maybe an annoyance to some but this only happens when the LCD screen has power but no display output. Meaning when I watch a movie full screen and it comes upon a black frame, it is relatively black throughout the screen.
I heard the WXGA screen's resolution is too "small". Doesnt fit much information on one screen and the WUXGA's resolution makes the text very small. WSXGA is a balance IMO.
I have the dedicated X300 GPU and the thing about its multi-monitor is not with the LCD, but how it is programmed. You cant expect to close the laptop lid and still keep the same display setup (IE, the secondary output remains as the extended desktop - the second monitor will revert to the primary screen - an annoying aspect IMO.)
Outdoor usage, in somewhat direct sun and not under a shade, it is a must to have full backlight up otherwise you cant distinguish anything at all. Best to view under a shade if you like to work with your lappy outside. Works great inside otherwise in terms of contrast and brightness.
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