A portable computer having a display unit coupled to a base. The display unit includes an exterior display case, a screen, one or more liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, display electronics and a light source. The light source is a tubular shaped lamp which extends along a length of the display case and is held in place by a harness at one end of the display case. A section of the display case is an independently movable reflector, coated with a light reflective mirrored finish that distributes light evenly along the LCD panel surface. The computer has a storage mode and an active mode. When in active mode, the reflector is inclined and light from the light source reflects unto the LCD panel within the case. In storage mode, the reflector is closed and no light is reflected unto the LCD panel.