Apple moves to certify LED-backlit panels for 13-inch MacBooks
Apple Inc.'s consumer line of 13-inch MacBook notebooks may join its 15-inch MacBook Pro line in receiving the LED-backlit display treatment this year, according to reports.
Both AUO and CMO are said to be having their samples of 13.3- and 15.4-inch panels certified by Apple, with shipments to officially commence in the second or third quarter of 2007.
AppleInsider had previously reported that the 15-inch MacBook Pro was the first notebook elected by the Cupertino-based Apple to transition to the new type of display, with the 13-inch and 17-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro models under consideration for the same move.
Meanwhile, backlight unit (BLU) makers Coretronic and Kenmos are also sending samples to be incorporated in the panels, with official shipments to also kick off around a similar period.
According to DigiTimes, component makers indicated Apple plans to use the LED V-cut light-guide panel technology from Japan's Stanley Electric, which is a technology authorizer and major shareholder of Taiwan's Kenmos.
"Therefore, CMO has decided to adopt Kenmos' LED BLUs for the panels it will ship to Apple," the report states.
In an open letter to customers and investors last week on Apple's environmental strategy, chief executive Steve Jobs openly confirmed that the first Macs with LED-backlit displays would begin shipping this year as part of a broader move to eliminate the use of mercury from the company's products.
21 Comments
I wonder how much energy savings and what extended battery life might be expected? will the life of the LED backlight be much longer then existing technolgy? will the color of the light be as good or better than existing 'true white' screen color. will contrast be as good or better? Finally, i assume there will be less heat associated with LED lighting - but my screen isn't at all warm so it seems that may not be any sort of advantage. where can i read up on this new use of LED technology?
I wonder when we'll see this new models released. I hope it's sooner rather than later. Perhaps some details or even a model or two will emerge at WWDC.
I wonder how much energy savings and what extended battery life might be expected? will the life of the LED backlight be much longer then existing technolgy? will the color of the light be as good or better than existing 'true white' screen color. will contrast be as good or better? Finally, i assume there will be less heat associated with LED lighting - but my screen isn't at all warm so it seems that may not be any sort of advantage. where can i read up on this new use of LED technology?
Maybe 50,000 hours of life.
A bit more battery life, nothing radical though.
The color and contrast can be as good or better depending on the product used.
Heat isn't a problem.
http://www.macworld.com/2007/05/firs...ight/index.php
I wonder when we'll see this new models released. I hope it's sooner rather than later. Perhaps some details or even a model or two will emerge at WWDC.
As they are just now certifying product, WWDC is too soon to see a released product. A sample? Maybe.
Good - I just hope they don't rush this in the name of PC bull. If they can give a better option w/o the Hg; then great. However, if the best option takes some "bad" element or compound, then so be it - and only remove it when a better option is found.