Notebook computers to use more LEDs

LEDs will replace CCFLs in backlights.

By James Carbone -- Purchasing, 4/24/2008 11:51:00 AM

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) will replace cold cathode fluorescent lamp(CCFL) in backlights for notebook computers over the next several years.

Researcher iSuppli estimates 90% of large-sized LCD notebook-PC panels shipped in 2012 will employ LEDs to backlight their displays, up from just 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2007. By the end of this year, LED-backlit large LCD notebook PC panel shipments will surge to 17.4 million units, up by more than a factor of six from 2.8 million units in 2007.

More LEDs will be used in backlights because they have low power consumption, a thin form factor and are light weight. Currently, LCD displays in notebook PCs use CCFLs for backlighting, says Sweta Dash, director of LCD and projection research at iSuppli. “While this is a proven technology and has lower cost compared to LED, it faces shortcomings in the areas of power consumption and thickness compared to LEDs.”

A 13.3-in white LED-based notebook panel can use 20% less power and be 40% thinner and 20% lighter than a conventional CCFL-based product. However, LEDs cost more than CCFLs. A white LED costs about $25 more than CCFL, but the gap is narrowing as manufacturing yields for LEDs improve.

Also see: LED prices expected to fall