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January 4, 2007 7:35 AM PST

LED laptops: Thinner, lighter, longer, better

by Matthew Elliott
Sony VAIO TX

From the Tech Report yesterday comes the news that Apple and HP will release laptops in Q2 that will feature new LCD screen technology. Instead of the regular fluorescent lamps that serve as backlights for your typical LCD screen, the new displays will use LEDs. The Tech Report's story mentions that the effect will be a brighter image with better contrast. What it doesn't mention is that LED-backlit displays will allow for thinner laptop designs and longer battery life.

Apple and HP may be readying their designs, but Sony is already selling such a laptop. The Sony VAIO VGN-TXN15P/W is the first laptop we've seen with an LED-backlit display (we know of no others). Not only was the ultraportable's screen incredibly bright, but the VAIO TX was also one of the thinnest laptops we've ever reviewed. And it shattered CNET Labs' battery life record, lasting 9 hours and 42 minutes. Granted, its Core Solo processor is very efficient, but we believe the new LED backlights were the chief reason for it running for nearly 10 (10!) hours on a single charge. We're all for thinner, lighter laptops with brighter screens, but the best news surrounding this development is getting a full day's work done without hunting for a wall outlet.

Matt Elliott, a CNET editor since 2000, heads up coverage of computer hardware, from desktops and laptops to their assorted components and peripherals. Prior to joining CNET, he worked for PC Magazine. When not writing about computers and wrestling with their shipping boxes, he likes shooting with his Nikon D50 camera. Matt is also skilled with a tape gun. E-mail Matt.
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Sony has more than just the TX with LED backlight
by nbarksda January 4, 2007 8:21 AM PST
Sony's SZ premium laptops also have LED backlighting. All you have to do is check out Sony's product page for the SZ series.
If it has a carbon fiber chassis then it will have LED backlighting.

What I don't understand is that I've read this story on three different websites and not one has mentioned Sony's SZ series. At least Crave caught on that Sony has done the LED thing...the others naively believe that no one has a laptop out yet with LED backlighting...check your sources before publishing...it makes you look smarter.
Reply to this comment
A little uncalled for
by BdeRWest January 4, 2007 12:38 PM PST
Hey now, the article says "that we know of."

I don't know if this was there when you posted, nbarksda, but still...

They did their best, and if Crave didn't know of another Sony laptop series that
offered LED backlighting, it's no reason to burn them for it.

Shame on you for putting Crave down just to try and make you look smarter and
more "plugged in" to the tech community
Sony has more than just the TX with LED backlight
by nbarksda January 4, 2007 8:21 AM PST
Sony's SZ premium laptops also have LED backlighting. All you have to do is check out Sony's product page for the SZ series.
If it has a carbon fiber chassis then it will have LED backlighting.

What I don't understand is that I've read this story on three different websites and not one has mentioned Sony's SZ series. At least Crave caught on that Sony has done the LED thing...the others naively believe that no one has a laptop out yet with LED backlighting...check your sources before publishing...it makes you look smarter.
Reply to this comment
A little uncalled for
by BdeRWest January 4, 2007 12:38 PM PST
Hey now, the article says "that we know of."

I don't know if this was there when you posted, nbarksda, but still...

They did their best, and if Crave didn't know of another Sony laptop series that
offered LED backlighting, it's no reason to burn them for it.

Shame on you for putting Crave down just to try and make you look smarter and
more "plugged in" to the tech community
Might this be the 'one more thing?'
by qprize January 4, 2007 9:32 PM PST
As much as I still love my PowerBook Titanium, the design has been around for
about 5 or 6 years. It's the only one that's not been replaced (though refreshed
a few times). I'm thinking aluminum, but with the newer MacBook keyboard,
and maybe even a Product(RED) finish! And perhaps the other Nano colors.
Reply to this comment
Might this be the 'one more thing?'
by qprize January 4, 2007 9:32 PM PST
As much as I still love my PowerBook Titanium, the design has been around for
about 5 or 6 years. It's the only one that's not been replaced (though refreshed
a few times). I'm thinking aluminum, but with the newer MacBook keyboard,
and maybe even a Product(RED) finish! And perhaps the other Nano colors.
Reply to this comment
by estetik_cerrahi November 25, 2008 10:47 AM PST
The first thought that came to mind was HM what;s the sun getting ready to do? 2nd thought isn't 2012 coming in about 2 and 1/2 years. 3 Whats going to happen then and no I was not thinking the end of the world but anythings possible. Shake my head the sun is dead, suns die violently my friends, ooooh!

<a href="http://www.teomandogan.com/burun_estetigi.htm"title="Estetik">Estetik</a>

<a href="http://www.teomandogan.com/meme_kucultme_ameliyati.htm"title="gö?üs esteti?i">gö?üs esteti?i</a>

<a href="http://www.teomandogan.com"title="Estetik">Estetik</a>

<a href="http://www.plastikcerrahi.net"title="plastik cerrahi">plastik cerrahi</a>
Reply to this comment
by estetik_cerrahi November 25, 2008 10:52 AM PST
The first thought that came to mind was HM what;s the sun getting ready to do? 2nd thought isn't 2012 coming in about 2 and 1/2 years. 3 Whats going to happen then and no I was not thinking the end of the world but anythings possible. Shake my head the sun is dead, suns die violently my friends, ooooh!

<a href="http://www.teomandogan.com" title="estetik" target="_blank">estetik</a>
<a href="http://www.teomandogan.com/meme_kucultme_ameliyati.htm" title="gogus estetigi" target="_blank">gogus estetigi</a>
<a href="http://www.teomandogan.com/burun_estetigi.htm" title="estetik" target="_blank">estetik</a>
<a href="http://www.plastikcerrahi.net" title="plastik cerrahi" target="_blank">plastik cerrahi</a>
Reply to this comment
by estetik_cerrahi November 25, 2008 10:54 AM PST
http://www.teomandogan.com
Reply to this comment
by ksevin October 7, 2009 2:04 AM PDT
very nice page.
http://www.estetika.gen.tr/
Reply to this comment
by foodpeace October 29, 2009 7:51 AM PDT
I'm looking for a laptop that I can use outside in the sun. I'm afraid that the glossy screen will be a problem. Does the LED help? A little? A lot? Dell won't be getting theirs until January, they tell me and I don't know if I can afford to wait. Also, is an LED screen the same as a high def LED? Thanks
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