January 4, 2007 7:35 AM PST

LED laptops: Thinner, lighter, longer, better

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.

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 8 comments
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 View reply
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.
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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
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Reply to this comment
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