LED-lit Displays in Upcoming 15'' MacBook Pros?

[MrCrowbar]

Amen. I mean honestly, one button? I'm usually not that hurt over feature loss but you'd think a two-buttoned mouse in a laptop would be a basic. Im surprised they even included speakers in the Macbooks.

Ever tried the 2 finger tapping? I absolutely love how I can scroll in every direction and right-click using to fingern on the touch pad. I usually use the physical button for mouse-click cuz it's placed so conveniently that the knuckle of my thumb rest on it all the time. If there were 2 button, I would probably end up only using the left half of the touch pad. And I just figured out that tapping one finger has half a second of latency... button is quicker. right click is instant tho...

Does anyone know how the 2 finger stuff works on the touchpads? If it can really detect the position of two fingers at the same time, why not add the "pinch" feature so you can zoom in by moving your fingers apart. Leopard maybe?

 

[Zadillo]

If anyone wants to see what LED backlighting looks like, head down to a local CompUSA, Best Buy or SonyStyle store and check out either the Sony TX laptop series or the premium Sony SZ laptops (the premiums are the higher model number ones.... i.e. the Sony Vaio SZ370 is a premium model and includes LED backlighting, while the SZ330 is non-premium and doesn't include it).

I am really glad to see that Apple will be using this tech. The screens on the premium SZ models and the TX models Sony makes are excellent; very bright, very evenly lit, very rich colors. I really loved my C2D MBP, but had to send it back because of the uneven illumination (with the right half of the screen noticeably darker than the left side). LED backlighting should seal the deal.

One thing though, I don't think Apple could put this technology in the regular MacBooks. The price still seems to be pretty high (hence why it only appears in Sony's expensive TX series, and the premium SZ laptops, which cost hundreds more than the non-premium models).

Regarding battery life, on the SZ at least, the premium models do get better battery life than the non-premium ones, but how much more seems to vary. But half an hour to an hour extra life don't seem to be too uncommong.

But either way, can't wait to see these new machines. I think the C2D MBP as it stands is one of the closest things I've seen to laptop perfection, with the screen being the one weak point.

 

[macsaregoodmkay]

next new macbook pros

does anyone know when the new macbook pro will be available? also what kind of processor upgrade? im hearing Q2, does that mean more like april or june? i wonder if its worth the wait at this point... the age old question.

 

[Zadillo]

Ever tried the 2 finger tapping? I absolutely love how I can scroll in every direction and right-click using to fingern on the touch pad. I usually use the physical button for mouse-click cuz it's placed so conveniently that the knuckle of my thumb rest on it all the time. If there were 2 button, I would probably end up only using the left half of the touch pad. And I just figured out that tapping one finger has half a second of latency... button is quicker. right click is instant tho...

Does anyone know how the 2 finger stuff works on the touchpads? If it can really detect the position of two fingers at the same time, why not add the "pinch" feature so you can zoom in by moving your fingers apart. Leopard maybe?

I think it's mainly a function of the trackpad technology and the trackpad driver. As it is right now, they're programmed to be able to tell when you have two fingers touching it in separate locations at the same time. I'm not sure if they're sophisticated enough to respond to things like a "pinch" gesture, but I would think it probably isn't out of the realm of possibility for them to do in the future.

Personally I love the two-finger clicking. Once I got used to it, I found that I actually prefer it to the "right-clicking" on a typical laptop, since I can more easily "right-click" with two-finger tapping than having to shift my thumb, etc. to right-click on the physical right button.

 

[Zadillo]

does anyone know when the new macbook pro will be available? also what kind of processor upgrade? im hearing Q2, does that mean more like april or june? i wonder if its worth the wait at this point... the age old question.

If you've waited this long and don't need a new system immediately, it probably is worth it.

The processors probably won't be significantly upgraded, but what will be is the underlying system architecture, called Santa Rosa.

The laptops shipping now with Core 2 Duo chips are still actually using the older system architecture, which doesn't take full advantage of the capabilities of these new chips. Santa Rosa actually does, and should see some performance benefits.

Apple's new laptops could also have other interesting new features and capabilities.

I would expect to see something around May, which is when Santa Rosa is supposed to debut, I believe.

The LED backlighting would also be a pretty good reason to wait for the new models, as I think they should be a significant improvement over current MBP screens.

But as always, if you really need something in the next month or two, you might as well get it. Otherwise there will always be something new and better around the corner.

-Zadillo

 

[MrCrowbar]

Personally I love the two-finger clicking. Once I got used to it, I found that I actually prefer it to the "right-clicking" on a typical laptop, since I can more easily "right-click" with two-finger tapping than having to shift my thumb, etc. to right-click on the physical right button.

I totally agree. having 2 button and a "scroll button" like most laptops have is kinda retarded compared to multi-finger tap. When I scroll a lot I use the touchpad, the mighty mouse can't scroll freely in 2 dimensions, and I find the ...clitoris very akward to use.

Back on topic: What will Apple do with the saved space if they use LED backlighting? I mean, 15" or even 17" laptop screens should not be too thin to be stable and sturdy enough. There's a limit when you're using aluminum. Would apple make the base thicker? Hell they won't. Maybe they'll keep the current enclosure as it is, but put a giant wireless antenna into the lid... or a very flat second battery? Or how about some flash memory in there? My Macbook's lid is twice as thick as my iPod nano, so I suppose there would be some space for flash memory behind the backlight. Or a GPS antenna, or 3G, you get the idea.

As for the shiny Apple logo on the lid of Apple laptops, I think it would probably have it's dedicated backlighting. Or make it like all those flip phones that have a second display for when the lid is closed. How cool would and OLED screen in the shape of the apple logo be? Let it run iTunes visualizer on the Apple to freak out people in trains. Make it pulsate together with the sleep LED, make it green when on AC power, orange when charging so you know what's going on when it's closed. This is all highly unlikely, but I douubt they would totally ditch the glowing Apple on the Laptops. I mean, how lame is that just to have a logo cut out of plastic like most other brands? I love how the logo pisses off people in front of me.

 

[iEric]

sweet. just as long as they keep the matte option. if they don't i will kill my neighbor. okay, i won't, but i'd be pissed.

 

[Zadillo]

I totally agree. having 2 button and a "scroll button" like most laptops have is kinda retarded compared to multi-finger tap. When I scroll a lot I use the touchpad, the mighty mouse can't scroll freely in 2 dimensions, and I find the ...clitoris very akward to use.

Back on topic: What will Apple do with the saved space if they use LED backlighting? I mean, 15" or even 17" laptop screens should not be too thin to be stable and sturdy enough. There's a limit when you're using aluminum. Would apple make the base thicker? Hell they won't. Maybe they'll keep the current enclosure as it is, but put a giant wireless antenna into the lid... or a very flat second battery? Or how about some flash memory in there? My Macbook's lid is twice as thick as my iPod nano, so I suppose there would be some space for flash memory behind the backlight. Or a GPS antenna, or 3G, you get the idea.

Not sure, but Sony at least uses carbon fiber casing for the TX and premium SZ lids to go along with the LED backlighting, so I wouldn't be surprised if Apple did something similar to offer thinness while keeping it durable.

 

[sethypoo]

...and I've just secured my decision of next Apple purchase.

Awesome. No more uneven backlighting and grain (hopefully)

Heh, I've never, ever noticed any "uneven backlighting" or "grain" in any of the many Apple LCD's, iBook's, PowerBooks, or MacBook's I've used over the years.

CCFL's work fine, if manufactured properly. Call me a CCFL loyalist, but LED seems almost too good to be true, for now. I'll wait a year or two and let them work the kinks out, then I may upgrade.

 

[benbow]

I recall reading that Canon's original IXUS digital camera displays (1.5-1.8") had LED backlights to minimize battery consumption. Now all digital cameras and cell phones probably use LEDs rather than CCFL light sources.

Now that superluminescent white LEDs are available LCD display manufacturers must have figured out how to evenly illuminate notebook displays using white LEDs. I imagine it involves putting the LEDs along the edges and having a reflective surface behind the plates holding the liquid crystal pixel array, or putting them directly behind a white diffusing screen in a two dimensional grid.

 

[Analog Kid]

Any word on new desktop displays? We'll be in the market for one soon, but I'm hoping 4 things happen before we have to take the plunge:
--glossy finish
--higher pixel count (anticipating Leopard)
--integrated iSight
--LED backlight and thinner form factor.

Does anyone know how the 2 finger stuff works on the touchpads? If it can really detect the position of two fingers at the same time, why not add the "pinch" feature so you can zoom in by moving your fingers apart. Leopard maybe?

I'm guessing the current touch pads only recognize how much of the pad is contacted by a finger(s) and the rough center of the touch. I don't think they can track two independent touch points.

CCFL's work fine, if manufactured properly. Call me a CCFL loyalist, but LED seems almost too good to be true, for now. I'll wait a year or two and let them work the kinks out, then I may upgrade.

We've been using LED backlighting on small size displays in embedded devices for probably 20 years because of the power savings and reliability and lack of high frequency, high voltage power supplies. What's new is that there are decent white LED sources now, so they can be used in color displays.

 

[lorien]

Holding off till Apple changes their displays

It's about time Apple does something about all those display issues. Blue screens, black screens, flickering screens (I've had a blue myself) I'm waiting till May and hopefully by then they have a new display on the MBP, otherwise I'll have to buy one anyway and put my trust in AppleCare!

 

[EGT]

I am curious how this affects the price. Will it be higher or lower now or stay the same because it can?

From the article ..

While pricer than CCFLs, LED technology is more efficient at distributing lighting evenly across the entire display surface and offers an increase in color saturation.

No doubt Apple will charge a premium for this "new" technology. I've never seen LED backlit laptops but when they upgrade the MBPs, I hope they up the resolution a bit too!

And just when I was about to purchase a Macbook! These things can't come soon enough!

 

[Lone Deranger]

Very interesting.

I seem to recall reading that LED technology offers an increased colour gamut when compared to conventionally lit LCD panels. That alone would warrent any potential upgrade.

This rumour also makes me wonder wether it has anything to do with the ulta-lite/thin MBP rumours floating around...

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

I think the more important point of switching to LED backlights is that there will be no more lead in the computers. That's gotta make Greenpeace happy...

It is Mercury that is the photo-active substance in the fluorescend lamps, not lead.

Heh, I've never, ever noticed any "uneven backlighting" or "grain" in any of the many Apple LCD's, iBook's, PowerBooks, or MacBook's I've used over the years.

CCFL's work fine, if manufactured properly. Call me a CCFL loyalist, but LED seems almost too good to be true, for now. I'll wait a year or two and let them work the kinks out, then I may upgrade.

I noticed the grain in the display when I do a slide-show in iPhoto and use the 'Ken-Burns' Effect that moves the still pictures across the screen. You can then see movement in the colors of the picture, as it moves across. I think otherwise it is hardly noticeable.

I wonder where this comes from. Maybe other LCDs also have it?

 

[bommai]

Very interesting.

I seem to recall reading that LED technology offers an increased colour gamut when compared to conventionally lit LCD panels. That alone would warrent any potential upgrade.

This rumour also makes me wonder wether it has anything to do with the ulta-lite/thin MBP rumours floating around...

That is correct. Look at upcoming LCD TVs with LED backlighting as well as the Samsung DLP TV that uses LED backlighting. The contrast ratios on the LCDs went way up and the color gamut went up too.

 

[Zadillo]

Heh, I've never, ever noticed any "uneven backlighting" or "grain" in any of the many Apple LCD's, iBook's, PowerBooks, or MacBook's I've used over the years.

CCFL's work fine, if manufactured properly. Call me a CCFL loyalist, but LED seems almost too good to be true, for now. I'll wait a year or two and let them work the kinks out, then I may upgrade.

I am glad to hear that you've never noticed either of these problems, but a number of people have. I am one of them; I loved my 15" C2D MBP, but the uneven backlighting was just too problematic; all I had to do was fill the screen with white, and the right-hand side of it was grey because it was so much darker. And this wasn't just me being crazy; when I showed it to the guys at the Apple Genius bar they agreed and let me return it.

Moreover, I would have been glad to just replace it instead, but every MBP, glossy and matte, had the same issue.

Also, you speak about LED backlighting as being "too good to be true" as if it wasn't a technology that was already available. But it is; as mentioned before, Sony has been using it for a while now in the Sony Vaio TX series, as well as the premium Sony SZ series (go look for a Sony Vaio SZ370 or SZ470 and you will see the difference it makes). Just a brighter more even screen across the board. It will be a major boon to Apple to get this stuff in the MBP's.

-Zadillo

 

[L3X]

dangit...i guess i will wait... just when i was getting ready to get a C2D MBP...hurry up already with this refresh pleeeeeease!

how has Apple let Sony use it for so long and beat them to the punch. Seems like Apple would have been on this a while back.

 

[sethypoo]

We've been using LED backlighting on small size displays in embedded devices for probably 20 years because of the power savings and reliability and lack of high frequency, high voltage power supplies. What's new is that there are decent white LED sources now, so they can be used in color displays.

Yes, but an application on a device with a screen as large as a MacBook Pro seems a little different than what LED backlighting has done so far. I know that the Vaio's have had it as well as a handful of other devices, but I still am going to wait. I've been burned enough times with tech that, while later very useful, at it inception was faulty.

 

[eme jota ce]

Improved battery life.... Does anybody have an idea how much? 25% 50%????
Is there any notebooks that currently use this technology already???

That was my quesiton, too.

The Cree website announces LED lighting technology for LCD screens that is 12% more efficient that traditional CCFLs. (That's less that I expected, but would be a welcome boost the the MacBook Pro line. I recently sold my MBP to get a MB primarily for the increased battery life and increased WiFi range of the MB over the MBP)

http://www.cree.com/press/press_detail.asp?i=1143574732375

 

[Macinposh]

Heh, I've never, ever noticed any "uneven backlighting" or "grain" in any of the many Apple LCD's, iBook's, PowerBooks, or MacBook's I've used over the years.

Wow!!!

You must be called Steve or be a good friend with him..

In short time I saw 4 faulty 17" MBPs (blue tint+lightfloods up and down) and one 15" MBP.
On top of that on our premises we have 1 faulty 30" (big yellow flood on the lower part of the screen, 1 faulty 23" (magenta hue that isnt correctable) and 1 20" wich developed faulty pixels.

NONE were repaired on the behalf of apple because they have the 99% policy of dead pixels and lightfloods+magenta were classifed as non-issue...

So in the end,the only flawless displays left were old 3 powerbooks ,2 iBooks (2) and 1 30" display.


So by those standards, you have a 50/50 chance of apple display of being unusable for higher quality production standards.



As i sais,lucky you..

 

[MDMac]

I'm hoping they'll add a smaller version of the MBP to the line. I loved how portable the 12" inch was, for sure. Hopefully the price doesn't differ too much.

 

[antonioconte]

I can wait 4 weeks for a new 17 MBP, but no longer really. I've really been put off by the comments regarding the screen though?

 

[zblaxberg]

you've got to be kidding

Improved battery life.... Does anybody have an idea how much? 25% 50%????
Is there any notebooks that currently use this technology already???

there's no way you'll get 25% more battery life....you would be lucky to get 10%

 

[zblaxberg]

is there anything else that they are gonna change with the 15" MBP's cuz i'm waiting to get mine for college but I want the latest and greatest....a 7200 rpm hard drive would be nice........