Until recently, the large majority of laptop LCD panels used CCFL, or cold cathode fluorescent lamps as a backlighting source. In recent years, manufacturers have begun using LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, as a backlighting source. Each has some advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in this article.

CCFL

At present, CCFLs are less expensive than LEDs. This makes them more suited for budget, or even mid-range, laptops and notebooks. With so many manufacturers competing for the lowest price, it is easy to see why CCFLs are still commonly used. Currently, CCFLs can sometimes use less power than LEDs, even though this is often thought not to be the case. The power usage depends greatly on the number of LEDs needed in a display, and improvements in LED technology should continue to provide improvements in power usage.

LED

The biggest advantage of LED backlighting is that it tends to produce a brighter, more even display. LED backlit displays can also be lighter and thinner than CCFL displays, making them more suited for portability, and allowing for thinner laptops and notebooks. Depending on the number of LEDs used, they can also reduce the power needed to light the display. Also, because LEDs light from the back, they are more suitable for use in glossy displays, which are becoming increasingly popular.

It is heavily debated whether LEDs offer better colors than CCFLs. Manufacturers who use primarily CCFLs claim they offer better color, but those who use LEDs also claim better color. Another issue is life span. Some claim LEDs have a longer life span than CCFLs, but this is mainly untested, as LED is a relatively new technology. Life span tends not to be a large factor; however, as most users will replace a laptop long before either technology is likely to wear out. One thing LED panels have and edge on CCFL panels is durability, the CCFL backlight is very susceptible to physical damage if it takes any impact, LED’s do not suffer from this vulnerability.

Despite the fact that CCFLs have some advantages, it is clear that LED backlights are the future for laptop and notebook panels. As the cost of LEDs begin to drop, we will see them used in more and more laptop designs, and more users can reap the benefits provided by LED backlighting.