Asustek one of first companies to launch LED backlit notebook computer

Asustek Computer, who make PCs under the Asus brand name, will launch their first notebook computer featuring an LED backlit display screen on March 7 in Taiwan.

Most current laptops use CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Tube) technology because it’s currently a cheaper and more established technology. However, as LED technology becomes more popular in a range of devices, cost is falling.

The key advantages of LED are the ability to display a greater range of colours, and reduced power usage. This means longer battery life with more vibrant display, an obvious advantage when using a notebook PC.

The entire LCD panel including the LED backlight is just 5mm thick.

The U1 business notebook will come with a range of options including hard drive and high definition optical disc choices. Prices and availability are yet to be confirmed.

The rumour that Apple would release notebooks with LED displays hasn’t materialised yet.