how important is LED backlight technology?

I'm looking for a portable laptop <4.5lbs (ideally in the 2 or 3lb range) that is at least 12.1". So far I've looked into the U3s model but it's discontinued and it doesn't have LED backlight technology. I also considered the U6vc which has LED backlight but it's brown!! I wish it was black.

 

LED backlighting is more efficient, so it is brighter and/or gives more battery life.

It is also electronically simpler because there is no inverter to go wrong.

Also, the LEDs don't dim with age like the CCFL tubes.

And the displays can be thinner and lighter.

John

 

I second that.

 

Asus makes nothing in that weight range currently. You'll have to move over to Toshiba or Voodoo, probably.

 

I recently purchased a U6Vc and the color doesn't at all look brown....it's more of a VERY VERY dark brown, almost black color.

I also agree to what John said regarding the LED screen, but would also like to add that LED screens are more environmentally friendly since they do not use mercury as an ingredient in the manufacturing process. Some of the negatives include, high price and its nature to emit more blue light than LCD panels - hence some user experience a bluish tint on their LED screens. But overall, I'd still recommend it over the conventional LCD.

 

So you mean nothing besides the U6Vc?

 

Thanks David. The price of the u6vc is a bit out of my budget. If it was <$1200 that would be good. I currently own the Asus z70v which I spent $1800 on 3.5 years ago. Despite the z70v having served me well with no problems all these years till now, I don't think I'm going to spend that much ever again on a laptop

 

You could check out the Asus N20A-A1. It also has a LED screen, but slightly less impressive hardware compared to the U6Vc-A1.

 

I can't agree entire...unless the LED backlights are using OLED materials like PPV, conventional inorganic LEDs use materials like gallium arsenide, both of which are equally toxic. However, it is easier for a CCFL backlight to get broken and release the mercury.

I am interested to see how LED backlights perform in the long run as they age.

 

Well, i think it's still debatable that gallium arsenide is as toxic as mercury, but it's certainly a potential toxin for humans.

from wiki:

 

I might get the U3S despite the lack of the led backlight technology afterall. I'm also looking at the U1F but that may be a bit smaller than I am comfortable with, as I have big hands.

 

This is all true.

And how important is it? not very important to me. A good CCFL display serves me fine and easily lasts >3 years.

By the way LED is no guarantee for image quality. There are bad and good LED screens just like there are bad and good CCFL screens.