Dell sees the light...emitting diode

Eric Franklin | Sep 25, 2008

The Dell Precision M2400 uses an LED-backlit display. (Credit: Dell)

Dell announced on Wednesday that within 12 months, all displays in its new laptops will be light-emitting diode (LED)-based.

Dell says that as of December 15, two-thirds of its Latitude E-Family laptops, as well as its Precision line, will be shipped with mercury-free LED backlighting as standard.

LED backlights are known to be mercury-free and very recyclable. Compared to cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) technology, which most LCD displays use today, LED displays are much more energy efficient. Dell says that its 15-inch LED displays consume an average of 43 percent less power at maximum brightness.

Dell estimates that, overall, this could save consumers approximately US$20 million and 220 million kilowatt-hours in 2010 and 2011 combined, the equivalent of the annual CO2 emissions of more than 10,000 homes' energy use. This figure was based on Dell's internal analysis using US EPA carbon-conversion calculators.

By the end of 2009, Dell plans to have at least 80 percent of all of its laptops delivered with LED backlit displays. By 2010, it expects that number to rise to 100 percent.

Over the past year or so Dell has been committed to "Hulking out" (you know, turning green?) as a company. In June 2007, Dell announced plans to reduce its corporate carbon footprint by 15 percent or more within 5 years. In May 2008, it announced its desire to cut PC-energy use by 25 percent. In June of this year, Dell said that it had become the first company to introduce a "80 PLUS Gold-certified" power supply for servers. It launched its Studio Hybrid in July, which, according to Dell, uses 70 percent less energy than a traditional desktop.

Via Crave CNET

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