Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

PC Magazine is reporting that Dell plans to change its laptop displays to mercury-free and energy saving LED backlighting.  Two thirds of their Latitude E-series will ship with the new displays by December 15th, and they plan to have 80% of their laptops include the new LED backlights. The transition is expected to be completed by 2010.

“Why did we do this? We have been listening to our customers in order to extract customer value, and LED helps to move that agenda along,” said Michael Murphy, Dell’s senior manager of worldwide environmental affairs, in an interview.

Dell says its 15-inch displays will consume an average of 43% less power, which will save 220 million kilowatt hours in 2010 and 2011 combined.  Another advantage is that they are mercury-free. Mercury is a toxic chemical and recyclers don’t like having to process the small amount found in traditional backlights. Another advantage consumers will really love—the new LEDs will extend battery life. The reduction in power can nearly double a laptop’s battery life, something every laptop user never seems to have enough of.  They also reduce a laptop’s weight.

Dell says they are also working on LED desktop monitors but doesn’t yet have a timetable for their release.

Read[PC Magazine]