Is the LED backlit screen over-hyped?

[Scottyfrombi]

In another thread I started on a similar subject, (is the 17" obsolete) a responding poster stated that the LED/LCD screen is one of the most over-hyped new features ever released in a MBP. I was wondering if it would be better to wait or if it becomes a higher cost option, would it be worth it to pay more for an LED screen to keep my MBP looking as good in several years as it did the first day I used it.

Or is it, as he stated a completely over-hyped feature. It has been stated frequently now with reviews of the new LED screens, that CCFL/LCD screens lose brightness incrementally over the usable life of the computer. If that is so, is my new 17" HD screen going to become dimmer and dimmer over the 4-5 cycle of new hardware to the point that in 4 years, will be looking at a significantly dimmer screen when placed next to a new screen and in particular a new LED/LCD screen?

I know that we tend to over-hype new products in general and sometimes they seem to become more important than they really deserve to be, but in this case, is it really worth the wait or the added expense or should we just buy the 17" and 13" computers and not give it a second thought?

 

[Trepex]

IMHO, it was over-hyped. I waited for it simply because I was about to purchase and was then warned to wait an extra couple of weeks for the Santa Rosa speed boost and the LED backlit displays but if it had been a few months off, I likely wouldn't have waited.

It's true, the LED screens have a nice even white back-light front-on, but they aren't dramatically different. You even still see the yellow glow from side-angle viewing and I'd hardly say it was revolutionary.

 

[Sesshi]

I don't know if it was over-hyped, but it has advantages. As you say, it will not dim - or at least, dim less. It's also more energy efficient, and gives - IMO - a more even picture. At least, on every LED display I have from Dell and Sony it does - My Macbook Pros all have an uneven tint.

 

[bmcgrath]

I'v seen one of those LED displays on the MBP in the shops. And coming from a standard MBP screen I really did see a difference. Not that I can complain with my current MBP screen as its clear, bright and nice vivid color. But I would like a LED one. Even brighter, more clear and even more vivid color. I want! I want!

 

[Naimfan]

Aren't the LED screens more environmentally friendly, due to having less (or no) mercury in them?

 

[Chris F]

Its not over-hyped, its an extremely important hardware change that produces a significantly better product in ALL areas of functionality.

The screen is arguably the most important thing any laptop, it deserves to be given top billing in any review or comparison.

 

[theman]

The only thing i noticed was that its brightness rivaled my Sony Trinitron CRT. Much brighter than any laptop i've seen.

 

[theman]

Aren't the LED screens more environmentally friendly, due to having less (or no) mercury in them?

yes, this is true. fluorescent lights including CCFL backlights contain mercury. LEDs do not (unless the chinese manage to slip some in there).

 

[jczubach]

I've got the old fashioned LCD right in front of me, and if I recall, from your original post, a 17" screen will more than satisfy, as long as you stay away from these threads and general Macparanoia. Read less, do more. cheers, vic.

 

[rychencop]

It was "over hyped" imo...the LED's do run cooler, but I really have not noticed it being much brighter than standard LCD's, but I really don't want it to be. I do believe LED's will replace the standard LCD lighting, but it is not a breakthrough like it was "hyped" to be. DELL was right on Apple's heels with LED displays as options, I am glad the Apple was the first as they are in many new technologies.
I am extremely happy with my MBP 15" and am not downing it in any way.
I love this machine!!!

 

[queshy]

The quality of the new LEDs is remarkably lower than the older type of technology - the number of "yellow" posts speaks for itself.

My screen isn't really "yellow" per-se but it might have a minor problem that I'm willing to live with.

But what I like about it is that it dims a LOT before turning off. I love bright screens, but the fact is that I exclusively use my laptop in class, and my classes go from 1 PM to 5:30 PM and my mbp never dies. Granted, Wi-Fi is off and the screen is dimmed...but I'm really happy that the screen can dim that much and conserve battery life. The extra 30 min or so that you get with the LED is a life-saver...without it, I would have problems in my last class!

 

[Sesshi]

Indeed. My Sony wouldn't get a real-life 8+ hours if it weren't for the LED display either. The display on all of these machines can be made much brighter than the flourescent-lit screen when plugged in, and they can be turned down to the same 'power saving' low brightness as you could set flourescent screens to eke out battery life - but use notably less power.