[Pc_Support] Re: 20" monitors -- notebook v. standalone (desktop) LCD cost

[Bryan J. Smith]

Excellent and far deeper insight!  Thanx!
[ CC'ing PC_Support ]

On Sun, 2006-10-08 at 23:18 -0400, Randall Perry wrote:
> Let's not forget that laptop LCD's are quite a bit dimmer than their
> desktop/wallmounted counter parts.  Also, the viewing angles are MUCH
> better on our desktop LCD's in the house compared to any of my
> laptops.
> 
> I have done my fair share of rebuilding laptop LCD panels in the past
> couple of years (had them shipped in from California to Georgia and
> those inbetween).  The construction is significatly different than
> desktop LCD's
> 
> In contrast to the desktop LCD's the CCFL's aren't as bright, the
> inverters are cheap (especially on HP's).  Like Bryan mentions---you
> don't have to convert analog to digital.  Heck one of my 17" LCD
> panels also has RGB, Svideo, SVGA and a F-coax connector (and houses
> speaksers and a cable tuner internally).  Lots of stuff crammed in
> there.
> 
> Note that you also don't have to bundle a power supply for the
> laptop(because the notebook already has a DC power source).
> 
> Now outside of construction, let's consider other costs:
> 
> A standalone LCD is a standalone product.  It does NOT benefit from
> 'bundling'.  But, if that LCD were thrown in with a DVD player,
> surround sound and FM tuner...you would see a 'discount' applied.
> 
> Now take the FLIPside of that.  Suppose you need an LCD for your 14"
> notebook.  Toshiba wants $400.  Sony wants..well, it is too high to
> mention.  Check on ebay and get a used one for $120.  $120??!!  yep.
> For just the LCD with no bezel, no inverter.   Sure, you can just buy
> a brand new notebook and strip it for parts.  In fact, that is what
> most of us do who resell screens and parts.  It is much cheaper that
> way.  But isn't it frustrating that a new 17" can be bought complete
> for under $100?
> 
> It _USED_ to be that there were more laptops sold than standalone LCD
> panels sold.
> LCD prices were very high then.
> Not anymore.  Right now, the sales numbers are neck and neck.
> In 2005, there is an estimation that over 100 million laptops were
> sold worldwide in 2005.
> According to DisplaySearch, 106.2 million LCDs were shipped in the
> same time period. (in 2004 only around 70 million standalone LCDs were
> sold).  But that would explain the falling of LCD prices as more
> manufacturers jump on board with more offerings.
> 
> And as LCDs become the standard display to bundle with a new PC, we
> will all benefit from better technology at lower prices.
> 
-- 
Bryan J. Smith          Professional, technical annoyance
mailto:b.j.smith at ieee.org    http://thebs413.blogspot.com
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