14 DAY TRIAL // Not that long ago, Apple confirmed rumors of LED backlit Macs in its open letter regarding Apple's environmental efforts. Now, details of a more technical nature are starting to pour in.
In a recent DigiTimes report, industry sources were cited saying that the new portables will be using components from AU Optronics (AUO), Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO), Coretronic and Kenmos Technology. Apparently, both AUO and CMO are having their samples of 13.3- and 15.4-inch panels certified by Apple, with shipments to officially start sometime in the second or third quarter of 2007. In the meantime, backlight unit (BLU) makers Coretronic and Kenmos are also sending samples to be incorporated in the panels, with official shipments to also kick off around a similar period, according to the DigiTimes sources.
Of course, like all Apple manufacturers, secrecy is important, and there have been no official comments. No doubt, the new machines will not only have new display technology, but will also be taking advantage of the new advancement in processor technology from Intel. Portables using the Santa Rosa Platform are expected soon, from various manufacturers, and no doubt Apple is not going to be lagging behind.
From the size of the display mentioned in the report, it looks like both MacBooks and MacBook Pros will be seeing the new displays. The larger MacBook Pros, as well as the desktop Macs and Apple Displays, might have to wait a while until the technology becomes feasible for the larger display sizes. Apple has already stated that it intends to shift all of its displays to this technology but that the process will take time and is not entirely within Apple's hands.