The future of computer displays

For this writer who started working with a monochrome cathode ray tube computer monitor—also known as the green screen—a color CRT device would be a welcome replacement even though it soon could become obsolete itself due to advancements in display technology.

Devices that utilize light emitting diodes and liquid crystal displays are based on LCD technology to create the image we see.

But LCDs need a light source because these devices do not emit any light. Thus, LCDs act as shutters, blocking out a portion of the spectrum of light produced by the light source.

Manufacturers call this the backlight.

It is this backlighting that differentiates the two: While an LCD uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) for illumination, an LED display, on the other hand, uses white diodes that are not only located behind the LCDs but also along the edges of the screen.

Superior

Like CCFLs, LEDs are bulb-like devices that emit visible light when an electric current passes through them. But according to manufacturers, the light shed by an LED is much superior and tends to significantly enhance the picture quality produced by an LCD screen.

Moreover, manufacturers claim that LEDs do not burn out easily and may withstand more than 100,000 hours of usage. These devices use up a lot less of electricity and may last even longer than CCFLs.

Recently, AOC came out with its 21.5-inch LED widescreen monitor (e2243Fw) touted to be the next stage of computer display evolution.

The e2243Fw that was lent to me by AOC was a sight to behold. At P9,090, the monitor is just half an inch thick (12mm) and weighs only 2.5 kg. Best of all, it takes up very little tabletop space.

Minimalist

The front bezel and bottom half of the stand are black. Everything else is pretty much white. That minimalist design will blend well with most work stations.

The quality of the plastic shell is a bit on the flimsy side but, as fragile as the monitor appears to be, the e2243Fw is sturdy enough to withstand shocks.

The monitor is easy to set up since a quick start poster is provided, showing you how to snap the monitor’s post in place. After that, you only have to connect the power cord and VGA cable. A DVI cable is also included.

The power and menu buttons are located at the base and are touch sensitive, lighting up even before you touch them.

Brighter, sharper

Despite the limitations of my video card, the e2243Fw display is brighter and even sharper than most LCD screens I see at the office.

While this image quality is debatable as newer LCD displays in the market also boast of features that greatly improve image quality, one aspect that cannot be taken for granted is the fact that LED displays, like AOC’s e2243Fw, consume only a fraction of power to produce a similar image or graphic.

While consuming just 25 watts maximum, the e2243Fw still has a power savings mode where the display gets to use up a mere 0.1 watt. Now this is more than enough reason to choose an LED display.