A company by the name of MEDL Technology is preparing to launch the first LED monitor in its product line. The company recently did a demo of this new LED monitor in Palm Springs, California, at the IDG demo conference. What makes this newsworthy is that it's a monitor that doesn't necessarily have to be connected to a computer.
The Important Technical Specifications
I'm picking the specifications that I think make this product, which isn't even available to the public yet, stand out from traditional LCD monitors. Yes, this is an LED monitor and the price tag is probably going to be higher than expected. Actually, it's a "TFT active-matrix LCD, LED-backlit" monitor. Don't ask me what that means.
This first one is going to be a 13.3 inch diagonal widescreen display. That's a bit smaller than the 19 inch monitor sitting in front of me right now. I'm sure the company will eventually roll out larger monitors. Companies like this always do.
The maximum resolution is 1280 x 800, which is just a little less than my 19 inch monitor and sounds to be just about perfect for a 13 inch display – not too tiny for older eyes. It connects to other devices with multiple interfaces including USB, VGA and S-video. This is the first monitor I've heard of that can connect to a computer by USB.
The most important specification, in my opinion, is that it contains its own rechargeable battery which can last up to five hours. This is probably what makes it device independent.
Devices
The Panel connects to a wide range of devices, not just computers. According to the press release, The Panel can be used with portable video players, cameras, DVD players, iPhones, iPods and gaming platforms such as the Xbox and PS3.
The one thing I found amusing when I was reading the company's blog is that they don't believe netbooks are worth looking into as a product line. They think the netbook is nothing more than a fad. The Panel, nevertheless, will work as an external monitor for just about any netbook currently in existence. By having the two devices running from independent battery sources, the netbook battery will last a lot longer.
But would I buy one?
I wouldn't buy a 13 inch model unless I was buying it to specifically work with my netbook. I've been spoiled by larger monitors for too long to "step down" to a 13 inch monitor for anything else.
Even if a larger display model becomes available, it will still depend on the price. If it costs much more than the affordable LCD monitors now available, I'll stick with what I already have. If it's cheap enough, it may end up replacing what I already have (when what I already have needs to actually be replaced).
I see The Panel as something that people using small screens will find more useful than anyone else. I'm talking about things like the iPhone. As cool as some of these mobile gadgets are, they can put a serious strain on your eyes if you try to use them for long periods of time.
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