Q: Robert Asks - Back in 2008 I heard that a new lap top screen was coming out that would use 1/4th to 1/3d the power consumption of todays laptop pc screens. I said 'wow', a three hour battery would last perhaps up to 12 hours. So far, I've only briefly heard about the new LED screen, and I also know that MAC laptops now have a new longer lasting battery. Is there something missing?

A: Right now many laptop screens are using LED lighting in place of the traditional Cold Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CCFL). LEDs are more power efficient and best of all won't burn out after a year or two of straight use. If you're buying a new laptop make sure the screen uses LED backlights.

The other screen technology on the near horizon is OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). So far it's only been seen on relatively small (6"-10") monitor displays manufactured by Sony, and some cellphone screens. I've seen the Sony monitors first hand; the screen is just 3mm thick and the picture quality is jaw dropping but they're priced pretty high. I'm not aware of any notebook OLED screens yet, but I haven't been looking either so you might want to do a little research there. (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&safe=off&num=30&q=oled+notebook&meta=)