Dell shifting all laptops to LED backlighting

Dell plans to shift all laptop displays to LED backlights by 2010. By Dec 15th, two-thirds of all Dell Latitude E-series laptops will ship standard with LED backlighting, with 80% of all models shipping with the displays by the end of 2009. LED-based backlights consume less energy and Dell's LED panels are completely mercury-free, making them more environmentally friendly. For end users the benefits include longer battery life and brighter displays. Dell currently offers LED-based displays as a build-to-order option on a small selection of XPS notebooks, but they charge a premium for the feature. 

Unfortunately Dell hasn't committed to a firm date for their desktop monitors, but Dell is looking into it: "We are absolutely committed to driving LED technology in both the notebook and desktop space. I would call the notebook transition phase one. We will have LED optimized desktop displays in the not-too-distant future the company is working with its broad base of suppliers to enable the shift"

Dell sources its monitors from panel manufacturers like Samsung and LG, so if Dell insists on LED-based displays, it's logical to assume that the panel manufacturers would follow suit.