Apple

According to MacNN , both Apple and Dell are apparently set to receive large quantities of LCD displays with LED backlights for notebooks that will be built in the near term. The report cites sources within Taiwanese manufacturers Kenmos and Nano-Op, which are said to be producing the thinner, more power-efficient backlights for display makers AU Optronics and Chi Mei. Once completed, the displays are slated for use via Apple and Dell.

Unfortunately, Kenmos’ production plans for the units are unclear and may include existing systems such as the 15″ MacBook Pro or Dell’s SPX M1330. Both AU Optronics and Nano-Op are allegedly producing a 13.3″ screen for Apple and a 12.1″ screen for Dell. The displays seems to be already close to or already in production for systems to launch in the near future. The Apple components appear to have been validated for use and should enter production this month.

Nano-Ops’ contract for Macs should jump from 10,000 units a month in November to 90,000 in December while other firms are increasing their production levels for LEDs but are not producing them for specific notebook makers at this time. Additional LED-backlit models, if being produced at this time, would be timed correctly for a large-scale announcement at next month’s Macworld Expo in San Francisco. The display technology allows for a slimmer display lid and extends battery life substantially.

Brightness and color uniformity also increase in these displays versus traditional displays, which use cold-cathode fluorescent backlights. The units could also find their way into a lightweight or ultraportable MacBook notebook, which has been long-rumored and anticipated. Could be nifty if it comes true and we’re taking bets over in the comments and forums .