Apple, Dell ramp up 20-inch LCD orders

Apple and Dell are driving a resurgence in demand for 20-inch computer LCDs, according to claims made by Taiwan display market insiders. Although most computer monitor producers are now focusing almost exclusively on 19-inch and 22-inch widescreen displays, the two American firms have placed orders that are expanding the relatively small market for 20-inch models. The moves are expected to help AU Optronics, CPT, and LG-Philips LCD, as all three companies are the highest-volume suppliers of 20-inch LCDs while Samsung and other manufacturers only produce a small percentage of screens at that size.

None of the specific orders were mentioned, though Apple and Dell depend on the LCDs for multiple models. Apple requires 20-inch panels for both its iMac all-in-one computers and its 20-inch Cinema Display, while Dell offers multiple stand-alone screens in the form factor, such as the 2007WFP and the budget E207WFP. Neither company has announced expansion plans for their existing product lines.