Compaq wants LCD monitors to be a common sight

Compaq is to put its considerable weight behind making LCD monitors a common sight on UK desktops after signing an agreement with Mitsubishi Electric and its subsidiary Advanced Display Inc. The deal means that Compaq-designed LCD TFT screens will be available in the UK by July at the latest. The number one PC seller will target the screens at financial and health sectors.

"This is the year that large TFT screens will take off," said Neil Dagger, Compaq options manager. "The most important driving force is the rising cost of real estate. LCD monitors let you save space through having a much smaller footprint than CRT monitors, and are now brighter and have a larger viewable area than ever before." Dagger said the deal is particularly good news as TFT displays are expected to be in short supply this year.

Compaq also claims that the volumes it can generate will reduce the very high cost of LCD displays and says it plans to add extra features such as speakers to make the screens more attractive.

One early customer will be the Barclay's-owned BZW investment bank with which Compaq recently agreed a deal to supply 5,700 workstations.