iSuppli: iPod nano LCD flaws may be due to large size and weak protective coating

Iria · Oct 13, 2005, 04:39 PM

The successful launch of the latest in Apple’s line of MP3 players—the iPod nano—has been marred by complaints regarding its display. Some users have noted cracks in the screen, a flaw that Apple says is limited to one tenth of 1% of all the nanos shipped so far.

The iPod nano’s display is a 1.5-inch, 65,000-color TFT LCD with a pixel format of 132 by 176 and a 0.168 mm dot pitch. This increases the color gamut compared to Apple’s existing iPod photo. The display’s high resolution—at about 150 pixels per inch—and large color palette now enable users to view photos of CD covers and other images, such as maps.

The displays used in the 2GB and 4GB models of the nano are identical. A dissection of the nano conducted by iSuppli’s Teardown Analysis service indicated that the total unit cost of producing the 2GB model is around US$98, with the cost of components and materials is estimated at about US$90.

The display is the second-most expensive component in the nano after the flash memory, accounting for 9.6% of the product’s total bill of materials (BOM). At an estimated cost of US$8.70, the price of the nano’s display is heavily discounted compared to similar screens used in mobile phones. This discount is due to Apple’s high-volume commitments, and because of the strong future prospects of the iPod line.
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Read More / Source: DigiTimes

Oct 13, 2005, 04:39 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	iSuppli: iPod nano LCD flaws may be due to large size and weak protective coating The successful launch of the latest in Apple’s line of MP3 players—the iPod nano—has been marred by complaints regarding its display. Some users have noted cracks in the screen, a flaw that Apple says is limited to one tenth of 1% of all the nanos shipped so far. The iPod nano’s display is a 1.5-inch, 65,000-color TFT LCD with a pixel format of 132 by 176 and a 0.168 mm dot pitch. This increases the color gamut compared to Apple’s existing iPod photo. The display’s high resolution—at about 150 pixels per inch—and large color palette now enable users to view photos of CD covers and other images, such as maps. The displays used in the 2GB and 4GB models of the nano are identical. A dissection of the nano conducted by iSuppli’s Teardown Analysis service indicated that the total unit cost of producing the 2GB model is around US$98, with the cost of components and materials is estimated at about US$90. The display is the second-most expensive component in the nano after the flash memory, accounting for 9.6% of the product’s total bill of materials (BOM). At an estimated cost of US$8.70, the price of the nano’s display is heavily discounted compared to similar screens used in mobile phones. This discount is due to Apple’s high-volume commitments, and because of the strong future prospects of the iPod line. ____________ Read More / Source: DigiTimes