Organic EL is a type of screen that is similar to LCD, but uses organic elements to create light. Sony is planning o­n releasing a PDA next spring that uses this technology.

Sony presented o­n the 27th that they plan o­n releasing a PDA using a next-generation "Organic EL (Electro Luminescent)" display screen.

When comparing to LCD, organic EL screens provide clear and brilliant coloring; but this is just the sale point. The weak point, however, is that they require a large scale change o­n the technical side. Sony's PDA to be released will have a 3-4 inch screen; which is "world's first" (Sony) to market - it uses a screen twice as large as any other previous devices. Unable to develop a product under great scrutiny from management, Sony hopes to roll out a hit.

Along with the inclusion in PDAs, Sony will also begin mass production of EL panels from Spring 2004 - they plan to begin with 300,000 units (2 inch) per month. Also, they are aiming at a large scale change, eventually using organic EL in TV screens.

Original Article:
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20031228-00000202-yom-bus_all