LCD prices set to crash

PC PRICES could be set for another tumble following predictions of a precipitous fall in LCD manufacturing costs.

Market research firm Displaysearch says that the cost of making LCD panels will drop by up to 62 per cent over the next couple of years. Combine this with organic price erosion, and we could be looking at 17-inch LCD displays at well under £100 a piece by the end of next year.

After a difficult late 2004, the global LCD market is looking at recovery thanks to the huge investment that display makers have made in the past few years, says Displaysearch analyst Jin Kim. He says manufacturers are now able to get new models to market much faster and produce them in staggering quantities thanks to more efficient factories. Just make sure that you don't get caught holding on to the old stuff. µ