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A Closer Look at Notebook Screens: DSTN vs. TFT
You've probably noticed that notebooks having TFT display screens are significantly more expensive than machines with DSTN displays. Why is there a difference, and which is the better one to buy?
The DSTN screen (double-layer supertwist nematic) is also sometimes called a passive-matrix display. The TFT (thin film transistor) display is active matrix. DSTN screens are not as bright, crisp, or responsive as TFT screens. Since they are not as advanced as the TFT screens, it is cheaper for the notebook manufacturers to offer them.
While the DSTNs are still good screens, if you move your mouse too fast on one you'll notice that it disappears. That's because the DSTN has a lower screen refresh rate. Also, you can't read DSTN screens at a wide angle. A TFT active matrix screen can be read at almost 180 degrees. To be able to read a passive matrix DSTN screen, you need to be right in front of the display.
A shallow viewing angle isn't always a bad thing. Some people prefer the passive matrix screens for privacy reasons. For example, if you do a lot of traveling on airplanes, you probably don't want your seatmate reading everything on your screen.
If your work involves high-end graphics or requires you to give presentations, consider spending extra for a TFT-based unit. However, for most general computing chores, a DSTN screen is perfectly acceptable. You should just compare two types of screens and see if you can tolerate the less expensive one. If you're comfortable working with it, that's really all that matters.
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