MacBook+Display

=MacBook Display= ssymoczko12 toc

Purpose
//What is the fundamental purpose of the device?//

The fundamental purpose of a MacBook display, like any other computer/laptop screen is to serve as an output device. In other words, its job is to transform complex information from the machine into a clear visual understood by the human eye.

Energy
//What energy transformations are seen in its operation?//

Mac screens are dependent on electrical energy (read more about how and why under "Materials & Science".)

Controls
//What sensors/controls are designed into the device?//

The number one sensor/control of a MacBook screen is a pixel. Pixels are microscopic color filters. Each pixel contains the colors red, blue, and green. When light is applied correctly the three colors can produce virtually any shade or color imaginable. On a screen, the pixels are aligned in a grid. The specific amount of light and voltage is passed through each pixel to provide a high-resolution picture (see Materials & Science; b. Backlight.)

LCD Technology
//The MacBook, manufactured by Apple are always on the move to find the newest and sleekest technologies. For their line of laptops, an important aspect of that are the LCD screens. This effects both the initial building and science of the machine, therefore in this case, they are interlinked.//

Materials & Science
//I. What material(s) are essential to the device? II. What is scientific principle is central to its operation?//

a. "Liquid Crystals"
 * LCD stands for liquid crystal display. The D for display is self explanatory, but what exactly are "liquid crystals"? At first glance the phrase may sound like an oxymoron, but in fact it is very appropriately named. This material is actually a chemical, it's properties cannot be specified as neither liquid or solid, therefore providing interesting technological possibilities.
 * These chemicals however cannot serve any purpose without a scientific principle. The most important aspect of the "crystals" is that they react to electrical current. When interacting with an electric field, the chemicals align perfectly, providing the smooth surface for pixels. The chemicals can also filter and/or block light. This is crucial to the filtering process that produces color (the pixels contain the fundamental RGB combination; red, green, and blue.)

The necessity of the electrical current brings us to our next material* b. Backlight c. Glass
 * The backlight of the device is the furthest layer back from the front of the screen. It sends light and electricity through the panels of liquid crystal and pixels, producing the effects and results I explained previously.
 * The last material needed to build an LCD screen is glass. The glass sandwiches the liquid crystals, the second panel becoming the outmost layer of the screen. This outmost layer is the familiar finish you can touch with your finger.


 * Finished product:

Design
//What does a typical device look like?//

A MacBook display is essentially a rectangular surface. It can display anything from a solid colored background, strongly detailed pictures, to a wide range of text.

A trademark feature of a MacBook display is also the dock. It shows icons representing different programs, they are clickable for easy access.

Lastly, the screen provides a visual for the day, time, volume, etc.

Evolution
//What changes have there been (or could there be) in this device?//

The MacBook display is somewhat of an evolution it its self. It is a part of a long line of notebooks that have advanced to LCD screens. Before the discovery of liquid crystals, monitors were made of CRT's (cathode ray tubes.) LCD technology wiped out the use of CRT's for not only laptops, but also televisions. This new technology is an evolution because it provides a thinner, light, more energy efficient form of display.


 * Compare lifting a plasma screen Tv to a thick old fashioned model.

Competitors
//What other devices serve a similar purpose?//

Because of the popular use of LCD and the MacBook's reputation as an Apple product, the device has practically no "competitors." Most of today's notebooks could be compared to have similar screens, however the popular PC vs. Apple argument is usually what sways buyers.

Partners
//What other devices work in conjunction with this device?//

As an output device, a screen or monitor could work in conjunction with many devices. Nearly all computer related components have some sort of relation to their display.

Computer Disk Loader Computer Keyboard Computer Printer (Inkjet) Computer Printer (Laser) Mouse (Optical) Mouse (Trackball)

Siblings
//What other devices use the same scientific principle?//

Siblings of the MacBook include various LCD devices. Anything from your ipod screen to TV screen uses the same scientific principle.

TV (Plasma Screen) IPod Screen Digital Camera