SmartPower SmartTip of the Week: When you buy a computer, buy a laptop

photo: Flickr.com

photo: Flickr.com

There are plenty of obvious benefits to purchasing a laptop computer over a desktop unit. Typically, laptops are usually a lot cheaper (depending on what makes and models you’re comparing) and you can take them anywhere except on a snorkeling adventure.

But you should also know, as our good friend Elizabeth points out in the latest SmartPower Minute, that purchasing a laptop is also the Energy Smart choice to make for your home.  

According to the very cool, and Energy Smart, social networking Web site ClimateCulture.com, desktop computers generally use 80% percent more energy than a laptop. That’s an enormous difference in energy use. So, let’s say you you’re on your computer five hours a day (some of you may use yours way more, and others way less, for sure). With that amount of use, a laptop will save you over $25 a year more than a desktop in energy costs.

Also, a laptop user will be responsible for saving nearly 480 lbs. of CO2 pollution from going into the air each year, compared to a desktop user.  Imagine the millions and millions of pounds of pollution we could save by making the choice to buy a laptop. So remember that there is a genuine value in selecting a laptop over a desktop – you will reduce the amount of CO2 released into the air, while also saving some real money.

Be sure to also check out the SmartPower Blog for the latest news about the world of clean energy and energy efficiency.
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Comments 1-5 of 5
  • opiniononly's Avatar
    Posted by opiniononly Wed Feb 18, 2009 3:14pm PST

    This is a timely article. I'm having multiple performance problems with my two year old laptop - sticking keys, the delete key not deleting, the space bar not spacing, for examples. While I appreciate the energy and environmental benefits of a laptop, mine replaced a desktop unit that worked fine for 7 years. Given the 'shelf life' of my laptop, I'm not too keen on getting another. I'll think on it some more.

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  • Barbs*'s Avatar
    Posted by Barbs* Thu Feb 19, 2009 6:21am PST

    I love the convenience of my laptop! To be able to do my work from a coffee house was a HUGE difference. And saving energy and money is the icing on my coffee cake!!

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  • Mrs. Griff's Avatar
    Posted by Mrs. Griff Thu Feb 19, 2009 6:30am PST

    My husband got me a laptop for christmas. I also own desktop computer. I considering only purchasing laptops in the future.

    Report Abuse
  • Rose's Avatar
    Posted by Rose Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:38am PST

    I LOVE the convenience of a laptop and take one with me on all our trips and on the plane to keep the kids occupied with DVDs.

    BUT I find the keyboard puts to much stress on my hands. I prefer the ergonomics of a stand alone keyboard. (And Don't even get me started on those tiny key pads for texting for your phone...)

    Report Abuse
  • Spam I Am's Avatar
    Posted by Spam I Am Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:37pm PST

    Laptops are NOT cheaper. Comparing hard drives and RAM, one can always

    find a cheaper desktop for the money. It simply costs more to cram all

    that stuff into a portable device.

    Report Abuse
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