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

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.