Laptops and Netbooks

Today it seems like you can't go anywhere without seeing someone on a laptop or netbook. Students bring them to class to write notes or work on their assignments, a lawyer might bring one from work to court so that they can keep all of their files at arms length at all times, and more people are switching to them in their homes. But if you're someone who thinks about the environment when making big purchases than you might be wondering what is the better option when it comes to a computer. Here is some information about laptops and netbooks and how they compare to a standard PC.

First, let's look at the differences between a PC and a laptop. Many people would automatically assume that a laptop is going to be better for the environment because it's smaller and uses less energy. But the truth is that while you might not need to hook up a separate power cable for a monitor there are some benefits to still owning a desktop computer. If you're working in at a job where you're working with your hands instead of sitting at a desk then you likely don't need a portable computer. Desktops last longer than laptops and don't use batteries. These are both reasons that they are contributing less to landfills in the long run. Desktops can also have more processing power than a laptop or netbook which is important if you want to use your computer for server hosting.

Most people see a netbook as being a stripped down version of a notebook or standard laptop. This is mostly true and because it doesn't have all of the same drives and components as a laptop that means that a netbook is using less physical materials. This means that this model is going to need less to package it and will contribute less than a laptop to the landfill someday. PC magazine has listed the top ten netbooks in this article.

You will also find that if you're working on a netbook to do your work or surf the Internet then you are using even less energy than you would on a laptop. Many people currently have computers that are running far more programs than they need and therefore are using an increased amount of electricity. With a netbook one of the main goals is to get it as small and portable as possible. This means that there is no room for all of the extras.

If you can cope with the things that you will be losing when switching from a PC or laptop to a netbook then this is the more green option when it comes to personal computers. You will find that everyone from parents to offices of dentists are converting to this option. Otherwise, there are pros and cons to both laptops and PCs. While you might not be able to bring your desktop computer with you on the plane to Cuba for example, it seems to have the same impact on the world around us. And maybe being without a computer on your holiday is a good thing!