By Jaymi Heimbuch
San Francisco, CA, USA | Wed Nov 05 14:10:00 GMT 2008
Laptops are becoming preferable to desktops because they use far less energy right from the start. Plus, the portability makes them a great companion on the go. But there are ways to make even laptops less of a burden on the Earth, from materials to longer life spans, from packaging to energy efficiency. We've gathered up some of the most eco-friendly laptops around so you can quickly narrow down your options when purchasing.
Why We Like It: The N series laptops have all scored EPEAT Gold ratings. Asus used Super Hybrid Engine technology to stretch battery life by 35%, and is Energy Star compliant.
Nice Touch: Features and LED screen, which is mercury-free and energy efficient.
Where: ASUS.com
How Much: Starts at $699
More: ASUS
Why We Like It: The Latitude E 4200 is part of the first Dell notebook series making the switch to LED screens, which will use an average of 43% less power at maximum brightness. It is EPEAT Gold rated, and meets Energy Star standards. The ultra-portable laptop also ships in 99% recyclable packaging.
Nice Touch: Latitude E4200 has a motherboard containing halogen-free laminates, as well as halogen-free chassis plastics and fan housings.
Where: Dell.com
How Much: Starts at $2,000
More: TreeHugger and 4Rev.net
Why We Like It: The creativity behind the packaging is a big part of what makes this laptop cool: It comes in a messenger bag made of 100% recycled materials, which reduces packaging waste by 97%. The Pavilion dv6929wm is also Energy Star qualified with an EPEAT Silver rating.
Nice Touch: Purchase includes a special recycling offer from HP.
Where: HP.com
How Much: Available only at select Wal-Mart locations, and price varies by store.
More: TreeHugger and HP
Why We Like It: EPEAT Gold rated and Energy Star qualified, this super-light laptop can run for 8 hours on a single charge with energy efficient Solid State Drive technology. It has an LED screen for an ultra thin eco-friendly screen.
Nice Touch: Toshiba has a great recycling program, and will take your old computer free of charge, or you can trade in your old laptop for a little cash.
Where: Toshiba.com
How Much: Starts at $1,550
More: TreeHugger
Why We Like It: Lenovo has built this laptop with "battery stretch" software that boosts energy efficiency. Inside is Intel's newest Centrino 2 platform, boasting the ultra-low-voltage Core 2 Duo processor. The LED screen and Solid State Drives help to conserve energy as well. It is the company's first EPEAT Gold notebook, and is Energy Star compliant.
Nice Touch: The packaging is 90% recyclable.
Where: Lenovo.com
How Much: Starts at $2,556
More: CNET
Why We Like It: And let's not forget a greener option for Mac lovers. The Air's case is made out of 100 percent aluminum, which recyclers prefer over plastics. It holds an EPEAT Silver rating and is Energy Star certified. The LED screen is mercury and arsenic-free and the internal cables are PVC-free.
Nice Touch: Apple reduced the Air's packaging by 50%, reducing consumer waste.
Where: Apple.com
How Much: Starts at $1800
More: TreeHugger
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