Why Laptops Save Power and Energy


Chances are your workstation draws nearly ten (10X) times the power of a decent notebook computer.  I just tested my notebook, a machine with 4 Gigs of memory, 300 Gigs of disk and a 15.4 inch screen.  I was watching a YouTube video and using less than 30 watts.  This Compaq machine was purchased over the summer for $300 + tax.  If holiday plans include a computer upgrade for you or someone in your family, consider going with a big heavy cheap laptop/notebook computer.  You will be stunned with the power you can get for the money.

 

Laptop vs. Desktop


Laptops are priced on a couple of criteria, weight, screen size, processor speed, and battery life are the primary factors.  If you are replacing a desktop machine, you already don't care about battery life or weight. Those are the biggies and ignoring them can save you a bundle, not to mention the ongoing power costs of desktop machines.  Plus, laptop/notebook computers are portable, even heavy ones with shorter battery life.  You can still bring a whopping 8 pound monster out on the deck when you are so inclined.  Do that with your desktop.  Not quite so easy.

 

A Tradeoff


Here is what you really lose when you go with a laptop computer over a desktop.  

 

  • The ability to change video cards in the future so that the new hot game runs on your machine. 
  • The ability to add internal hard drives to the machine.
    • Externals are huge and cheap though.
  • You can often add more RAM to a desktop than to a laptop/notebook computer.  
  • Variable size of your primary screen.
    • All of these machines can drive an external monitor if you need something special.
  • Speed.  You will be able to get a faster desktop than you can find a Laptop/Notebook.
If you are a Facebooking, MS Wording, emailing VPN into worker, this is just a great solution!