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[Tim Oppenheim <timopp AT mac.com>]

Hi, Bev

I gave up on desktops long ago, as well as PC's : ).  They are a bit more 
expensive but the positives far out weigh the negatives.

Obviously they are lighter so they are easy to move around. Combined with 
WiFi you are no longer tethered to a desk, move outside on a pretty day or 
work from the couch. With a laptop your computer space is greatly 
reduced...you will be able to use your desk again for something other than 
computer storage. Not to mention they all come with built in battery back up. 
Your son in law is right about upgrading, but when was the last time you 
upgraded the hardware on your desktop? Most all will be much more capable 
than an older machine that own know.

On batteries, less voltage means smaller (physically) batteries. which are 
almost all lithium ion. LI batteries generally last between 500 and 1000 
recharge cycles, before they give out and at that point they are hazardous 
waste and need to be disposed of properly. Most manufacturers will now take 
them back for disposition. Compared to a tradition CRT and a 300 watt 
constant power supply in a desktop the energy needs of a laptop are tiny in 
comparison. Lastly, when they reach the end of there useful lives a laptop is 
simple less material that have to be dealt with...compared to a desktop. I 
highly recommend the dual operating system new MacBooks

Also it's hard to take your desktop to your local coffee shop and surf with a 
nice latte.

Tim

PS ( thanks for coming back)
On Friday, June 23, 2006, at 00:16AM, Bevanron <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net> wrote:

>I read a blurb on the Eartheasy site about using a laptop computer to
>save energy.  Since space is limited here, and I have an ancient, maxed
>out with upgrades computer, I have been considering going with a laptop
>or notebook instead of the standard desktop when it comes time to
>replace this one.  My computer nerd son in law says I shouldn't do it,
>but he can't really give me a reason why other than laptops and
>notebooks are harder to upgrade and I would have to replace them more
>often.  The site says..."Buying a new computer? Consider whether a
>laptop could meet your needs. Laptops use 10 per cent or less of the
>electricity consumed by typical desktop computers. When buying a laptop,
>look for systems comprised completely of 3.3-volt components (processor,
>memory and LCD). These systems use 40 to 50% less energy than 5.0-volt
>systems, and are generally equipped with a lighter battery."
>What are the disadvantages of notebooks and laptops compared to
>desktops?  What is the difference, other than size, between a notebook
>and a laptop?  How much more expensive are these 3.3 volt systems and
>what does that mean 'lighter battery'?
>
>Bev
>-- 
>erthnsky AT bellsouth.net BevanRon of EarthNSky Farm      NW Georgia USDA Zone 7
>34.498N        85.076W
>
>
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