As said in my last post, desktop computers rank highest for energy inefficiency. The majority of desktops waste twice the amount of energy as their laptop siblings.

Desktops are also a poor back-to-school choice—especially if your child is college bound. Desktops take up a ton of space on your favorite student’s miniature dorm desk. Worse, a desktop will oblige your child to study/facebook in—and only in—his room. Desktops don’t allow easy transit to the library, student center, or study hall. Instead, students with desktops are isolated to their dormrooms. With inconsiderate roommates, noisy dorm parties, and video games, studying in one’s room can be a major distraction. Laptops allow your student to study where they study best . . . whether it’s the library, student lounge, or local coffee shop.

If a laptop is out of your price range then at least go for a desktop that is Energy Star certified. Energy Star 4.0 is the highest category of energy efficiency. As of now there are only a few desktops that meet Energy Star 4.0 certification, but the number is growing as manufacturers realize the importance and desire for Energy Star certified computers. Of course I am partial to Macs and recommend the Energy Star 4.0 certified Apple Mac mini Intel Core Duo Desktop.

Another option is Hewlett-Packard’s rp5700 Desktop. In addition to being Energy Star 4.0 certified, the HP Compaq rp5700 is a great eco-option because it is made of post-consumer recycled plastics and all packaging exceeds requirements for hazardous material reduction. Most of all, the computer’s S3 power management, power efficient Intel processors and 80 Plus power supplies work together to reduce power consumption and help save energy costs.

Like most desktops the HP Compaq rp5700 is just a core processor that does not come with configurations such as a monitor screen or speakers. In order for the HP Compaq rp5700 to maintain it’s Energy Star 4.0 certification it must be paired with Energy Star compliant configurations. There are plenty of Energy Star monitors. A nice match for the HP Compaq rp5700 is the 17-inch HP L1745 Flat Panel Monitor–or just check out the wide range of HP Compaq Energy Star certified monitors available to choose from. Going Energy Star on your configurations is very important. An Energy Star qualified computer monitor uses up to 85% less electricity than standard models.

Posted on August 19th, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski