How much computer power is saved using netbooks? What are the
considerations of using a netbook computer? What operations are not
suitable for netbook computers? What are other efficient computer
options?
Netbook Computer Advantages
Low power consumption
Light weight
More portable computing power
Less fan noise
Some models can perform a full business day on batteries alone
Lower purchase cost compared to desktop or laptop computers
Netbook can also be used to connect to cloud computing to extend capabilities
Netbook can work as a virtual computer client accessing much more processing power
Netbook Computer Power Usage Comparison
Sample
Netbook and Notebook Computer Comparison
Screen Size
9 inches netbook
10 inches netbook
12 inches netbook
11.6 inch Chromebook
15 inch laptop
power supply in watts
36
36
30
26
90
resolution
1024 x 600
1024 x 600
1280 x 800
1366 x 768
1366 x 768
processor
Atom
Atom
Atom
Dual Celeron
Core 2 Duo
storage
160 GB
160 GB
80 GB
16 GB + cloud
320 GB
memory
1 GB
1 GB
1 GB
4 GB
4 GB
size mm
225 x 170 x 32
266 x 191 x 38
300 x 230 x 28
289 x 204 x 18
375 x 244 x 26
weight kg
1.13
1.45
1.25
1.15
2.64
Year power consumption at
50% load, 40 hours / week
38 kWh
38 kWh
32 kWh
28 kWh
94 kWh
Year electricity cost at $0.20/kWh
$7.50
$7.50
$6.24
$5.40
$18.72
Power
supply rating is a maximum. Expect actual average consumption to be
less than 50% of power supply rating. Power rating partly relates to
the size of the
batteries in use.
Netbook Computer Considerations
Use an external monitor for higher screen resolution like 1024 x 768 and larger screens.
How many applications are expected to run simultaneously.
Keep in mind the memory constraints and single processor.
Does your applications work with the computer screen resolution.
What is the maximum time away from mains power that the netbook must function.
Will the computer connect to a large company network.
This will influence what operating systems to choose. E.g. Linux or Windows 7/8/10.
Use netbooks for data collection, media serving, web browsing, email, office applications, software as a service connection, virtual cloud computing connection, Online storage connection etc.
Solid state drive options are faster, use less energy and tougher in a fall.
LED back lit screens use less energy than LCD.
Other Efficient Computer Power Options
Nettop computers used instead of desktops.
These use similar low power processors like Atom in a small desktop enclosure.
Nettop Computer Power Saving Article
Use thin clients connected to a server. These have a power consumption of less than 15 watts on average and have no moving parts.
Turn on computer power management on existing computers.
Using a netbook connected to mains power is slightly more efficient than from batteries. Battery charging involves some energy losses.
Chromebooks can operate for 8 to 12 hours on batteries. Chromebooks can act as thin clients. They can use Google Docs and Office 365.
