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
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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.
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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.