Please note that the list of laptops here is not comprehensive and is compiled by a third party. The inclusion or omission of a product does not constitute any endorsement, representation, or opinion by Microsoft regarding the companies, products, or services listed herein.

Although I have a desktop computer, my laptop gets quite the workout. Its portability makes it perfect for my favorite writing pose: pajamas on, feet up, pillows at back, laptop perched on my lap. How convenient is it, then, that laptops not only get you away from the desk, but they use less energy than desktop computers?

Your average laptop uses a meager 50 watts, compared to about 240 watts for your typical desktop CPU and monitor. But what are the most energy-efficient laptops? Energy Star has made quite the study of laptop (or notebook) computing options. Given the hundreds of laptop configurations available on the market, Energy Star laptops fall into three categories based mainly on the laptop’s typical energy consumption (TEC):

• Laptops with TECs of <40 kWh fall into category A
• Laptops with TECs of <53 kWh fall into category B
• Laptops with TECs of <88.5 kWh fall into category C

Generally speaking, as laptop processing speed increases, so does typical energy consumption, so netbooks tend to inhabit category A, and more powerful laptops tend to fall into categories B and C.

Juicy deets on the most energy-efficient laptops in each category are below, based on Energy Star’s testing data, with the exception of price points (which generally come from manufacturer websites—actual prices may vary in your area). If you don’t see the laptop you’re interested in, cruise over to Energy Star’s complete list of qualified notebooks for more info.

While buying an Energy Star laptop can go a long way towards making your computing more energy efficient, keep in mind that you can maximize your efficiency by buying a laptop configured to meet your needs. If your idea of laptop computing tends to mainly involve reading your email and posting status updates on Facebook, then a netbook may be more your speed. And no matter what laptop you buy, it will only be as energy efficient as you allow it to, so remember to take time to enable your computer’s power management features.

Looking for more information on greening your computing? Check out the resources available through the Green Electronics Council’s EPEAT program.

Category A:

Category B:

Category C:

Amy Foster Parish is on staff with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program. She would like to thank the librarians at the WSU Extension Energy Program Library and Steve Stentz, a technical writer with the WSU Extension Energy Program, for their help with this post.