Dell pledges greener LED laptops

Dell's switch to LED screens will save about 220 million kilowatt-hours in 2010 and 2011

Dell has made a commitment to switch its entire laptop range to LED screens by 2010.

LED screens use less power than traditional laptop screens but, more importantly, do not contain mercury, a bio-accumulator that has serious health effects if ingested. The screens are also easier to recycle.

"Our customers have made it clear that they want the greenest technology possible," said Jeff Clarke, senior vice president of Dell's Product Group.

"As an industry, we can shape the future of green innovation and significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with mobile computing. Dell is committed to leading the transition to energy-efficient LED technology."

Apple has already said that it intends to switch to LEDs in its MacBook range but has given no timescale and is unlikely to be able to match Dell's aggressive timeframe.

Dell estimates that it can get 80 per cent of its laptops using LED screens by 2009 and 100 per cent by 2010.

The new screens will save approximately 220 million kilowatt-hours in 2010 and 2011, offsetting the energy use of 10,000 homes.

Dell has been making much of its plans to lead in green computing. The company beat its own five-year plan to become carbon neutral, and has been cutting the power consumption of its products. The vendor has also joined the Climate Group.