Dell computers announced
that it's going for a greener option with its new laptops. The company is switching to mercury-free light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, as the light source for laptop screens. The change makes the laptops easier to recycle.
Dell said the LED displays consume less energy (43 percent less for 15-inch screens) than ones lit with CCFL -- cold cathode fluorescent lamps -- the technology that is standard in Dell's existing notebook computers.
The laptops shipping in December with LED screens represent about two-thirds of Dell's notebook sales, and include Latitude E models and two Precision mobile workstation models.
By 2010, all of Dell's laptops will have made the switch. Apple and Hewlett-Packard are also using the technology, although Dell is being the most aggressive about the switchover.
