Every little bit helps: How to pick the least eco-hostile laptop

Enlarge / Dell's XPS 15 9510. (credit: Andrew Cunningham)

Earth Day is April 22, and its usual message-take care of our planet-has been given added urgency by the challenges highlighted in the latest IPCC report. This year, Ars is taking a look at the technologies we normally cover, from cars to chipmaking, and finding out how we can boost their sustainability and minimize their climate impact.

Labeling a laptop as sustainable, eco-friendly, or "green" is optimistic at best. The nearly endless cycle of upgrades produces a lot of waste, no matter how many green certifications a device gets. We have a long way to go to be truly green.

But while all laptops contribute to waste, some do so more or less than others. Many people simply need a laptop, so abstaining from the whole thing isn't an option. But there are some small victories to be won if you spend some time considering the options.

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