Laptops v PDA: An ecological angle?

Has anyone carried out analysis of the comparative lifetime ecological footprint between laptops and PDAs?

We intend to provide 74 teachers with a networked device in order to collect marks, registers and have simple messaging system. Comparing price and capability of laptops and PDA is all fine but our governors want the ecological angle considered. With more and more publicity over the environmental impact of leaving equipment switched on or standby, and relative efficiency, it does seem proper to carry out such assessments before equipment purchase.

I’ve checked the Eco Schools and FEE sites and looking for other suggestions. From production to end of life; recyclability, toxic waste.........

Well I suppose that if you looked at usability and suitability and found that a pda will work for you then ecological could be next.

Ben

My immediate reaction is that PDAs must be less harmful - they contain more or less the same insides as laptops (certainly in terms of noxious substances) but being smaller, there's less of them. Similarly, since there's less metal, plastic, etc, the strip-down and recycling costs must be smaller too. Also, they draw significantly less power so have a smaller impact that way (not a concern if you have a "green" electricity supplier, of course).

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Originally Posted by plexer

Well I suppose that if you looked at usability and suitability and found that a pda will work for you then ecological could be next.

Ben

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Just to make current situation clearer; we think that PDAs can meet immediate requirement but not unanimous and thinking ahead, strong thought that laptops better investment given a smaller than expected cost difference compared to WiFi equipped PDAs. Now the eco questions! Now who said to me that choosing the best item would be straightforward?
John[hr]

Well some of our customer who have taken the option and used our "folder" devices have essentially been able to use the same devices for a significant number of years as they remain compatible with even the most recent software releases.
We've always provided a folder repair/reconditioning service as well, which does, reduce the carbon footprint from new hardware production.
Beyond this our users have always found PDA's a more attractive proposal than laptops, both on a costing front and a size/convenience one. Laptops have generally only been chosen in those schools where the teachers already have a significant degree of technological investment in the devices they have already been using.
Not sure if any of them have made this decision by considering the ecological impact before now though.

Whatever you get and where-ever you end up getting your units from check what your after sales options are for maintenance etc. It would be terrible to make a well reasoned choice on the units based on usage eco-viability only to find out that your only options, should they fail, are to chuck it away and get a brand new unit.
Repair has got to be better for the environment than replace.