Environmental Costs of Computer Use?

arhines asks: "I'm working on a little research project to figure out what the environmental cost of heavy technological reliance is, and want any suggestions Slashdot has for factors to consider. My school has started requiring students to own and use laptops in all of their classes, under the pretext of saving paper. Having read about the problems with computer recycling on Slashdot, I've become suspicious of the true effect of having several hundred computers thrown out each year. What statistics should I focus on, and are there any definitive studies on the topic you could point me to?"

Comments

Noise Pollution? Electrical costs? Heat?

[eugene ts wong]

I don't know about you guys, but since I don't have the best hearing, the last thing that I need is the sound of key presses competing with the sound of the teacher's voice. I suppose that they could make quieter key boards, but maybe the college should just mind their own business. After all, I assume that paper will always be a more reliable storage medium compared to electrical powered devices. Anybody able to confirm that?

Will the students be able to charge their laptops for "free" or will they have to pay for it [user fees, or increased tuition, etc.]?

How will they cool the rooms? How much will it cost? I haven't worked much with laptops recently, so I won't know how hot they are these days.

If the college wants to stop polluting, then maybe it should try to find a way to make it easy for students to get to classes without driving.

I'm just thinking out loud.

Re:Saving paper

[lee7guy]

No, GWB is responsible for Global Warming.

What else did you think "GW" stands for?