Imagine the device you use every day not just helping you get your work done, but also making the planet a little greener. In 2025, that’s exactly what’s happening. More and more personal computers are stepping up their game in environmental sustainability—not through grand promises, but through actual design changes, resource-saving features, and real-world stories that put people and the planet first.
Here are five personal computers, ranging from laptops to all-in-one workhorses, that are trending right now for their sustainability efforts. They aren’t just good for work—they’re good for the world around us, too.
1. Dell’s Modular Marvels: PCs Built to Last and Evolve
Dell is known for its sleek, powerful laptops, but its green claim to fame is a new approach to design. Instead of treating a computer as a sealed box, Dell is making PCs with “modular” components. Picture your computer like LEGO; if one part gets old or breaks, you just swap that block for a new one—no need to toss the whole thing. This reduces waste and keeps devices useful longer. Plus, Dell refurbishes old laptops, giving them a second life on desks around Australia and beyond.
In the real world, businesses and schools are stocking up on these easy-to-repair and upgrade computers. Not only does this save money, it’s a win for sustainability because fewer gadgets end up in the landfill.
2. Apple’s MacBook: Sleek, Powerful, and Planet-Friendly
The MacBook Air (M4), topping many “best of” lists in 2025, delivers more than speed and style. Apple leads in using recycled materials—think aluminum recovered from old iPhones and laptops inside your new MacBook. Their secret sauce? Less mining, less waste. The device is also built to last, so you don’t need to upgrade every year.
College campuses are buzzing about these MacBooks, and not just because they look cool. Students using them are part of a growing movement: choosing devices that make the tech world a little less wasteful. Apple’s “trade-in” program also gives old devices a new lease on life, with many ending up as refurbished laptops for the next wave of users.
3. HP OmniStudio X: All-in-One with a Green Heart
When people think of sustainable desktops, HP’s OmniStudio X 31.5 stands out. This all-in-one computer is made to last and to minimize e-waste. HP has reduced plastic, uses more recycled materials, and even changed how they pack the device for shipping—less foam, more paper. In offices from Sydney to San Francisco, the OmniStudio line is helping companies reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
HP’s real-world story here is simple: every computer they don’t throw away is one less device polluting a beach halfway around the world.
4. Refurbished Laptops: The Unsung Heroes of Sustainability
Many “new” computers on the market in Australia and the US are actually refurbished models. They come from brands like Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and HP, and undergo strict testing before resale. A refurbished laptop is not a hand-me-down—it’s a fully restored workhorse offering equivalent performance at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
For small businesses, students, and nonprofits, refurbished computers are a lifeline. They’re also reducing e-waste in a big way, proving that sometimes the greenest choice is the one that’s already had a life before.
5. IBM LinuxONE: The Powerhouse with a Clear Conscience
Used mostly by large organizations, IBM’s LinuxONE family proves sustainability isn’t limited to personal gadgets. These monster machines are designed from the ground up to be energy efficient, using less power and producing less heat than comparable systems. They can handle thousands of tasks at once while reducing energy use by up to 65%—imagine a supercomputer that behaves like your Prius.
IBM’s programs track real-time energy use and even help companies hit their net-zero goals. When data centers swap old tech for LinuxONE, the environmental savings are measurable and immediate.
What Does This Mean for You?
Choosing a greener computer isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about saving money, supporting companies that do right by the planet, and making a difference in your daily routine. Whether you’re a student, a business owner, or a tech enthusiast, the new wave of eco-friendly PCs offers something for everyone. So next time you shop for a computer, think about where it’s been—and where it’s going to end up. The future of technology isn’t just smarter; it’s cleaner, too.
References:
- https://www.ecofurb.com.au/blogs/news/top-five-laptop-brands-of-2025-and-what-makes-them-stand-out
- https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/best-laptops-1304361
- https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-all-in-one-computer/
- https://technologymagazine.com/articles/dell-places-modular-design-at-centre-of-circular-pc-strategy
- https://itwire.com/reviews-sp-288/computers-peripherals/top-10-laptops-may-2025-group-test-results.html
- https://www.ibm.com/linuxone/sustainability
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applications_of_artificial_intelligence
- https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250428PD216/pc-industry-pc-beijing-2025-market.html