I am currently running a web/dns/mail server on a debian system (Desktop unit) I am thinking of buying a laptop to use as the server as I think it will use less power than my desktop unit and of course be more compact. Does anyone see any issue on running a laptop as a server. I guess my main concern is I would like to know anyones comments on if it is ok to leave a laptop turned on (Lid closed) 24 hours a day for extented periods of time? Any thoughts on power consumption differentiation between laptops and desktops? Thanks for any comments you might have.

While laptops MAY stand the gaff, I think this is silly, just to save a watt or two. With judicious choosing, you can pare down a desktop to draw a lot less power, than "normal." You won't need the monitor, a huge timewaster to start with. For that matter, you may not need the fastest CPU on the block, either. The thing won't be doing a heck of a lot of processing, either. The cooling issue would be my big concern, and the cost of any parts. Desktop hard drives (and CDRW/ DVD,etc) aren't all that expensive, making backups a lot cheaper.

Thanks for your thoughts I appreciate what you are saying here about "just to save a watt or two" however I was under the impression that laptops used a lot less than a desktop as they only run on about 16 volts. Has anyone else got anymore comments on this subject? My main question is will damage be caused to a laptop if left on for extended periods of time?

"I was under the impression that laptops used a lot less than a desktop as they only run on about 16 volts." well, desktop systems run on 5 and 12 volts, but voltage has nothing to do with it. It's the amount of current that the computer draws that will determine how much electricity is used. I'm with Name on this one, it just seems rediculous to try and use a laptop to save a few pennies in electricity, if it does any savings at all. Besides, you could pick up an older desktop system that would work just as well as a laptop for probably a tenth of what you would spend on a laptop. The cost of a cheap desktop system would well offset the cost of saving a few pennies in electricity.

"My main question is will damage be caused to a laptop if left on for extended periods of time?" That was really my point, and the answer is, "maybe." Laptops just don't have the cooling, and run hotter. If you tend to "forget" the thing, dirt is going to build up in the cooling air ports and restrict flow. If and when it DOES fail something, laptops are incredibly more difficult and expensive to repair than a desktop machine.

Ok point taken, I will take this into considoration, may stick with desktop, thanks for your suggestion.