Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) said this week that it would be switching all of its laptop PC models to LED-backlit screens by 2010. This is part of Dell's movement to manufacture greener PCs, as LED screens don't have mercury inside and use 43% less energy (for a standard 15" screen). It will begin offering only LED screens in some models beginning this December, and will have all laptop screens using this technology by 2010.

Currently, Dell -- like most manufacturers -- uses fluorescent lamps to give a backlight to its laptop screens. Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) recently said that it also plans to replace all screens in its various laptop PC models"eventually," but with Dell giving dates, no doubt other manufacturers will come out with similar announcements and roadmaps soon.

Expect more electronics manufacturers and retailers to continually find ways to cut waste, conserve electricity and use parts that don't contaminate the environment. Not only is this a smart decision from an environmental perspective, it's also good for business. In a commodity business like PCs, differentiating oneself by marketing "green" bullet points may just get your PC sold over the one sitting a foot away on a display shelf. That is, until all your competitors have the same advantages as you. Then, it will be on to the next differentiator.