SEARCH NEWS:

 

First Ecological 'All-in-One' Computer Coming to U.S. Market

NEC addresses such problems as lead content, fan noise, heat generation, footprint size, recyclable and material composition usually found in traditional desktop PCs.

The PowerMate eco is also designed with laptop components to keep the overall footprint small and power requirements down, while delivering high functionality required in a variety of work environments.

The announcement marks the first time a major computer manufacturer has created a PC specifically to address the growing environmental and workplace problems associated with traditional desktop PCs.

Eco Friendly

The PowerMate eco includes a 15" TFT LCD flat panel screen that does not contain the boron commonly found in traditional CRT monitors.

The unit also contains a motherboard made with lead-free solder, which protects both the individuals involved in reclamation, and the ground water in case of disposal.

In addition, the PowerMate eco is also made of NuCycleTM plastic - an NEC patented plastic that is 100% recyclable. NuCycle is made of polycarbonate resin mixed with a special, flame-retardant silicone compound. Other computer plastics have flame retardant brominated coatings applied, which do retard flames, but produce harmful gases in the process. NuCycle's flame retardant is non-toxic and built-in, requiring no toxic coating.

Numerous reports have been disseminated recently that outline the negative impact PCs have on the environment, particularly once they reach the landfill. The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition points out that the average desktop PC is comprised of at least 36 chemicals including, lead, barium, boron and cobalt.

Additionally, it is estimated that nearly 10 million PCs arrive at landfills throughout the world every year. The PowerMate eco does not contain any of the chemicals.

"NEC has long been a leader in creating strict environmental standards in Japan and Europe, and we in the U.S. are bringing that expertise to our domestic market with the introduction of the PowerMate eco," said Larry Miller, vice president and general manager, Mobile Solutions Division of NEC Solutions America. "When you hear about children getting lead poisoning from rummaging through landfills in developing third world countries searching for spare computer parts to sell, you realize the industry has a responsibility to address these problems."

Miller points out that environmentally friendly computers will become more important in light of workplace safety issues and millions of PCs entering landfills globally. He also adds that President George W. Bush issued an executive order calling for an energy saving standard for devices used by federal government employees.

In a continuing effort to meet these standards, a bill was introduced on July 18, 2002 by California Democrat Rep. Mike Thompson, the Computer Hazardous-Waste Infrastructure Act (CHIP) that requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer a grant program that would help set up a computer recycling across the U.S. The program would be funded for a fee of up to $10 on all retail sales of desktop and laptop PCs, and computer monitors. This is the first legislation to appear at the federal level, although several states (California, New York, and Massachusettes) have put CRT recycling fees in place already.

NEC Corporation is involved in the Green Purchasing Network (GPN) in Japan. The GPN, an environmental NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), was established in 1996 by Japanese industry to promote green purchasing among consumers, businesses and governmental organizations in Japan. The number of GPN members is now approximately 2,700 members consisting of every kind of business industry including several well-known computer and consumer electronics companies.

Features & Benefits

The PowerMate eco incorporates a 900MHz TransmetaTM CrusoeTM processor equipped with a 20GB1 hard drive and a 15-inch TFT LCD flat panel display into a footprint 11.5"(w) x 8.9"(d) weighing in at 16.5 pounds (without AC adapter, keyboard or mouse). With fanless design combined with a Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) motor in the hard drive, the FDB quiets the drive and results in a noise level about the same as a whisper (approximately 20db).

Additional features include 256MB (640MB Max) 2 of memory to enhance overall system performance and functionality, as well as a built-in RJ-44 LAN jack for quick network and Internet connections.

The PowerMate eco also provides extensive configuration flexibility with a standard CD-ROM drive, or optional DVD/CD-RW combo drive, and supports both Microsoft® Windows® XP Pro and Windows® 2000 Pro operating systems.

The PowerMate eco's low energy consumption makes it Energy Star® compliant, and it meets even stricter environmental specifications set by the Japanese government and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

Pricing & Availability

A standard configuration of the PowerMate eco includes a 900MHz Transmeta Crusoe Processor, a 15.0" XGA TFT LCD flat panel display, 256MB memory, 20GB hard drive, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Windows® 2000 Professional, starting at $1,599 (U.S.) 3.

About NEC Solutions America, Mobile Solutions Division

Mobile Solutions is a division of NEC Solutions (America), Inc., a leading provider of business solutions and services for the high-end commercial and professional markets in North America. Mobile Solutions offers unique mobile computing hardware and solutions to the enterprise market and combines best-in-breed software and services with world-class hardware to deliver complete solutions to targeted commercial market segments.

< Gaming News