Earlier this week, we reviewed the greenest desktop computers, so now let’s take a look at the greenest notebooks! Notebooks are typically much more energy efficient than desktops. They are, however, no greener than desktops in other regards — they typically contain the same hazardous components, and they are not easily recycled. However, a few green notebook computers are now on the market. Here’s a short survey of the greenest ones available:
Earlier this week, we reviewed the greenest desktop computers, so now let’s take a look at the greenest notebooks! Notebooks are typically much more energy efficient than desktops. They are, however, no greener than desktops in other regards — they typically contain the same hazardous components, and they are not easily recycled. However, a few green notebook computers are now on the market. Here’s a short survey of the greenest ones available:
Lenovo Thinkpad X300
Lenovo’s Thinkpad X300 is the company’s first EPEAT Gold certified notebook — only 15 notebooks have achieved this rating to date (see our previous post for more about EPEAT). The X300 uses mercury-free LEDs to illuminate its display. This saves energy, and allows for a thinner display.
It uses a solid-state drive, which is much is lighter, more reliable and faster than a conventional hard drive. It also contains a low-voltage processor and an improved “battery stretch†software for energy savings. It meets the Energy Star 4.0 criteria and is 25% more efficient than Lenovo’s previous generation notebooks.
The packaging materials for the X300 are 90% recyclable, and the use of toxic materials such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic have been reduced.
It’s available from Amazon for around $2500.
Toshiba Portégé R500-S5007V
Toshiba’s Portégé R500-S5007V is one of the world’s lightest laptop computers and also one of the greenest. Weighing in at 2.4 pounds and just 0.77-inches thick, it was the first to incorporate 128 gigabytes of solid-state storage. Like the Thinkpad, the Portégé uses LED backlights to illuminate its 12-inch widescreen, and this allow the screen to be less than a quarter of an inch thick. The computer’s processor is an ultra-low voltage 1.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor U7700.
Toshiba now has five notebooks that qualify for Gold EPEAT status — all of the Portégé R400 and Portégé R500 configurations as well as the Tecra M9.
Toshiba received praise from Greenpeace for committing to introduce alternatives to phthalates, beryllium and antimony by 2012 (though only in its PCs).
It’s available from Amazon
HP 2710p Tablet Computer
One of HP’s few green notebooks, the 2710p Tablet PC is an energy efficient machine with great battery life. The 44Wh (Watt hour) battery will run for 4-5 hours before needed a charge. HP offers an optional “battery slice†that slides underneath the base, producing more than 8 hours of battery life. This extra battery slice will cost you an extra $180, though. This machine might also have some drawbacks related to this efficiency — PC Magazine reviewers say that the screen looks “washed-out†and they were unhappy about the performance of the computer. The 27010p is EPEAT Gold certified, and it also meets Energy Star 4.0 and RoHS specifications.
HP has said that it will eliminate PVC and all brominated flame retardants (BFRs) by 2009 (only in computing equipment – not for its entire product portfolio).
The 2710p is somewhat ruggedized, with a full magnesium alloy enclosure that gives the 3.7-pound machine a clean, industrial look.
It’s available from Amazon for around $1800.
Apple MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is one of Apple’s greenest computers. Its display was the first from Apple to be mercury and arsenic-free. The Air’s all-aluminum case is also a good choice — aluminum is easily recyclable, and highly desirable by recyclers.
The Air qualified for a Silver EPEAT rating — all the circuit boards are bromide and PVC free. It’s also Energy Star 4.0 certified. On PC Magazine’s energy consumption tests, the 14 Watts it produced while idle is consistent with Energy Star’s 14 Watt (and under) requirement. The reading was taken while the system was running Leopard after 15 minutes of idle time.
You can get the Macbook Air fitted with a 64GB solid-state drive, which will further reduces its power requirements.
Apple paid attention to the retail packaging of this machine, and reduced it by 50%.
It’s available from Amazon
Photos and more information in the original article at MetaEfficient.
