greenZONE Products for the week of August 26, 2002
NEC Solutions America
'Environmentally-Friendly' Computer Debuts in US
by Dave Bell
It takes up less space, generates less heat and noise, uses less energy,
and contains less in the way of toxic substances than traditional PCs. Touted
as the "first desktop PC engineered with the environment in mind,"
by manufacturer NEC Solutions America, the PowerMate eco also is more easily recycled.
An all-in-one design, the PowerMate eco consists of a 15-inch
TFT LCD flat panel display sitting on an 11.5 inch x 8.9 inch chassis made
of 100% recyclable plastic. Patented under the name of NuCycle, the plastic
is made from polycarbonate resin. Rather than treating it with the toxic,
brominated, coatings found on most plastic casings, NEC mixes its resin
with a non-toxic, flame-retardant silicone compound.
The flat-panel display lacks the lead and boron associated with cathode-ray tubes. It also radiates less heat and consumes less energy than traditional PC monitors, according to NEC.
The motherboard is made with lead-free solder, reducing environmental and health concerns. "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," said Larry Miller, vice president and general manager, Mobile Solutions Division of NEC Solutions America.
PowerMate eco employs a 900-MHz Transmeta Crusoe processor for low power requirements and a small footprint. A fanless design and fluid dynamic bearing motor in the hard drive reduce noise to a barely noticeable 20 dB.
In addition to being Energy Star compliant, the unit meets other environmental specifications set by the Japanese government and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), according to the manufacturer. NEC Corporation participates in Japan's Green Purchasing Network (GPN), an organization established in 1996 to promote green purchasing among consumers, companies and governmental organizations in Japan.
NEC is targeting the PowerMate eco at environmentally-conscious consumers and for businesses where low noise, heat, and footprint size are important - such as call centers, financial trading centers, hospitals, and reception areas. The computer lists for $1599 at select on-line retailers.
Environmental considerations will become more important as millions of discarded PCs enter the waste stream and governments begin to legislate solutions, said Miller. NEC is growing its line of environmentally-friendly goods, and by 2004 expects all its products to carry the "eco" label. Another company goal is to make products in 2003 that use 30 percent less energy than similar products did in 2000.
"By striving to attain harmony with the environment, we will be opening new doors to the future," said NEC president Koji Nishigaki. "The proper handling of environmental issues is a condition of remaining in business."