Green Options » laptop

The Latest Medical Innovation: Recycled TVs

Lisa Wojnovich — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:22:17 +0000

Researchers at the University of York have recently come up with a method of recycling that seems like it fell from the pages of a science fiction novel. They want to turn discarded television screens into components for biomedicine.

Laptop Pillow Made from Crafty Material

Kelly Rand — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:30:56 +0000

If you’re like me and work from home, ergonomics are one of the last things on my mind. I often find myself sitting with my feet up and my laptop in my lap, typing away (ahem, like right now.) The down side to this, is of course the laptop heats up and becomes too hot to sit just so.

Not only is this bad for me and my legs, but also for the computer. It can’t cool itself down sitting on my legs. That’s where this pretty nifty laptop pillow from IF comes in.

The Log laptop pillow is a series of log shaped pillows that when placed just so, make a comfortable pillow for your laptop and legs. Held together by snaps, the logs are made with hemp canvas and organic cotton twill or a hemp and lycra twill blend. The insides are stuffed with buckwheat hulls. The hulls provide for padding and insulation. The arrangement of the logs provide cushion for your legs and allows air to flow and cool the laptop.

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India to Launch $10 Laptop Computer

Andrew Williams — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:56:12 +0000

Indian designers have announced plans to launch a laptop that will cost an astonishing $10 (500 Rupees).

A prototype of the computer, to be known as Sakshat, (meaning ‘before your eyes’), will shortly be showcased by the Indian government as the centerpiece of an ambitious e-learning programme linking 18,000 colleges and 400 universities across the sub-continent.

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First Green Certified Laptop Battery Boosted by HP

Mike Gagnon — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:51:05 +0000

HP teams with U.S. based Boston-Power to create the first line of eco-friendly laptops.

In the race to come up with newer eco-friendly laptop solutions HP has not only led the way, but helped achieve a few firsts in the process, according to a recent Boston-Power press release.

Not only will HP be launching what it calls its new “Enviro” series of notebooks, but it will also be teaming with Boston-Power to be the first manufacturer to bring a product of this type to market.

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HP to Use Green Batteries in Notebook Computers

Ariel Schwartz — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:25:13 +0000

HP fans looking to make their laptops more environmentally-friendly will soon get the chance to upgrade to Boston Power’s next-generation Sonata Lithium-ion batteries. The Sonata battery lasts for 1,000 charging cycles (3 years), compared to the 300 cycle limit of a conventional Li-ion battery.

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Renewable Energy Offset Credits Lets You Power Your Laptop with the Wind

Derek Markham — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:28:25 +0000

Looking for an eco-friendly gift this holiday season? How about a renewable energy offset for the computer lovers in your life?

Start-up company Powered Green offers a Wind Energy Sponsorship helping to stop hundreds of pounds of greenhouse gases by sponsoring new wind turbines that make enough clean, green energy to power a computer for seven years.

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Amazon Launches Buy One Get One XO Laptop Campaign

Amiel Blajchman — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:42:43 +0000

Amazon has launched the second version of the popular XO Laptop campaign. The what campaign? Basically, this:

Buy an award-winning laptop for $199, which is donated directly to a child in the developing world; or
Buy two for $399, and keep one.

Why a laptop? Well, the very impressive mission statement says it all:

To create educational opportunities for the world’s poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future.
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Erasing Electronics Buyer Remorse

Paul Smith — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:39:57 +0000

Recycling as an everyday practice has become more and more common these days. But what about all those gadgets you accumulate? What happens to them? There are many options out there, but for most, they involve more cost, effort, and time then our busy schedules or motivation will allow. Sure, there are some newer options such as Second Rotation, the company I profiled in January that quotes you a value for your product based on the condition you claim it’s in, then they inspect it, and either give you that amount, or a different agreed upon one. But even there, with the free shipping and the possibility of getting cash rather then spending it to recycle, it’s based on current market value, a wildly fluctuating amount, as the new half price twice the speed iPhone exemplifies.

What if you could guarantee exactly how much you’d get, based on how long you’ve owned it, at the time of purchase? This is now a reality, via the company Tech Forward. You can buy a product at any store you like, then purchase their Guaranteed Buyback service, which covers a wide range of electronics, from MP3 players to desktop computers.

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Daily Tip: Use a Laptop to Save Energy

Jennifer Lance — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:59:50 +0000

If you are in the market for a new computer, an Energy Star-rated laptop is the most energy efficient choice. A laptop uses at least a fifth of the energy of a desktop computer. In addition, the smaller size of laptops means less packaging and more versability for your computer.

A typical laptop computer uses 15 watts of electricity, and it powers down often when not in use. A typical desktop uses 130 watts of electricity, including the monitor. In addition, a laptop is the perfect choice for individuals living off the grid. There have been many times when our power has been low or down, and my laptop’s battery has enabled me to keep working.

Don’t be fooled into thinking your computer’s screen saver saves energy. Unless the screen or backlight on a laptop actually turns off, a screen saver uses as much power as word processing. Also, don’t forget, you can save additional energy by adjusting your computer’s sleep mode to turn on more frequently.

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