Make the perfect laptop greener
InfoWorld's proposed WorldBooks could set a higher standard for green computing I've got to hand it to InfoWorld Chief Technologist Tom Yager: He's come up with very slick, innovative designs for two laptops, the InfoWorld WorldBook Ether and Meteor. He says the machines could theoretically be built and shipped within the year -- if hardware vendors had the gumption to do so. To his credit, Tom did include some
Follow @tsamson_IWInfoWorld's proposed WorldBooks could set a higher standard for green computing
I've got to hand it to InfoWorld Chief Technologist Tom Yager: He's come up with very slick, innovative designs for two laptops, the InfoWorld WorldBook Ether and Meteor. He says the machines could theoretically be built and shipped within the year -- if hardware vendors had the gumption to do so.
To his credit, Tom did include some green features in his dream laptops. For example, they're Energy Star 4.0-compliant; they've got mercury-free LED backlights and arsenic-free glass, and the displays employ GreenZone technology which "dramatically reduces power by reducing the lighted display area." Moreover, they've got an embedded solar panel, energy-efficient lithium ion polymer batteries, and optional Energy Star-rated chargers.
Still, I'd like to propose a couple of changes to the laptop blueprints he's put forth. There's potential to make these machines greener in ways that will benefit the environment and human health while potentially saving buyers some money and headaches down the road.
[For more in the benefits of green features, please read "Are green IT premiums worth the cost?"]
1. Comply with Energy Star 5.0. Tom specifies that these machines would be Energy Star 4.0 compliant, which means (among other things) they'd come equipped with 80-percent efficient power supplies units (PSUs). I say raise the bar, Tom: Shoot for Energy Star 5.0, which is expected to go into effect in July of 2009. Though it's not yet complete, the spec will likely require a minimum PSU efficiency of 85 percent at 50 percent rated output and 82 percent at 20 percent and 100 percent of rated output. Notably, Dell has already unveiled a PSU that the company says will comply with Energy Star 5.0.
Why does this matter? Well, for starters, more energy-efficient PSUs mean less energy waste. That saves on power bills, of course. Moreover, government agencies, along with companies that have strict CSR (corporate social responsibility) requirements, will want to adopt Energy Star 5.0-compliant machines as soon as the standard goes into effect (if not sooner).
