NEC Solutions, Inc., introduced the PowerMate eco, the first all-in-one, fanless ecological desktop computer. 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.
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 NuCycle 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.
“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.
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.
The PowerMate eco is targeted at high density computing locations such as call centers, hospitals, reception desks and financial trading rooms, where noise, heat and desktop real estate are concerns in today’s computing environment. For example, nursing stations in hospital ICUs traditionally use desktops with a fan, which not only collect dust, but also blows that waste back into the air environment, which increases the potential for infection. The PowerMate eco, built with no fan, decreases the risk for dispersing dust that puts those with respiratory problems at risk.
Features & Benefits
The PowerMate eco incorporates a 900MHz Transmeta Crusoe 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).
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.).
