Dell goes green

For years computer manufacturers have been infamous for producing (environmentally) harmfull products containing all sorts of toxic materials. Some time ago Apple started collaborating with Greenpeace to become more eco-friendly.

Now one of the biggest Windows-running brands is starting to pick up that trend too. I'm talking Dell. Yesterday they started selling a new line of computers, which goes by the name of Studio Hybrid. Intended as a compact desktop PC the Studio Hybrid should be more friendly towards the environment.

In regard to the packaging, which often results in a lot of garbage, Dell claims:

• Reduced packing materials about 30 percent by weight as compared to typical tower desktops.
• Packing materials are also 95 percent recyclable.
• Reduced printed documentation 75 percent by weight on average as compared to typical tower desktops.
• System recycling kit is included.

So less packaging materials (a bit logical, not? Since the system is kinda compact), the box is recyclable, there's less paper used for the documentation (which few people read anyway), and wait there's more. A system recycling kit, that's rather new to come with a computer, not? So the end user gets the oppertunity to properly recycle all the toxins that come with a computer.
If the recycle kit makes sure that all the toxins get removed from the system and are stored away properly I'd strongly recommend every other electronics manufacturer to include such a kit.

So the packaging is not as bad for the environment as regularly, but how about the computer itself. Well, Dell promises that it uses 70% less energy then a regular PC. That's not just a huge win for the environment, but also for your wallet!

I can only say that Dell has chosen a good direction with the new system, and that I hope they'll soon be followed by others. (And besides, the design is pretty great).

-jdh