15 Eco friendly concept computers for green computing in the future
Technology advancements are known to make what was new today appear obsolete tomorrow. Developments in the field of Information Technology are today happening so fast that computers come into the market and are soon rendered a piece of junk as well. This has therefore given rise to a new field of computing known as Green Computing, which encourages the use of environmentally sustainable computers, and accessories which during usage and disposal cause minimal or no harm to the environment. Also referred to as Green IT, this technology aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in hardware designing which in turn when disposed or recycled do not harm the environment. Latest O Project Dell personal computer concept is really green! For the start don’t be misled by the name. This PC concept called the O Project and designed by Luis Luna (and not by Dell) has a host of eco-friendly features. Not only is its skin composed of polymers got from bamboo and cornstarch biodegradable, but its other components too can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling when the model gets obsolete. Bio degradable Desktop computer from Dell Computing contest This flat computer also known as Froot and designed by Mexican Paulina Carols was recently unveiled at the Dell Regeneration Green Computing technology Contest. The USP of this computer available in four natural colors is that it is made entirely of bio-products. Ergonomically designed using high end laser projection technology and with onboard CD drives, this wonder doesn’t need peripherals such as a monitor or keyboard as it is projected on the floor. Furthermore with its body being carved from bio decomposable starch based polymers, the computer not just gets a unique look but also facilitates being recycled as the electrical parts can be returned to the manufacturing firm when obsolete. No doubt, a great gadget for techies to “go natural”. Solar laptop concept by Nikola Knezevic Designed by Nikola Knezevic, the solar laptop no doubt looks weird but makes absolute sense from the green viewpoint. Contrived to utilize solar energy, this laptop has attached to its top half a solar panel that can be folded out to catch sunlight irrespective of whether the laptop is in its open or closed position. This solar panel would thus help harness solar energy thereby ensuring a fully topped up battery pack and a saving on the electricity bill. Environmentally Friendly EVO PC Concept Made from environmentally sustainable materials the EVO PC is one of the best alternatives for achieving a smaller carbon footprint as compared to those got from the traditional PC. Basically consisting of two parts – the EVO Base Unit and the EVO Client module, the EVO PC is a virtual computer with all upgrades, support and maintenance happening on a remote server. While the EVO Base Unit houses connectors to peripherals, network functioning and power, the EVO Client module which is 99 percent smaller in volume than a typical EVO client houses a low power processor PC board, flash memory, RAM, circular EVO clocking connector and wireless cords. Designed with the prime objective of being able to meet all major environmental issues, and with the EVO client also having 96 percent less mass than a typical desktop PC, the EVO PC concept cuts down on energy, materials and packaging required for the basic production and transport of a PC to the end-user as well. Flux PC Eco-Friendly Computing System For today’s generation which wants everything handy and minimal; and yet eco-friendly, the Flux PC concept is the best alternative. This concept has a fresh design where the input and the storage devices are squashed, flexible and stylish. The concept is designed around a portable display that interfaces with a wearable bracelet holding the necessary digital information. The display that assists in up-scale viewing not just integrates a large screen area and multimedia devices but also helps interface wirelessly with other computers if need be. While the display with a core touch screen is designed using environmentally friendly resources thereby making it economical, the bracelet is a customized delicate creation. Lawn PC is a green computing concept Designer David Veldkamp after his green Peugeot 1008 Lean concept vehicle has now come up another environmentally friendly concept – the Lawn PC. Designed basically to generate and run on its own harnessed power, this PC doesn’t require energy from fossil fuels to power it. Furthermore it has in its design recyclable grass blades with circuits and solar cells incorporated to help harness power, which can therefore save almost 876 KWh power per year. This Lawn, as the power generating unit is called, is modular in design and has 3” by 3” squares, so the CPU can anytime be detached from it when obsolete and sent for recycling and/or decomposition. Also, while the new upgraded Lawn compatible model arrives, the existing Lawn can be connected to iPod docking stations or other electronics thereby conserving power. Another positive of this PC is that it also does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases when in operation. No doubt – a “Go Green” effort at its best! Igglu modular PC concept makes upgrading simple and clean Designed to reduce e-waste and make the regular chore of customizing and upgrading computers easy as and when technology advances, the Igglu Modular PC concept involves easy component removal and replacement with a better model using an online account in addition to maximizing resource and energy efficiency. Designed from standard reusable and recyclable products the high performance modules of this PC concept, such as the optical drives, PCI drives, graphic cards, RAM and hard drives are color coded and easily swappable. Also, when swapped the old modules are reused in budget services by the company or in other cases recycled. Compaq EOS sustainable desktop encourages recycling by easing disassembly Designed for the HP brand by Cody Stonerock this sustainable computer is low cost as well as has minimal carbon footprint. Offering basic computing power, this computer’s assembly advocates snap fitting instead of using extra fasteners, thereby making it easy for parts to be replaced or repaired as they can be singularly shipped. Moreover, this also encourages partial recycling as and when required. Furthermore designed to consume less desk-space, this desktop has magnetic keyboard mounts on the monitor’s rear. For decreasing the use of power, the mouse can be recharged at a built-in USB port. HP in a bid to encourage recycling also offers a take back policy in addition to using biodegradable bio-resins and aluminum within its assembly. ‘Bento’ solar-powered concept computing Designed by US based Rene Lee, Bento is a modular and solar powered computing system with features of a smartphone, tablet computer and notebook, all rolled into one. This sustainable computing device with integrated solar panels to charge the inbuilt lithium ion battery features a 15 inch OLED screen (more than enough for a tablet) and a smart-phone in addition to a 1 TB hard drive. What makes bento – the three in one package attractive is that the tablet and smartphone can be disengaged and used independently when the battery is fully charged. Lifebook Leaf multipurpose laptop concept One of the latest environmental friendly tech developments, the Lifebook Leaf is a concept laptop whose design in all likelihood will revamp the laptop industry. Based on solar power, this computer has a thin OLED touchscreen which can be folded like a laptop or spread out flat. So much for the design quotient, the exterior is made of a shatterproof and optically sensitive polycarbonate that also doubles within itself a solar cell which can be charged when the Lifebook Leaf is folded open and placed upside down. Additionally it also has an OLED panel at the back to alert the user for messages if any received during charging. For communication, this laptop also has a 4G module. Ecofriendly desktop computer that never becomes obsolete Loop, a system designed for Dell by Jocko Chan is a desktop computer that can be recycled and whose technology is obsolete-proof. Available online, this compact system has no screws within its inside which therefore minimizes waste and saves space. With exteriors made of plastic lumber and matte white plastic, the exterior of this system is very thin as its design is inspired from that of cactus leaves. The unique design not only aids the computer to merge harmoniously with the home furniture but also offers sufficient space for heat dissipation. Power Flower PC concept for a green geek Designed to resemble daisies rising up in the sky, the Power Flower PC is a complete computer that was listed in the top five final entries at the Design ReGeneration competition. Drawing power from a hydrogen fuel cell, which has been created by resting the white base of the CPU and the power supply into a green field that is mounted atop a water container this computer is free of any other additional power sources, physical sockets, peripherals or cables. Other features of this hi-tech PC include a camera to capture gestures and movements of the user in addition to a face camera which has a microphone and a speaker, thus eliminating the need of a keyboard or mouse. Monitor is also done away with as a small display device projects images on any available nearby surface. With other basic features such as wi-fi and Bluetooth, the Power Flower PC boasts of also recycling water as it generates power for itself. Avant-grade tablet styled computer keeps e-waste at bay Designed by Wataru Watanabe, the Clear computer concept is a project that is environmentally sustainable with facility for upgrading features and other miscellaneous hardware thereby reducing e-waste and overall consumption. Facilitated with an OLED display with stylus input, this concept minimizes the need of peripherals rendering this computer handy and portable. A leather hinge renders protection to this unique portable tablet. Recyclable paper laptop for sustainable computing Made from pulp materials and recycled paper packed in layers, this unique concept laptop has been designed by Je Sung Park. Considering its unique design and modeling concept, this computer is definitely recyclable as well as easily upgradeable. Napkin PC – ‘Green’ computer to encourage group interaction Consisting of several Napkin modules which has lent the computer concept its very name, this system developed by Avery has a base station for interface control and a Pen for giving out commands. The result is therefore a high speed RF wireless connection which encourages group interaction as branching out gets easy. The availability of multiple interfaces on this system renders multi tasking easier as well. With a multi touch input that responds both to the Pen as well as the human hand as well as a OLED status display on the front, the Napkin PC however has numerous components which are bound to need replacement more often. Considering this, the designer has added an inductive circuit for powering this PC and which is easy to recycle. So much for the ecofriendliness, the designer has supplemented the design quotient by designing the base station like a napkin holder. Solar-powered clamshell PC might urbanize rural India Designed for rural India, this mini PC concept from Yogesh has a small LCD screen that can roll out of the main body. Christened “Mitra”, meaning friend, this solar powered mini PC has facilities for providing online help to the farmers. For those wanting to give presentations the PC also has a built-in LED projector. With wi-fi connectivity and onboard storage battery that can be charged using its solar panels or a hand crank this PC is not just green but is also capable of revolutionizing rural India.