HP First to Hit Gold Computing Standard

HP just released the first PC on the market to achieve EPEAT (Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool) gold status. EPEAT-registered products are designated as "bronze," "silver," or "gold," depending on the number of environmental features they possess, such as reduced levels of hazardous materials, improved energy efficiency, and ease of upgrade and recycle. The EPEAT standard was developed over the course of 2 years with full involvement from all major computing equipment vendors, and was funded from the US EPA; it is the gold standard of all the environmental computing standards.

The HP's rp5700 Business Desktop PC comes with a standard 80 percent efficient power supply; many PCs settle on 65 percent. That extra efficiency means lower electrical usage as well as less heat, all of which contributes to cost savings. Also, the systems have an (unheard of) five-year lifecycle. According to HP, the systems are built with 95 percent recyclable components, and the plastic components are made, on average, of at least 10 percent post-consumer recycled plastics. Additionally, the outer packaging contains at least 25 percent post-consumer recycled cardboard. But there's still more.

HP also has developed a solar renewable energy source as an alternative power choice for the computer. Called the Solar PowerPac II, when charged it can provide up to 600 watt-hours of power for small loads. The PowerPac is big and costly - it weighs 60 pounds and has a price tag of $1,325 - but is a innovative option. Like other PCs that have recently made it to the market, both from HP and Dell, only certain configurations of the rp5700 meet the Energy Star 4.0 standard, and it is questionable whether Microsoft Vista will run on such a system. But the rp5700 supports both Windows 2000 and XP as well. Great job HP on your victory! :: Infoworld :: HP