Energy week: Green computer use, Part 3

This week's eco-topic: Energy.

Parts 1 and 2 help you green your current computer. But computers have this habit of going defunct just as you're getting used to them -

So I started putting a post together to help you pick a new green machine only to find that Jasmin Malik Chua's already written a comprehensive guide -- "How to Buy a Green PC" -- for Computer Shopper.

"How to Buy a Green PC" covers everything from the energy efficiency of LCD monitors over CRTs to Energy Star-certified models to end-of-life recycling options. Read it before hitting the stores.

Feeling obsessive? Stress a bit more over your green machine purchase by reading Northwest Products Stewardship Council's guide, which asks you to consider other smaller factors -- i.e. the packaging materials your computer's shipped in -- before getting a new computer.

If you're a forward-looking, techy green computer person, check out Jeremy Faludi of Worldchanging's wonkier 3-parter on green computers, covering what's to come in green data centers, components and whole machines.

Update: Jasmin's written a newer post on Planet Green about finding a green PC, with info about the Climate Savers Computing Initiative.

Photo by Pablo Ruiz Múzquiz via Flickr

Comments

[James]

For prople like myself who don't need the very latest in computer technology, there's craigs list. I bought a seven year old imac for $50, and I'm quite happy with it.

[Siel]

Wow! Glad it's in working condition. I'm always afraid to get electronics via Craigslist, but maybe I shouldn't be --

[James]

"I'm always afraid to get electronics via Craigslist, but maybe I shouldn't be "

A few things to look for;

First of all don't be pressured into buying anything. If the person selling the item is trying to pressure you, there's usually a reason. Watch for desperation, if you see it, run like hell.

Look for a seller who is anal retentive. If the owner is a bit anal retentive, that's a GOOD sign! You know he/she has kept the item clean, well oiled, and in good condition, they may have even worked out any of the original bugs for you. (a person who offers you advice on the item is a good person to buy from).

Look for thngs like the original owner's manual, start-up discs, ect., or, (best of all), if the seller has the original boxes and packaging that the item came in.

This tells you that this person good took care of the item they are selling. Try and get a sense of the owner, this tells you a lot about the item they are selling.

[Erik Henson]

When looking for equipment that was eco-friendly for my new website that I launched earlier this month ( www.thegreenoption.com ) I went over to the Michigan Ave Apple store in Chicago and was assured that the Mac Pro that I was purchasing was the most eco-friendly on the market. Then I set the shut down time to the minimum. I hope that the information on going green with my computer was accurate.