Last week’s announcement about the new MacBook Air, weighing in at 3lbs, makes it seem like a good option for a greener laptop for traveling. From a frequent traveler’s perspective (who also happens to love her current MacBook) the new MacBook Air is very appealing because of both it’s size and weight. But what really struck me about the product is it’s attempt at greenness. In the Tech Specs section of the product site, Apple specifically points to the “Environmental Status Report” — cleverly displayed with a green Apple logo and recycled paper background.
The tech specs state that:
MacBook Air embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It consumes the least amount of power of any Mac and is also designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:
Highly recyclable aluminum enclosure
Mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free glass
PVC-free internal cables
Largely recyclable, low-volume packaging
Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
MacBook Air received a Silver rating from EPEA
For more information about the Silver rating from EPEA you can read the product detail here.
Treehugger’s commenters were quick to jump on Apple for not doing more
“Design? Great. I don’t want to be the cynical gobble here, but c’mon, how the hell is this green? I *guarantee* this thing uses just as many resources to build, if not more, than a larger laptop (because of the extra effort required to make it tiny). Plus, to make matters worse, it’s yet another upgrade we NEED to buy to keep up with fashion. Screw that!!! Until a laptop maker gets innovative re-using old laptop chassis and only replacing the handful of parts that need replacing, I am NOT CONVINCED.”
Clearly, there are two sides to this coin. If you must bring a laptop with you when you travel AND are in the market for a new laptop, this appears to be a great green laptop choice. However, if you already have a laptop that runs well or don’t need a laptop when you travel, why go out and buy a MacBook Air?
The really good news for green travelers is this:
- The Apple MacBook Air raises the bar in terms of greenness. With the emphasis on sustainability and environmental-consciousness, other laptop manufacturers will likely begin to produce greener laptops.
- The Apple MacBook Air raises the bar in terms of size and weight. Travelers can hopefully expect to see more laptop manufacturers reducing the size and weight of their products. Just think, if every laptop weighed 3-5lbs less than it currently does, fewer resources would be required to transport this weight.
- The Apple MacBook Air raises the bar in terms of value. Granted, $1799 isn’t cheap, but it’s cheaper than the Sony Vaio TZ at $2100. Based on my experience with Macs and Vaios, Macs are faster, more reliable, and a better deal overall.
So what would make the Apple MacBook Air better for the green traveler? Solar panels. Give me an alternative energy source to keep my MacBook running longer when I’m 30,000 feet above the air for 14 hours traveling to China.
Recommended Reading:
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Me and my girlfriend come to your site often. We love reading your posts. Thank you!