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The RoHs RevolutionSome would say Wal-Mart is in serious need of an image makeover. Behind that smiley, yellow button face of a company logo, there can no longer be sinister corporate intent, but instead concern for its customers, employees, and the world as a whole. Gone are the memos about not hiring fat and unhealthy people. In are the in-store health clinics. What does all of this have to do with laptops? Part of Wal-Mart's image redo also includes a new Toshiba that's the first RoHS laptop available in the United States.RoHS, or Restriction on Hazardous Substances, means that Toshiba will limit the use of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxics in the making of its laptop. Normally, computers can contain 4 to 8 pounds of lead alone, according to green experts. It's no wonder that computers and other electronics make up two-fifths of all lead in landfills. Lead, by the way, is very bad for you. To counter this growing pollution threat, the European Parliament came up with RoHS, which is set to become effective in Europe this year in July. Wal-Mart has announced it will keep pace, and all computers that it sells will be RoHS compliant by then too. The first Wal-Mart computer of this kind-the Toshiba, a Satellite A55-S1064-won't be just for green tree-hugger types either. For anyone looking for a basic laptop for everyday computing, you can't beat the price tag at less than $700. For that money, you get 512 MB of DDR memory, a 15-inch TruBrite display, 40 GB of hard drive, and integrated wireless. The processor may only be a 1.60-GHZ Intel Celeron M 380, and you may only get a CD read-write drive with DVD-playing capabilities. But for that low cost-and for the chance to cut down on the world's production of noxious chemicals-there's no complaining about the Wal-Mart Toshiba Satellite. I hate to say this, but - go Wal-Mart! By Matthew Brodsky - Laptopical Friday, March 03, 2006 |
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