Apple reveals greener MacBook

Apple has declared its latest MacBooks have been redesigned to become "the greenest family of notebooks ever made".

A new Web site launched by Apple, accompanied by a 30-second television commercial, says the newest MacBooks, which were unveiled in October, use Mercury-free LED technology and arsenic-free glass. Apple says in addition to these changes it has removed brominated flame retardants (BFR) and PVC from the MacBook as well as from the line of iPods and the iPhone.

The new aluminum casing is easier to recycle and means less parts are required to assemble the PC. Apple also claims that the new MacBooks operate on one quarter of the power of a single light bulb. The Web site also mentions the new MacBooks come in less packaging than they previously did.

The technology giant appears to have improved its environmental image since last October when it was bashed by Greenpeace, who claimed Apple used harmful substances in both the interior and exterior components of the iPhone.

Apple has been criticised for its monopoly on the hardware and software it uses. However, Apple lists that as the reason it is able to design MacBooks that are efficient enough to earn the EnergyStar certification.

Despite the improvements, Greenpeace still wasn't satisfied with Apple's actions. Although they reacted positively to the changes, Greenpeace says Apple must eliminate all harmful toxins, such as BFRs, before in can score higher on its Guide to Greener Electronics, on which Apple currently sits 14th.

Apple wasn't the only major tech company to take a lashing from the environmental group.

"The latest edition of our Guide to Greener Electronics has revealed that very few firms are showing true climate leadership," Greenpeace said in a statement. "Despite many green claims, major companies like Dell, Microsoft, Lenovo, LG, Samsung and Apple are failing to support the necessary levels of global cuts in emissions and make the absolute cuts in their own emissions that are required to tackle climate change."

It is unclear how many consumers consider the environmental benefits of a notebook before making their purchase. Many experts feel that when it comes to computers and electronics, consumers are too wrapped up in the technical specifications to pay much attention to the environmental sustainability aspect.

"I haven't bought a computer in a few years but I don't think the environmental impact is something I would look at when shopping around," said Nick Graham, a third year physical education student. "And I definitely wouldn't pay any extra money for it."

"For me, it's not so much that I wouldn't buy a green computer as much as I just don't want to buy a Mac," said Kyle Hardy, a second year Communications student. "Maybe if there was an environmentally friendly PC I'd consider it, but only if it had the same specs and price as any other computer."

Not everyone is so quick to rule out a green computer, however.

"I would definitely look into it," said Jane Lovett, a third year Brock student. "I think with all the awareness regarding the environment, it is our responsibility to do what we can whenever possible."

The jury is still out on whether consumers are looking for sustainability when buying their next computer. Apple hopes it's enough to give would-be Mac users debating between an Apple computer and a PC that extra little push towards a MacBook, but in the meantime is looking to scoop up the market of the more environmentally conscious among us.

For more information on the environmentally friendly upgrades to Apple's new MacBook go to apple.com/macbook/environment.html.