A new trend is emerging: eco-responsible computers! Acer launches its new Chromebook, the Vero 514, which relies on recycled materials and the simplified replacement of some of its components.
This is no news for anyone, the mass consumption industry pollutes massively every year, and technological objects, such as computers or smartphones, are no exception. Whether it is for the extraction of the raw materials that will make up the device, its manufacture, its packaging or its use, each stage in the “life” of a computer is synonymous with pollution. Also, while the climate crisis is increasingly felt in our daily lives, the ecological argument and sustainability can represent a real interest for some consumers. Also, when making a purchase, the goal is to limit the ecological footprint of the device throughout its life cycle.
The challenge is tough, as devices must balance power to appeal to consumers with less environmental impact – two criteria which appear to be contradictory. Several manufacturers have already embarked on this path. Fairphone has thus embarked on the construction of smartphones designed to integrate environmental and fair trade constraints throughout the production chain. To maximize the life of the device, the user can easily repair the majority of components, and even update some of them. On the laptop side, framework strives to offer powerful, modular and repairable computers. As for Acer, it has set up the range verodesigned to be a bit greener than a typical computer. The manufacturer unveils today its first Chromebook to join the range, with the vero 514.
Chromebook vero 514: a difficult balance between power and consumption
Of At first sightthe Chromebook vero 514 is a very classic computer, running under Chrome OS, Google’s operating system. Compact and light, it adopts the 14-inch format : a good point, since a small computer is made of less material, and therefore has a lower environmental impact, even if it is to the detriment of comfort for some.nIt has a screen Corning Gorilla 14-inch Full HD anti-reflective glass with a definition of 1920 x 1080 pixels with IPS technology and a 56 Wh battery, which offers 10 hours of autonomy with fast charging. For the processor, the manufacturer leaves the choice with several versions: Intel-Pentium Gold 8505, Intel Core i3-1215UIntel Core i5-1235U or Intel Core i7-1255U. A relatively logical choice of chips since they all have relatively low power consumption. the Chromebook vero 514 has 16 GB of memory long live (rams) and 256 GB of storage – which is a bit low these days.
Chromebook vero 514: partially recycled and recyclable materials
In terms of design, Acer tries to minimize its ecological footprint by using recycled materials. Indeed, the construction of a computer requires metals and rare earths and/or pollutants, such as plastic, silica, iron, aluminum, copper, nickel, lead, but also cobalt and manganese. . The extraction of these minerals induces a lot of fossil energy, water and resources. This is why the question of the materials used is so important.
Acer has therefore chosen to manufacture part of its Chromebook vero 514 from recycled and recyclable materials. According to the manufacturer, 30% of the materials used to make the laptop’s chassis and display frame are post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR). This same material makes up 50% of the key caps, and 100% of the glass surface of the laptop’s touchpad is made from ocean plastic. Note that the MacBook Air is equipped, for comparison, with a chassis 100% recycled – but the price is much higher. As for the packaging, it is designed with 90% recycled paper and cardboard and can be “transformed into a versatile triangular laptop stand” – for the most advanced ecological consciences. Finally, Acer says the display panel is 99% recyclable. The firm also announced that it was working with its manufacturing partners, including Compal and Quanta, to reduce the use of plastic bags and security tape in pallet wrapping, in an effort to limit unnecessary waste. A more than commendable effort, but we must not forget that the most polluting elements of a computer are not so much the chassis or the packaging as the electronics or the battery.
Chromebook vero 514: repairable and modular parts
the Chromebook vero 514 is also distinguished by its design, which allows easy dismantling for repair or replacement of its components. Indeed, the manufacture of a computer requires on average 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals and 1.5 tonne of water, as explained by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). You have to keep it as long as possible. That’s why Acer offers a laptop that repairs and upgrades, with standard screws that allow to access RAM sticks and storage – which is likely to be necessary, with a maximum storage of 256 GB.
The construction of this device is part of a broader policy of Acer, named project Earthion. The company noted Want to transition its own operations to 100% renewable energy by 2035. She points out that her offices in 30 countries already run entirely on renewable energy, which accounts for about 45% of the company’s total energy consumption. In the end, ecology has become a marketing argument capable of attracting consumers. Acer certainly hopes that, if they have to choose between multiple performance computers equalcustomers will go for the eco-responsible one. The Acer Chromebook vero 514 will be available in November from 599 euros.