MacBooks: Faster, Cheaper and Still Environmentally Friendly

Who says it has to cost more to be a green PC user these days?

Not Apple, as the laptop maker has once again updated its MacBook Pro portfolio, launching three new models boasting sharper displays, longer battery life and faster processing while retaining high-standard energy and environmental requirements. Oh, Apple also cut prices across the laptop lineup.

The redesign and enhancements, according to Apple, prove that green computing is an affordable reality and that users don’t have to sacrifice features, functionality or extra cash to use environmentally friendly products. As part of the portfolio’s second redesign in less than a year, Apple has slashed some model costs by $300.

“We’ve boosted performance, provided a brighter display and proven you can continue to build in best components in an environmentally sound approach without increasing the price,” an Apple spokesperson told Tonic.com.

Apple’s aluminum unibody product line now includes 13-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch models, all featuring the vendor’s built-in-battery providing up to 40 percent longer life. The battery innovation, according to Apple, provides seven hours of use and can be recharged 1,000 times. Compare that to typical laptop batteries that burn out after 300 charges.

The portfolio’s new LED-backlit display offers expanded color intensity and greater power efficiency, according to Apple. The models, now starting at $1,199, feature Apple’s Multi-Touch trackpad, illuminated keyboard, an SD card or ExpressCard slot, a FireWire 800 port and NVIDIA graphics.

Every MacBook Pro and MacBook Air continue to meet the stringent requirements of EPEAT, an independent manufacturing standards organization driven by the Zero Waste Alliance with support from the Environmental Protection Agency. Products must meet a comprehensive set of environmental criteria in eight environmental performance categories. It takes 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria for EPEAT Gold recognition.

All the MacBook Pros feature a unibody enclosure of recyclable aluminum and energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and constructed with arsenic-free glass. No brominated flame retardants are used in manufacturing, and all the internal cables and components are PVC-free. When it comes time to replace the battery, which costs between $129 and $179, Apple’s cost includes installation as well as safe disposal of the old battery.

Some things do just get better with time.

For more on the new Apple MacBook Pro lineup, check out the Apple website.