Sony Introduces Eco-Friendly Notebooks

Sony on Thursday introduced four new VAIO notebook computers in unusual colors and patterns, like leopard print and floral, to reflect their environment-friendly features.

The Graphic Splash Eco Edition notebooks, a version of Sony's popular VAIO FZ computers, are slim in design and made out of recyclable materials for resource conversation. Their packaging is also comprised mostly of recyclable materials. Other eco-conscious attributes include Restriction of Hazardous Substances-compliant components inside the notebooks, which means they don't contain hazardous materials like lead.

Technical specs include a choice between Centrino Duo or Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate editions, and wireless connectivity through 802.11a/b/g/n technology.

Sony said the unusual colors that the Eco Edition notebooks come in, including "Caribbean water," "clay earth," "spotted life," and "bloom," are inspired by things found in nature.

Sony is encouraging people to buy the new notebooks, which are more beneficial to the earth, and trade in their used computers. The company will offer a rebate to those who make the trade in, the company said. A person would have to bring his or her used computer to a Sony Style store to be recycled and a credit will be issued toward a new VAIO notebook.

Sony is also offering a rechargeable battery recycling program at its stores and other participating retailers.

Additionally, it will donate 1% of the price of each Eco Edition notebook to environmental non-profit organizations. But the notebooks will only be available in limited quantities starting this month, priced at $1,390 and higher.