Top 5 Greener Gadgets to Look for in 2010
By Sarah Parsons, Inhabitat
Last year we saw a flurry of green innovation in consumer electronics, but that's nothing compared to what's in the pipeline for 2010. From chargers that harvest energy from human movement to street-ready electric vehicles, oh-ten is sure to revolutionize the eco-friendly tech sector in a big way. The Greener Gadgets Conference that is coming up on February 25th will highlight some of the latest and greatest green gadgets that are coming down the pipeline to a store near you. Until then, check out our picks for the top five greener gadgets to look for over the coming months:
nPower PEG (Personal Energy Generator)
Tremont Electric is currently developing a charger that harvests kinetic energy, the power produced by movement, to generate electricity. Not only does the device eliminate the need for coal and fossil fuel-based power for charging small electronics, but it's especially useful for outdoors-y types who may not have access to electrical outlets. Users can simply plug the small charger into handheld electronics like cell phones, GPS units or MP3 players, and place the charger and device vertically in a backpack or purse. As people walk, run, kayak or engage in basically any type of movement, the PEG will bounce up and down, harvest that energy and charge the attached device. Tremont Electric plans to launch the PEG commercially later this year, but pre-ordering information is available online.
Pixel Qi E-paper displays
Folks embraced e-readers in a big way last year, as evidenced by the meteoric rise in Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader sales. But customers complained about two shortcomings: Monochromatic screens and the devices' inability to load video. Enter Pixel Qi, the brainchild of One Laptop Per Child's former technology chief, Mary Lou Jepsen.
These new e-paper displays can show video and color, but use about
one-half to one-quarter of the power consumed by traditional LCD
screens. Plus, the Pixel Qi can increase battery life by about five
times. Expect to see the screens popping up in e-readers and other
electronics throughout 2010.Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle
GM asserts that its much-ballyhooed Chevy Volt will roll into showrooms across the nation later this year, meaning it could be the first commercially available, mass-marketed electric vehicle.
Most EVs from other major automakers seem to be shooting for a 2011
commercial launch. Developers claim the Volt will be able to drive for
40 miles on one battery charge, after which time drivers will need to
plug-in or rely on the car's flex fuel engine to power the electric motor.
Sony VAIO W Series 212 AX Eco Edition Laptop
We've all heard about the devastation e-waste has on the environment and surrounding communities, so it's great to see that some companies are taking steps to green up computers. Sony's Eco Edition notebook is crafted from 20 percent reprocessed plastic from DVD and CD waste, and its carrying case is made from recycled plastic bottles. The 10.1-inch screen features LED backlighting, and the computer can run for about seven hours on a single battery charge. Plus, the device complies with RoHS, Energy Star 5.0 and EPEAT certifications.
Casio Green Slim Video Projectors
Many businesses use video projectors to enhance presentations, but
they may not be aware of the devices' huge environmental impacts: Most
projectors on the market use high-pressure mercury bulbs that guzzle
energy and burn out about every 1,500 hours. Casio aims to greenify
business meetings with its Green Slim line
- 10 models of energy-efficient video projectors. Instead of
mercury-filled bulbs, Casio's Green Slims use a laser, LED and
flourescent tube to provide lighting power. The light system lasts
about 20,000 hours, or more than 13 times that of a traditional
projector bulb.
For more news on the latest green gizmos, check out the upcoming Greener Gadgets Conference and Design Competition.
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