MacBook Air: greenest Apple yet

I haven't read the E-PEAT guidelines in awhile, but I can guess the points lost were related to the lack of upgradability and replaceable batteries, which equal a kind of planned obsolesence - although the longtime mac users know how long their products last in the REAL world - and is $129 for a battery after 4 years really that wild of a proposition? My old PBG4 needs one, going to cost me megabucks, and the old one is pretty much useless.

These improvements, while laudable, will seem a little hollow to me until Apple moves to offer recycling options for consumers and small businesses worldwide. Steve said the aluminium of the MBA's enclosure is "a highly desirable material by recyclers – they love aluminium" but it'll be an unfulfilled love if these devices end up in landfill at their end life.

"Circuit boards are BFR-free and PVC-free"

Actually if you re-read the keynote slide, it states that only Apple's circuit boards are Circuit boards are BFR and PVC free, so I'm guessing 3rd party boards (power supply?, Intel's input?) are not.

Blame Greenpeace for picking on Apple all you want, but obviously it is possible to make circuit boards without all that crap, so I'm glad somebody is around to call companies on it.

meh, it's not solar powered or biodegradable.

Greenpeace are the worst. I'm sure they'll, yet again, find something else to bitch about. I bet half the equipment they use in their offices isn't "green". (printers, fax machines, electric hole punchers, paper towel dispensers....i could go on and on.)

Allows me to illustrate a "green" spectrum

On one end, Macbook Air=disposable machine

On the other, Mac Pro=ever-upgradable

what twisted f'd up logic calls an MBA "green"?

If anyone cares to see the notebook computers that received a gold EPEAT reating, here's the link:

http://www.epeat.net/SearchResults.aspx?ProductType=3&manufacturer=0&rating=3

They all received 21 out of 27 "optional points," to the Air's 19.

Go figure.

"I think it's about time that Apple gets on the sustainability train and starts implementing more earth-friendly materials into their products. Let's hope for more good things in the future."

I'm hoping Apple doesn't waste another minute trying to appease Greenpeace or make its products "environmentally friendly" at the expense of making them more powerful, better designed, and less expensive.

What would the MacBook Air need to achieve EPEAT 'Gold' status?

How many PCs are out there that meet this standard? (I believe the Lenovo A61e desktop does, correct me if I'm mistaken.)

"this is indeed a step in the right direction for Apple, and hopefully this indicates a new trend"

You might have a point if GreenPeace had any real basis for there claims against Apple.

GP based one attack on manufacturer's web page claims and not on actual performance.

GP faulted Apple for use of chemicals/processes that aren't included in the most stringent environmental regulations.

If you want to hit Apple on environmental performance, cite reputable sources.