PC maker Dell has launched a new line of environmentally friendly business PC's. The move comes as part of Dell's need to meet international and EU requirements on environmental design. The EU's Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) comes into force in 2006, and requires all manufacturers shipping to the EU to eliminate or minimize the use of polluting chemicals, like lead.
"The new OptiPlex GX280 chassis are examples of Dell innovating for the good of customers and the environment," said John Medica, senior vice president, Dell Product Group. "We have made it easier for customers to use and service the systems while maintaining quality and reliability and meeting our commitment to high environmental standards across the globe."
The new line of PC's are shipping under the OptiPlex name, and will come in either a desktop or mini-tower configuration. The OptiPlex systems are based around Intel's new BTX design, which Dell claims will allow the systems to operate at lower temperatures. Dell also claim to have incorporated new features in form of four LEDs on the front of the PCs that can tell IT support about 24 different hardware problems. They hope the additional information will help a quick diagnosis of the problem and reduce total cost of ownership. The starting price of the OptiPlex GX280 is $737.
IBM recently sold it's PC division to Chinese company Lenovo. The deal has received scrutiny from US law makers who are concerned the deal could be a national security risk; the US government has yet to decide on the issue. Analysts suggest one outcome could be the sale of the division without the R & D department, yet exactly how attractive this new offer would be to Lenovo, or IBM, is unknown.
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