Tougher than the Rest

When it comes to eco-friendly computers, you can’t do much better than the new Panasonic Toughbook F8 business laptop. Known primarily for its resilience, this Energy Star–rated device features a compact fan design that helps reduce power usage, and its low-voltage Intel processors use just 5.5 watts of juice. (Additional power management features come from the Windows Vista Business operating system, which could have the computer running on even less.)

From its design to its production and operation, the Toughbook defines green computing. Manufactured in “clean” factories that recycle at least 98 percent of the waste they generate, each laptop is built using lead-free soldering, with minimal use of plastic resins, making the Toughbook easier to recycle.

At 3.7 pounds, the F8 claims to be the world’s lightest 3G-enabled computer, and with a magnesium alloy case and a shock-mounted 160 GB hard drive, it’s certainly among the most rugged. With an LED-backlit 14-inch screen that excels in sunlight, this is one computer that will survive out in the wild. ($2,499, panasonic.com/business/toughbook)

Jungle ’Book

Long valued as a strong, inexpensive building material, bamboo finds a new use in the casing of the ASUS U6V-B1 notebook computer. The eco-friendly design adds dashing looks to a powerful 3.5-pound laptop. Run by a 2.53 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the U6V-B1 includes forward-thinking features like an HDMI port, a fingerprint scanner, and an integrated webcam that uses ASUS’ SmartLogon software to recognize users via a facial scan. The 12-inch display also does its part for the environment with an energy-efficient LED backlight panel. ($1,999, asus.com)

Efficiency on Display

The new generation of Lenovo ThinkVision LCD Monitors uses 30–60 percent less energy than its cathode ray tube predecessors. With its backlight technology, the 24-inch L2440x Wide uses only 29 watts of electricity. It is also mercury and arsenic free, making it easier to recycle later on. The monitor passed extensive testing for chemical emissions — meaning it is carcinogen, allergen, and irritant free. And it even comes in packaging that’s made with 65 percent recycled material and is 100 percent recyclable itself. ($749, lenovo.com)

Sunshine on Your Shoulder

Integrating high-efficiency solar cells and a custom-designed battery pack into a svelte little bag, the Voltaic Generator is the first bag that can completely charge a laptop using sunlight. Large enough to carry a 17-inch laptop, the bag comes packed with all the standard adapters a user would need to powerup cellphones or USB-powered devices on the go. The lightweight, water-resistant bag is made from recycled soda bottles, minimizing its eco-footprint. Indicator lights on the handle show when it’s juicing up. ($599, voltaicsystems.com/bag_generator.shtml)

Belkin the Vampire Slayer

In the green-o-sphere, “vampires” are devices that, even when turned off, draw standby power when plugged into wall outlets. But before you drive a stake through their electric hearts, try managing your devices with the Belkin Conserve Energy-Saving Power Strip. This surge protector allows users to shut off voltage-sucking gadgets via remote control — saving money and reducing pollution in the process. With a mix of always-on and switch-enabled outlets, the power strip can allow some devices to run (like a cordless phone) while saving energy by powering down others, like a printer. ($49.99 for eight outlets, $59.99 for 10 outlets, belkin.com/conserve)

A Positive Impact

Many people think printers are eco-enemies because they gobble up paper, but another reason they’re bad for the environment is that they emit ozone. The Kyocera FS-1300D, the latest in the company’s Ecosys printer line, emits no ozone because its roller has been charged with positive energy. In addition, Kyocera laser printers do not use cartridges — toner is refilled via a recycle-friendly plastic bottle. This particular black-and-white desktop printer is also Energy Star rated and prints 30 pages per minute — making it both energy and time efficient. ($349, usa.kyoceramita.com)

Taking It Offline

One of the great things about the Web is that it’s always on — but that can be bad for the rest of the world. The Netgear WNR2000 Wireless-N Router features a convenient on/off switch that lets surfers power down their Wi-Fi connection when they go offline. The switch might seem unremarkable, but most routers don’t have one — they use standby power whenever they are plugged in. The WNR2000 also uses an Energy Star–compliant power supply that’s up to 30 percent more efficient than average. And the packaging is 80 percent recycled. ($89, netgear.com)