IBM Computer, Laptops and Servers

Back Homepage Content Directory Resource Guide Blog

Environmentalists Identify New Menace: Discarded Cellphones

Laptop Battery As the nation's fondness for cellphones grows, the environmental effects do, too. According to industry figures, cellphone use in the United States has surged, to more than 128 million subscribers last year from 340,000 in 1985. Typically, each phone is used for 18 months before being dropped for a newer model.

According to the indictment, Jones would steal various IBM and Penguin computer servers from Verisign's warehouse in Virginia and sell them to Johnson. Johnson would then sell the servers to several individuals, who would sometimes place them for sale on eBay. As a result of this scheme, the indictment alleges that Jones and Johnson caused Verisign to lose more than $120, 000 worth of computer equipment. In the indictment, Jones and Johnson are charged in three counts with causing the interstate transportation of stolen property, namely IBM 330 and 335 servers, in violation of 18 U.S.C.

Thinkpad That is starting to add up to a huge amount of waste, says Inform, an environmental organization that issued a report this year on old phones. The Environmental Protection Agency helped finance the study.

Computer memory is the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to improve the performance of your system. Find RAM memory upgrades for desktops, laptops, servers, and printers all backed by a lifetime warranty and guaranteed compatible with your computer. Shipping is an everyday low price of $1.99! Computer Memory Outlet sells memory compatible with all leading computer manufacturers like Dell, Apple, Compaq, HP, Sony, IBM, Lenovo, and many more.”

Microsoft By 2005, the report estimates, 130 million cellphones will be thrown out each year. Counting the phones, batteries and chargers, that comes to 65,000 tons a year, the report said. Although some phones may just stay unused in desk drawers, the report said, most will end up in landfills or being incinerated.

What is a Network Interface Card (NIC) The most important PC device is the network interface card (NIC). Each computer on the network, including the servers, is required to have one installed. It is the NIC that provides connectivity between the PC and the network's physical medium, optic cable. Most of the new motherboards available today for PCs and servers have the network interface card integrated with the motherboard. Older computers and some newer computers do not provide onboard network interfaces which will equire a NIC to be added.

Laptop Computers "This is becoming a very serious problem, because the amount of cellphone waste is growing tremendously," said Eric Most, director of the solid waste prevention program at Inform. "These chemicals accumulate and persist in the environment. They get in the plants, soil, water, and then move up the stream to humans."

laptop computers is driving strong sales for notebook computers, according to the latest quarterly sales figures from the research firm IDC, which reported a 37% computer sales for the second quarter, compared with a year earlier. In the U.S., laptop sales grew 17.7%, while sales of desktop computers and servers fell 4%. The New York Times ( 10), CNET ( 10)

Laptop Computer The threat of cellphone waste is not restricted to the United States. More than a billion cellphones are used worldwide, and Japan and several European countries have started pressuring manufacturers to eliminate toxic chemicals.

"Computer industry analysts estimate that some 60 percent of all corporate data exists only on desktop and laptop computers, " said Walter Scott, CEO of Acronis. "Incorporating Acronis True Image with New Mexico Software backup server is the ideal solution to capture that corporate data and ensure that it is not lost. While traditional server backups are effective for protecting server data, every company should have a combination of server and workstation backup plans."

Desktop Computer Researchers at Inform say companies can act to eliminate waste by creating take-back programs that offer discounts on new phones or phone service in exchange for returned equipment.

Notebooks "If producers have to take back their cellphones, they have an incentive to make products that generate less waste and are easier to recycle," said Bette K. Fishbein, an economist who was lead author of the study. "Australia has a nationwide take-back program, and Europe is about to mandate that companies take back their electronics. The same should be done in the U.S."

Lenovo Some companies, including Verizon and Sprint, do have take-back programs, but the main industry group, the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, opposes mandatory programs. Rather than requiring manufacturers to dispose of old phones, the industry prefers programs in which old phones are turned over to charities or resold in less developed countries, said Travis Larson, a spokesman for the group.

Hard Drive Some states have taken small steps to promote reusing cellphones. A government-financed program in Maryland collects used cellphones that are recycled or reprogrammed and given to the elderly so they can call 911 in an emergency.

Travelstar "Recovery of cellphones is occurring on a much larger scale in other countries, often with the cooperation of manufacturers and retailers," the Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement in August. "E.P.A. is interested in working to encourage similar developments in the United States."

Gateway The agency is working with Inform on a follow-up study to examine the effectiveness of reusing and recycling cellphones.

Laptop Parts In the meantime, Ms. Fishbein said, American manufacturers should limit waste by standardizing design elements so consumers have fewer reasons to buy new phones.

Software Although manufacturers are working to reduce their use of toxic materials, they oppose a mandated technical standard, Mr. Larson said.

Hard Drives "If we had had a government standard in the beginning," he said, "we'd still all be speaking on analog phones. And that means no e-mail, no text messaging, no Caller ID. Competition equals innovation in this case."

Electronics By Anahad O'Connor
New York Times - 10/8/2002

Topic: Recycling

[ Comment, Edit or Article Submission ]

Share this:

Add To Yahoo MyWeb Add To Google Bookmarks Add To Furl Fav This With Technorati Add To Newsvine Add To Bloglines Add To Ask Add To Windows Live Add To Slashdot Stumble This Digg This Add To Del.icio.us Add To Reddit

More about:

Nov December 2008 Jan
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
  1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31      

IBM Computer, Laptops and Servers Blog on Technorati Related Blog of IBM Computer, Laptops and Servers on Sphere
Content Directory
Resource Guide


Symantec AntiVirus Security and Storage Solutions

Website Links
IBM Computer, Laptops and Servers Copyright © 2008 www.ibmfans.com. All rights reserved. Site Map
Homepage | Blog | Advertise | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Links