Sony VAIO Eco Friendly Notebook Review

In a sign of the times it seems that even the computer industry is getting in on the eco-friendly trends of the day.  Sony have announced there own plans for helping the environment introducing the Sony VAIO Eco Friendly Notebook to the market.  The notebooks are available in a range of “eco” colours which include leopard print and floral patterns.  While they look a little strange at first glance, they are certainly noticeable!

While the notebooks are basically a revamp of the popular VAIO FZ computers, they actually offer a number of eco friendly based elements which include, packaging which consist of recyclable material, non hazardous elements inside the notebook, which does not include any lead for example.  The interesting thing is that while this has been seen by many as a PR stunt, the Sony VAIO Eco Friendly Notebook does work and it is a useable product.  The fact that Sony have been able to make a statement about their environmental attributes is a bonus for many.

The machines come with a choice of processor, between the Centrino Duo or Intel Core Duo, there is also a choice of operating systems between Windows Vista Home Premium or the Ultimate edition.  The machines have been branded accordingly to their colours, with names such as “Caribbean water”, clay earth” and “bloom” to name but a few.  As well as the eco friendly elements of the notebook, Sony are also offering credits to people who trade in their old computers, as well as a battery recharging service in their shops.

Now for the kicker, while the company will be donating 1% of the price of each product sold to environmental causes, there will only be a very limited number of the Sony VAIO Eco Friendly Notebooks available from day one.  If Sony does not make the product available on a wider basis they will risk accusations of grabbing the headlines with little substance behind it.  This would be a pity because the products seem to address a number of accusations which have been targeted at the industry of late.