A Cardboard Computer: The Recompute PC
Green technology is more important today than it has ever been. Companies are constantly striving toward a more environmentally friendly way of running things each one is eager to broadcast the fact that their search for greener solutions is a priority.
Today the blogs are a-buzz with the news of a cardboard PC. The Recompute PC comes from Brenden Macaluso and is the designer’s entry for the Greener Gadgets Design Competition in New York.
The Recompute PC is a working machine that uses just three major electrical components; a motherboard (with processor and memory), a PSU and a hard drive. Word on the grapevine is the Recompute packs 2 GB of RAM, a 2.5-inch hard drive, four USB ports and a micro ATX motherboard. Electronics aside, the Recompute case is made of corrugated cardboard and its manufacturing process involves four simple steps: cutting, gluing (with non toxic adhesive), printing and electronic assembly.


Simplicity and renewable materials are all well and good but we had a couple of questions when we saw it, like, “how do you cool that thing?” Brenden Macaluso talked to Engadget about his product and mentioned that there's been some concern over the safety of using cardboard. He reasoned that cardboard is more heat-resistant than many plastics, with a much higher fire and ignition point -- 258°C and 427°C, respectively -- where plastics begin to melt at about 120°C.
Click here to check out some of the other designs in the Greener Gadgets Design Competition in New York.
It doesn't look all that green to me, looks like lots of custom cardboard production. Metal can be recycled too, I thought.
I find it hard to see the "green" in this. I thought saving the planet was using one sheet of toilet paper, two if it is a really bad crap. This is why I never believe anyone who must proclaim they love nature. If it takes a proclamation to assuage one's guilt, they likely know they are lacking. Cardboard comes from some place, I seriously doubt the people getting this cardboard, even if it is recycled, are reducing the amount of tree's the paper industry is going to use. Thus, the environment is not any greener from the use of it.
I am sure it could be molded to any shape desired and have a very finished look. They would be scratch and heat resistant. Also it could contain recycled material.
While it might not burn at a temperature that plastics melt, I'm pretty sure it'll still wear out far quicker, and be far more susceptible to water damage, such as even just damp air. Plus, it'd be impossible to keep clean; invariably, I can see this case being more likely to be thrown away rather than recycled compared to a metal case, which is equally as recyclable, if not more given that metal tends to cost more to produce new than paper products, yet both cost much closer to each other to recycle.
Basically, I see this just as a novelty case made to fleece some naive people of their money and nothing more.
While it might not burn at a temperature that plastics melt, I'm pretty sure it'll still wear out far quicker, and be far more susceptible to water damage, such as even just damp air. Plus, it'd be impossible to keep clean; invariably, I can see this case being more likely to be thrown away rather than recycled compared to a metal case, which is equally as recyclable, if not more given that metal tends to cost more to produce new than paper products, yet both cost much closer to each other to recycle.
Basically, I see this just as a novelty case made to fleece some naive people of their money and nothing more.
In short, say goodbye to your warranty!