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.

  • Tekkamanraiden
    Now what happens if it gets too hot?
    Reply
  • lightfoot__
    Did you even read the article? I could see how this would work. I would want a slow speed 80mm fan to help with a little cooling though. Simple a laptop disguised as a cardboard desktop.
    Reply
  • Tekkamanraiden
    I meant in the case of a harware failure such as a cpu fan.
    Reply
  • Richeemxx
    Lame! Modders have been doing cardboard cases for years.
    Reply
  • EntropyMu
    What temperature does the white glue start to melt/catch fire?

    It doesn't look all that green to me, looks like lots of custom cardboard production. Metal can be recycled too, I thought.
    Reply
  • cruiseoveride
    fire hazard
    Reply
  • StupidRabbit
    i dont think even Apple would be able to sell this junk. only if they overpriced it and justin long said it was uber-cool
    Reply
  • T-Bone
    What is happening to our world? What idiot comes up with this stuff? It's like bizzaro world...when is this over-exaggerated environmental nonsense going to end?!?!?!
    Reply
  • IronRyan21
    I seriously doubt its gaming properties. Does it come standard with a fire extinguisher?
    Reply
  • A Stoner
    I always figured it was good to have some metal around the PC components to prevent electromagnetic damage and corruption.

    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.
    Reply