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Cardboard computers - your PC of the future? (images)

by Andy Smith  |  October 4, 2010 11:00am PDT  |  Image 1 of 14

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Your next PC will most likely come in a cardboard box. But if Recompute has its way, the case will be a cardboard box - saving energy by using paper-based material instead of plastic or metal to house a PC. Sean Portnoy tells more in his blog.

Introducing the cardboard PD. Credit: Recompute

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RE: Cardboard computers - your PC of the future? (images)
hoaxoner 6th Oct 2010
@dragosani
you are correct sir. How much aluminum and other metals that have already been mined that are floating around out there? Metal is one of the easiest materials to recombine into what you want, so using what we already have used is right on.
It just looks like a bad Idea, Definitely a house or office fire waiting to happen. Plus the case itself acting as an incubator keeping the internals hot. Maybe I am wrong and things will work out just fine, It is a really interesting concept in a way though. I would like to see it in action even if I am against the Idea.
@olePigeon I tell you what?s wrong with aluminium: It may be fully recyclable - but it takes a really huge amount of energy to produce it in the first place. I like the idea of the cardbox-pc. Wonder if a Laptop-Model will be available some day as well ...
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Ok
dragosani 6th Oct 2010
@sglietz

I have a PC that has a steel case. That case is still in active use more than 12 years later. It is still perfectly usable and I just upgraded it a couple weeks ago.

Recyclable metal cases can last a long long long time. Spread its cost over the lifetime of service and it starts becoming better sustainable solution to cardboard (especially since you are not having to spray flame retardant all over it). I think their efforts would be put to better use by educating people on the REUSE part of recycling.

You don't have to believe me though.

http://www.sustainable-computer.com/faq-sustain.php
@dragosani
you are correct sir. How much aluminum and other metals that have already been mined that are floating around out there? Metal is one of the easiest materials to recombine into what you want, so using what we already have used is right on.
I think a Jello or Gingerbread case would be even better as you could then just eat it when you're ready to upgrade.
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Now THAT would be progress!
use_what_works_4_U 4th Oct 2010
@rpmtl22
Why not? We have a hard time finding someone to recycle the cases now. This would certainly help in that department.
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Fire waiting to happen
x21x 4th Oct 2010
I wouldn't want this case 50 feet from my house... it is a rather unique concept though.
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I guess I should also say...
x21x 4th Oct 2010
If people start buying this case and the village/city finds out about it they would probably require a computer case inspection... and permit. lol
It is an interesting idea, but not a good one. Like one of the guys said previously, you can recycle aluminum. The cardboard pc's are ugly. Only way you'll be able to get people to buy them is to make them by passing a law, or through government contracts. I usually build micro-atx pc's either way, less case, less space. Don't see much of a future for cardboard pc's except with green extremists (I do recycle, but come on, some guys get ridiculous)....
It's hideous. One would think a bit too flamable for electronics. What about RF noise? This isn't even a good joke. Give me some good ole Chinese steel. We have plenty of room for land fills.
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FAIL made of FAIL
MSFTWorshipper 5th Oct 2010
I mean come on let's not give in to the eco-freaks people.
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well
galach 6th Oct 2010
I liked the concept, and the visual is great: it have "rustic" feel, and that is cool. But I really think that it is not a bit secure; even if you discard a fire possibility, imagine you dropping a coffee cup upon it...
Cardboard and paper production causes a lot of pollution too. I'd rather live next to an Alcoa plant than a paper mill!

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