Acer’s new laptop is made from … oyster shells? A first look at the carbon-neutral AI PC.

The issue of electronic waste and its related pollution is a significant concern in today’s advanced societies. Rapidly emerging technology tends to render existing devices obsolete, frequently within just a few years, causing them to be discarded even when they are still functional.

The second-hand laptop market is bustling, yet many devices are unfortunately sent to landfills or recycling centers. These products travel globally, often being dismantled and recycled as much as possible. However, a significant amount of discarded electronic waste continues to release harmful heavy metals into the ground. Adding to this issue is the vast amount of plastic packaging encompassing the device components.

Acer’s Aspire Vero 16 is a carbon-neutral AI PC made (partly) from oyster shells

At CES 2025, Acer unveiled their latest creation – the Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-71P) laptop. Acer asserts that this device maintains a carbon-neutral status across its entire lifespan, encompassing stages such as material sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, usage, and disposal. This is an ambitious claim worth noting.

Apart from Acer, manufacturers may also declare that any residual carbon emissions are counterbalanced with premium carbon credits, ensuring carbon neutrality. This balance will be authenticated by an external party. While the carbon credit system has its flaws, I’m unaware of any other laptop brands making similar sustainability promises.

Wondering about Acer’s approach? The latest Aspire Vero 16 model incorporates approximately 70% more post-consumer recycled plastic and bio-based oyster shell material in its chassis compared to earlier versions, so it’s correct to say that this laptop includes some oyster shell components.

In addition, this touchpad is crafted from ocean-harvested plastic, its non-recycled counterpart is thinner, and Acer claims a user-friendly repair design. While the specifics aren’t clear, I imagine it includes simple storage access, removable wireless components at the very least. Unfortunately, the LPDDR5x RAM won’t be upgradable, but I hope Acer has made it simpler to replace parts like the screen and keyboard if they get damaged.

Just like you, I’m curious about how well this laptop performs during regular usage. Although I can’t confirm its durability firsthand until I test the device myself, having MIL-STD-810H durability certification suggests it’s off to a strong start.

From a casual observer’s perspective, the Aspire Vero 16 might seem like just another contemporary notebook. However, upon closer inspection, it stands out with its unique flecked finish. The keyboard boasts a number pad, while the touchpad houses an integrated fingerprint reader for added security. And let me tell you, the QHD webcam nestled in the top bezel comes equipped with a privacy shutter, which I find quite thoughtful and reassuring.

Within this laptop, you’ll find Intel’s latest Core Ultra H-series processors from the Series 2 family, with Acer mentioning a maximum of an Intel Core Ultra 7. The CPU is accompanied by as much as 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for storage, and a battery that Acer states can last up to 10.5 hours. This model sports a 16-inch screen offering FHD+ resolution and 100% sRGB color accuracy. Additional features include dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

The Aspire Vero 16 is expected to launch in North America in April 2025, starting at $799.99.

More new hardware on the way from Acer

Among the upcoming hardware from Acer in 2025, the Aspire Vero 16 has caught my attention the most, yet it’s not the sole release. Furthermore, at CES 2025, Acer unveiled new Swift Go laptops, available in both 14 and 16-inch models. These devices are equipped with Intel’s latest Core Ultra 200H processors, 3K OLED screens, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and QHD webcams.

In April, the larger model will debut in North America with a price tag of $949.99, and the smaller version is set to follow in May, priced at $899.99. Here’s a glance at the specifications you can expect from these two laptops:

1. The larger model:
– Expected launch month: April
– Starting price: $949.99
– Specifications: To be revealed soon

2. The smaller model:
– Expected launch month: May
– Starting price: $899.99
– Specifications: To be revealed soon

Additionally, some tools have been introduced to facilitate seamless connectivity while traveling.

The compact Acer Connect M6E 5G portable Wi-Fi device can easily fit into your pocket, yet provides the capability to supply 5G connectivity to other devices that rely on Wi-Fi. According to Acer, this device can run for up to 28 hours due to its integrated battery, and it can broadcast a Wi-Fi 6E signal simultaneously to as many as 20 devices. It’s anticipated to operate in over 135 countries, making it an excellent accessory for mobile professionals. The launch is scheduled for Q1 2025 at a price of $249.

On the other hand, the latest development in networking news is a Wi-Fi 7 dongle that can be used with both USB-A and USB-C computers. This device features a tri-band setup capable of delivering speeds up to 2,880Mbps. It’s anticipated to hit the market in Q1 2025, priced at $79 as its starting point.

Don’t forget to explore my write-up on Acer’s newly unveiled Copilot+ PCs at CES 2025, featuring the compact AI-powered Revo Box Mini PC.

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2025-01-06 23:24