HP offers Energy Star computer

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 14 (UPI) -- Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. announced the release of its first energy-efficient computer.

The new HP dc5700, dc5750 and dc7700 business desktop PCs meet the latest energy-efficiency standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company said it is the first major PC manufacturer to offer 80 percent efficient power supplies, a key component of the Energy Star 4.0 regulations that take effect July 20. Testing has shown 80 percent efficient power supplies and other Energy Star 4.0 hardware requirements can reduce total system power consumption by as much as 52 percent.

"Our expanding family of energy-efficient desktop PCs not only help business customers meet upcoming regulatory requirements, but reduce the impact on the environment by meeting the EPA's most stringent Energy Star requirements yet," said Jeri Callaway, senior vice president and general manager at HP's Personal Systems Group in the Americas.

HP said customers using the new PCs could benefit from increased reliability, reduced maintenance costs and decreased air conditioning costs because the machines generate less heat. The prices for the new models start at $600.

"As a leader in energy efficiency, PG&E supports new technology designed to reduce the energy needed to operate computers," stated Roland Risser, director of Customer Energy Efficiency at PG&E. "We look forward to working with HP to accelerate the use of computers with 80 percent efficient power supplies and help consumers take advantage of new energy savings opportunities."