Acer has unveiled its latest Chromebook, the Vero 514. This laptop relies on recycled materials and simplified disassembly to easily replace certain components.
Also in the world of new technologies and IT, the ecological argument and sustainability can be of interest to consumers. While several manufacturers – such as Fairphone for telephones or Framework for laptops – have already entered this market, it is now Acer’s turn to present its initiative in the field of repairable and upgradeable laptops. level.
This Wednesday, the Taiwanese manufacturer presented its new Chromebook designed to be easily disassembled and improved by users, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514. classic, running under Google’s ChromeOS system. It has a 14-inch diagonal IPS LCD panel with a definition of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It also has a 56 Wh battery allowing use for 10 consecutive hours as well as a fingerprint reader. For the processor, the manufacturer leaves the choice with several versions: Intel Pentium Gold 8505, Intel Core i3-1215U, Intel Core i5-1235U or Intel Core i7-1255U. For memory, Acer promises up to 16 GB of LPPDDR4X RAM and 256 GB of NVMe SSD storage.
A portable PC using many recycled materials
But in addition to these relatively classic characteristics for a laptop, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is distinguished above all by its design allowing easy disassembly for the repair or replacement of its components. The Chromebook is thus assembled using standard screws to easily access the RAM modules or the SSD drive. In terms of design, Acer also claims to have reduced its ecological footprint as much as possible thanks to recycled materials: “this recycled plastic Chromebook uses 30% PCR2 plastic in the chassis and screen bezel, and 50% in the keys and speakers“. We will also find a packaging designed using recycled paper and cardboard as well as a certification of robustness to avoid breakage at the slightest fall.
Admittedly, we are not yet at the level of what a manufacturer specializing in repairability or modification options like Framework can offer, but it is still interesting that other manufacturers take advantage of this ecological argument when designing their laptop. Remember, however, that the most polluting elements of a computer are not so much the chassis or the packaging, but the electronics or the battery, largely composed of rare earths.
In the same vein as Acer, Dell also presented, last June, its Concept Luna, an ultra-dismountable laptop prototype. However, it is still only a concept for the time being and the firm has not yet planned to market it.
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 will be available in November from 599 euros depending on the version.
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