Environmental requirements

Below you will find a brief summary of the environmental requirements met by this product. The complete environmental criteria document may be ordered from:

TCO Development

SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden

Fax: +46 8 782 92 07

Email (Internet): development@tco.se

Current information regarding TCO'99 approved and labelled products may also be obtained via the Internet, using the address: http://www.tco-info.com/

Flame retardants

Flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards, cables, wires, casings and housings. Their purpose is to prevent, or at least to delay the spread of fire. Up to 30% of the plastic in a computer casing can consist of flame retardant substances. Most flame retardants contain bromine or chloride, and those flame retardants are chemically related to another group of environmental toxins, PCBs. Both the flame retardants containing bromine or chloride and the PCBs are suspected of giving rise to severe health effects, including reproductive damage in fish-eating birds and mammals, due to the bio-accumulative*processes. Flame retardants have been found in human blood and researchers fear that disturbances in foetus development may occur.

The relevant TCO'99 demand requires that plastic components weighing more than 25 grams must not contain flame retardants with organically bound bromine or chlorine. Flame retardants are allowed in the printed circuit boards since no substitutes are available.

Cadmium**

Cadmium is present in rechargeable batteries and in the colour-generating layers of certain computer displays. Cadmium damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that batteries, the colour-generating layers of display screens and the electrical or electronics components must not contain any cadmium.

Mercury**

Mercury is sometimes found in batteries, relays and switches. It damages the nervous system and is toxic in high doses. The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that batteries may not contain any mercury. It also demands that mercury is not present in any of the electrical or electronics components associated with the labelled unit. There is however one exception. Mercury is, for the time being, permitted in the back light system of flat panel monitors as there today is no commercially available alternative. TCO aims on removing this exception when a mercury free alternative is available.

CFCs (freons)

The relevant TCO'99 requirement states that neither CFCs nor HCFCs may be used during the manufacture and assembly of the product. CFCs (freons) are sometimes used for washing printed circuit boards. CFCs break down ozone and thereby damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere, causing increased reception on earth of ultraviolet light with e.g. increased risks of skin cancer (malignant melanoma) as a consequence.

Lead**

Lead can be found in picture tubes, display screens, solders and capacitors. Lead damages the nervous system and in higher doses, causes lead poisoning. The relevant TCO´99 requirement permits the inclusion of lead since no replacement has yet been developed.

*Bio-accumulative is defined as substances which accumulate within living organisms

**Lead, Cadmium and Mercury are heavy metals which are Bio-accumulative.

29 January, 1999

1501 specifications

The Compaq 1501 is a notable entry in the realm of portable computing, first making its appearance in the early '90s. Designed for business professionals and power users, this laptop emphasized a unique blend of portability and functionality.

At the heart of the Compaq 1501 was its robust Intel processor, often part of the Intel 80386 family, which offered commendable performance for the time. Coupled with a generous amount of RAM, the 1501 provided users with the capability to run multiple applications smoothly, making it ideal for multitasking. The laptop supported various operating systems, including MS-DOS and early versions of Windows, helping to maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Display technology was another standout feature of the Compaq 1501. It boasted a high-quality LCD screen, offering a resolution that was competitive with other laptops of its era. The clarity of the display made it suitable for both professional applications and light multimedia use, such as presentations and video playback.

Port connectivity was essential to the productivity of the Compaq 1501. Equipped with a range of ports including serial, parallel, and even a floppy disk drive, this laptop provided ample options for connecting peripherals, enhancing its versatility in various work environments. Additionally, it featured an external monitor port, allowing users to connect to larger displays for presentations or meetings.

One of the defining characteristics of the Compaq 1501 was its impressive battery life, a crucial factor for mobile professionals. With intelligent power management features, the laptop enabled extended use on a single charge, allowing for productivity without being tethered to a power source.

Design-wise, the Compaq 1501 sported a sturdy build that was typical of the era's commercial laptops. Its compact form factor combined with a solid hinge mechanism contributed to a reliable and durable device, designed to withstand the rigors of travel.

In conclusion, the Compaq 1501 encapsulated the essence of early portable computing, marrying performance, versatility, and durability in a compact package. Its features and technologies laid the groundwork for future innovations in the laptop market, making it a significant piece of computing history.