Congratulations!

You have just purchased a TCO'99 approved and labelled product! Your choice has provided you with a product developed for professional use. Your purchase has also contributed to reducing the burden on the environment and also to the further development of environmentally adapted electronics products.

This product meets the requirements for the TCO'99 scheme which provides for an international environmental and quality labelling of personal computers. The labelling scheme was developed as a joint effort by the TCO (The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen (The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation), Statens Energimyndighet (The Swedish National Energy Administration) and SEMKO AB.

The requirements cover a wide range of issues: environment, ergonomics, usability, reduction of electric and magnetic fields, energy consumption and electrical safety.

Why do we have environmentally labelled computers?

In many countries, environmental labelling has become an established method for encouraging the adaptation of goods and services to the environment. The main problem, as far as computers and other electronics equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances are used both in the products and during their manufacture. Since it is not so far possible to satisfactorily recycle the majority of electronics equipment, most of these potentially damaging substances sooner or later enter nature.

There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy consumption levels, that are important from the viewpoints of both the work (internal) and natural (external) environments. Since all methods of electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment (e.g. acidic and climate-influencing emissions, radioactive waste), it is vital to save energy. Electronics equipment in offices is often left running continuously and thereby consumes a lot of energy.

What does the environmenal labelling involve?

The environmental demands has been developed by Svenska Naturskyddsforeningen (The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation). These demands impose restrictions on the presence and use of heavy metals, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs (freons) and chlorinated solvents, among other things. The product must be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an environmental policy which must be adhered to in each country where the company implements its operational policy.

The energy requirements include a demand that the computer and/or display, after a certain period of inactivity, shall reduce its power consumption to a lower level in one or more stages. The length of time to reactivate the computer shall be reasonable for the user.

29 January, 1999

33

Page 37
Image 37
Compaq 1501 manual Congratulations

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.