How We Rate Computers
Environmental Impact
Our Environmental Impact Rating for Computers is based on a product's Consumption and Toxicity Ratings (see below), manufacturing location and manufacturer's commitment(s) to the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), a system designed to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes. This includes but is not limited to whether the product contains toxic material such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, SCCP flame retardants, PVC and others; whether the product's manufacturer has committed to a product "take back" and/or electronics recycling program; and whether the manufacturer is committed to increasing the longevity and energy-efficiency of their products. Please visit www.epeat.net/Criteria.aspx for details.
The higher the Environmental Impact Rating, the lesser the environmental impact of the product is relative to other products within the category.
Consumption
Our Consumption Rating for Computers is based on a product's annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours, factoring in energy consumption in various “states” (e.g. standby, sleep mode, etc.).
The higher the Consumption Rating, the more energy-efficient the computer.
Toxicity
Our Toxicity Rating for Computers in based on a product's compliance with the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). This includes but is not limited to whether the product contains toxic material such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, SCCP flame retardants, PVC and others. Please visit www.epeat.net/Criteria.aspx for details.
The higher the Toxicity Rating, the more compliant the product and its manufacturer are to EPEAT criteria.
Lifecycle Cost
Our Lifecycle Cost Rating for Computers is based on a product’s cost of ownership, including its purchase price and cost of operation (energy costs), relative to that of other products. The higher the Lifecycle Cost Rating, the more cost-effective the computer.
Price
Our Price Rating for Computers evaluates a product’s price relative to that of other comparable products. The higher the Price Rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
