One of the things that turns me away from products is when they are slapped with something saying it’s “environmentally friendly” or “green” when its not. If cutting down trees and mining the soils for ore is environmentally friendly then this PC by Design Hara, is exactly that. I get that you could recycle this but do people really buy products (namely electronics) just because they can be recycled?
My initial thought about this PC was of course the design. It fits into the mid-century category by the materials choice. The option of Italian Cypress wood, Canadian Rose wood or even sheep leather really give this the computer it’s substance. The keyboard and even USB drive also really add to it. Maybe next we’ll see a wood-framed monitor. But as cool as this is and as much as I love the mid-century design aesthetic, I would probably only use this as a decoration (enter Mac vs PC debate).
Images via Yanko
That’s a retro jem! I would love to have one of those running Mac OS. Too cool.
I agree with your view on Design Hara’s push at ‘Green’ marketing. The carefully chosen word ‘Recyclable’ almost made me laugh out loud.
Personally I’m a PC lover. Guess I’m more of a hacker and hate being force fed an aesthetic. The possibilities for customization in both appearance and hardware have consistently won me over from the Macs minimalist slick.
Oh well. As always, I love what you guys are doing in this space.
Peace,
JC
man this is really pretty, I think the keyboard could be redesigned though
Macs are already designed. No nails or wood glue needed. This computer looks cool, but if anyone is going for this look only, just get the 1974 Bang & Olufsen Beo System. Way classier and no anti-virus software needed.
really not enjoying that keyboard… a more low-profile approach might work better
Woah, are those speakers functional? Do they exist in the market?
In defense of their “green” claim, I think the power consumption was their main focus. At only 60watts, it draws about 15-20% as much power as the average PC. But, I just like the style.
After reviewing their product PDF, I withdraw any defense of the sustainability of the computer. It still looks nice.
I think the keyboard is pretty awesome. Would definitely buy it if it was available on its own.
However all of those “green IT” claims make me sick and definitely turns me off brands. Went to an automation fair recently where they had this huge billboard with a $1 bamboo stock image on it. The claim read “Our engineers are inspired by bamboo”, and then some more about what a great sustainable resource bamboo is. As I said, that was an AUTOMATION fair – the place was packed with engineers, how stupid do today’s marketing managers think that people are?
I’d never buy it for the “green” factor, but damn, I am seriously turned on by that rose wood.
It’s always nice when objects that are primarily functional are turned into something with more aesthetic value without disturbing the original functionality.
@John I spotted a set of those speakers in action in a shop in Melbourne over the weekend, the don’t sound amazing but look just as impressive in the flesh.
The look like a harmon/kardon design, but no mention on their sites
Found the speakers. http://www.fergusonhill.co.uk/
i would think its the components inside that pose more of a threat to the environment
for ocular pleasure I think the design for the keyboard would have worked better with aluminium casing and wooden strip inlay as detail…
I like wooden case!
think it will be cooler than ordinary metal cases.
I know basic carpentry that is why I am into woods. 🙂
thanks.
Just thought I’d comment and say great theme, did you are making it on your own? Its really superb!