NEC VersaPro VE disguises energy saving mode as "ECO button"

Just in case it wasn't official enough already, mega-corps have ridden this green bandwagon way too far. Like, the wheels have fallen clean off. Nevertheless, NEC is hoping to guilt you into picking up its VersaPro VE with the dedicated "ECO button," which seems to act as a macro for activating the Energy Saver mode within Windows. Beyond all that, you'll find a 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a GMA X3100 graphics set, 15.4-inch WXGA panel, an 80GB hard drive, CD burning combo drive, gigabit Ethernet and a pretty typical arrangement of ports. Those not satisfied with the listed specifications can customize the unit somewhat, but those happy as a peach with the base configuration can secure one for ¥186,000 ($1,770).

[Via ShinyPlastic]

[Ninjakamster (PSN: Chin-Poh) @ May 14th 2008 10:30PM]

No biggie Engadget, the "ECO" button has been on several Japanese laptops in the past. Only one I can think of right now is the Lifebook P7120/P7230

[ovet @ Jun 8th 2008 11:12AM]

I was gonna say, I have an American P7120 and it has an Eco button on it.

[Andrew H. @ May 15th 2008 2:03PM]

yup. i own an NEC Versa P8210 (about 2 years old now) and I can confirm it has an eco button

[Les @ May 14th 2008 10:42PM]

1700$$ woah.

rip off

[eggothewaffle @ May 14th 2008 10:49PM]

This is similar to the "V-TEC just kicked in yo," no?

[Eric @ May 14th 2008 10:45PM]

$1700 is quite a bit for those specs.

No one can say anything about Apple after this one...

[zomg0t @ May 14th 2008 11:12PM]

Just because this laptop is expensive for its specs does not excuse Apple, or any other company, for overcharging its customers.

[darkstar @ May 14th 2008 11:21PM]

hey man, whatever happened to that nec lui rn??? the super skinny laptop?

[jdross @ May 14th 2008 11:26PM]

For that price the battery better last for days. They must be raking in enormous margins on this thing

[Kale @ May 14th 2008 11:51PM]

i never purchase NEC in my entire life, why we talk about it all the time?

[mykie @ May 15th 2008 1:17AM]

The secret is that they wired the Turbo button in reverse!

[jorvay @ May 15th 2008 11:32AM]

Seems just as likely that "eco" is short for "economy," a term that gets used commonly to suggest running something in a more efficient state.