NEC monitor tracks your carbon emissions

The MultiSync E222W in all its pivoting, portrait-mode glory.

(Credit: NEC)

A couple months back, I talked about Dell's new Eco-friendly monitors, the G2210 and G2410, which feature on-screen displays (OSDs) that allow you to see, in real time, how much energy your monitor is using depending on its current brightness level. In the original blog, I commented that I hoped more developers would follow Dell's lead, and it looks like NEC will be the first to try--perhaps even topping Dell.

On Tuesday, NEC announced the MultiSync E222W, a 22-inch LCD monitor with a host of ergonomic and Eco-conscious options.

The monitor includes 110 millimeter height adjustment, pivoting, swivel, and tilt. It also includes an Eco Mode that purportedly reduces power consumption and heat generation.

Also, according to NEC, its Intelligent Power Management and off timer will help conserve energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by switching to a low-power state or automatically powering down when the monitor is on but is not in use. This feature apparently circumvents OS-based power options.

Taking a page out of Dell's aforementioned unique OSD options, the MultiSync E222W will allow users to track their carbon footprint savings, with what NEC calls the display's carbon footprint meter.

According to NEC, the tool takes the concept used in the Dells one step further by actually calculating the reduction of green gas emissions, unlike Dell's tool, which only shows energy readings relative to the monitor's brightness.

Queue the spec list!

• 1680 x 1050 native resolution in 16:10 aspect ratio
• 250 cd/m? brightness
• 5ms pixel response time
• Energy Star 5.0 and EPEAT Silver compliant
• 50 percent less power consumption and mercury content (Purported! We'll see how low it can go when we get one of these suckers in and put it through the ringer)
• Five-setting Video Mode (standard, text, movie, game, photo)
• HDCP and Windows Vista Premium-certified
• Recycled packaging materials

The MultiSync E222W comes with a three-year, parts-and-labor, limited warranty and will be available for July 2009 shipment at an estimated street price of $269. We hope to have one soon after that or, better yet, before! Right NEC?!