iPhone 3G: Green Tech For The Masses

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeFor the past 3 years, I have been preaching the end of the web as we *knew* it, and also evangelizing mobile computing, the true realization of our Star Trek future, along with enviromentally-friendly technology (Green Tech). The latest Apple iPhone, due in stores July 11, takes major steps forward on all of these fronts.

The U.S. is finally seeing critical mass on high speed HSDPA (erroneously referred to as 3G) networks for mobile phones, and iPhone 3G takes advantage of it. This is a positive step forward since more web access from rechargable mobile devices requires less from the desktop or laptop at home, which comsume more electricity and are often left on unecessarily.

Apple takes it a step further by ushering in “applications” to run from the phone that connect users to their eBay, or Google or Live Journal experience. Surely we’ll see streamlined inputs for Flickr and the like?

However, the Cupertino computer maker puts its best foot forward by reducing the packing to recycle-friendly cardboard and potato-starch buttressing, and toxin-free inks. Gone is the metallic aluminum casing, replaced with recycle-friendly plastic – which reportedly improves on the iPhone’s well known reception issues.

I’m excited at the prospect of a mobile device that melds a satisfactory Internet experience with simple telephone features, mass acceptance and green design. It’s hard to be focused on the wins while we dwell on the losses to our climate. This is one of the wins.