(Justmeans.com / CSR News) - by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California

Dell has been one of the leaders of the computer pack in developing more and more efficient computers. The Dell Studio Hybrid shows off how compact but powerful a computer can be, and while the company took a hit from Greenpeace in last summer's green gadget guide for failing to meet its promise on eliminating PVCs and BFRs from its line, it is at least working diligently on electronics recycling and making more energy efficient computers. In fact, Dell has announced its most powerful and energy efficient commercial desktop to-date, the OptiPlex 980. Boasting a 90% energy efficient power supply, meeting Energy Star 5.0, and earning EPEAT Gold. But the eco-perks don't stop there.

The Optiplex is touted as the only commercial desktop with an optional Dell EcoKit - called Hypercool - that reduces system noise by up to 50%, keeps the computer cooler, and reduces wear and tear to extend the lifespan of the computer. A decent cooling system is a big deal since overheating can really shorten the life of a computer. Having a good cooling system that still maintains energy efficiency over all is a big plus. There are, of course, ways to keep your computer cool that don't require fancy systems, but if it's already integrated, all the better.

The Optiplex comes in three chassis options, including a minitower, a regular desktop, and a small form factor. And an extra eco-perk is that OptiPlex 980 also contains more post-consumer recycled content than previous generations.

According to Dell, the OptiPlex 980 will be available worldwide in the coming weeks at a starting price of $807.

Dell has had a relatively impressive record for greening its operations, from running facilities on renewable energy to committing to keep all recycling here in the US and not shipping it abroad to e-waste dumps. It's good to see that their environmental focus is continuing on in its computer line-up.

We're pretty impressed with the Optiplex - especially in its score from EPEAT - and it has made it into our nominations for Best Of Green Reader's Choice Awards. You can vote for it - or a different top green computer - as well as a few other top techy tools like Best App for Smart Phones and Best Sci-Tech Twitter Feed.