Toshiba and Wal-Mart have announced a new partnership to create the first Restriction on Hazardous Susbstance (RoHS) laptop. RoHS is a directive that curbs the use of a series of hazardous substances in electronic equipment, including the use of lead, cadmium and mercury This is a nice step as Green Star, a non-profit organization that encourages businesses to practice waste and pollution reduction along with energy conservation, reports that consumer electronics make up 40 percent of the lead found in landfills.

The laptop in question is a 15-inch Toshiba Satellite. It promises to feature a a 40GB hard drive and Wi-Fi, and will be priced at less than $700 in most markets. Furthermore, Wal-Mart says that it will be joined byall computers sold at their stores will meet RoHS standards by July.

This joins the Fujitsu FMV Biblo NB80K laptop in the growing eco-friendly computer segment.

With thanks to Gizmodo for the tip!