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The world's two largest personal-computer manufacturers are taking a step forward in recycling.

Hewlett-Packard and Dell have announced free programs to encourage U.S. consumers to recycle computers and electronics. HP has teamed with Office Depot stores to offer free recycling for any make of computers, monitors, digital cameras, fax machines, cell phones and other electronics. Consumers can drop off electronics at any Office Depot store between July 18 and Labor Day.

Beginning next week, customers who buy a new computer from Dell can recycle their old computer free, and Dell will pick it up from your house. The offer expands on a free recycling program the company has had for printers since last year.

Hundreds of chemicals and metals are used to manufacture technology equipment. Computers usually contain lead, cadmium, mercury and flame retardants.

Missing from Google The New York Times is risking cyber-irrelevance to protect a lucrative contract with Lexis-Nexis, according to Adam Penenberg in Wired News. Penenberg says the Times' user registration policy and fee-based archive prevent articles from prominent display on Google, which he says is a kiss of death.

iPod is Blazing Hot The iPod is going great guns. Apple's quarterly profits have tripled, driven by demand for the digital music player.

Works for Apple, Why not eBay? eBay will soon begin selling downloadable music, according to the Merc. "The move into digital music -- now dominated by competitors such as Apple Computer's iTunes Music Store and WalMart.com -- will present a unique challenge for eBay, analysts said. The company will need to get consumers to view its site as a music store, not just a place to get good deals on electronics or clothes."

Find Your Pets with GPS The New York Times reports on a new use for GPS: tracking your dog. "In the United States, only a small percentage of animals separated from their owners are reunited, according to the American Humane Association. But wireless technology may one day provide some help both for animals and the humans who cherish them, whether the pets have strayed across town or across the border."

Sick of It Why do people confess their life fatigue to Tired.com?