Apple Computer Corporation has filed for a patent to protect an interesting, yet possibly controversial packaging innovation. Active Packaging is Apple’s idea of a way to keep on-the-shelf and in-the-package electronic products, such as iPod, charged, updated and ready to use.

The idea emerged when Apple developers wanted to eliminate the need for a new purchaser to charge the device before using or get updates after purchasing.

The patent application describes integrated packaging with ports and wires to plug new on-the-shelf devices in for power and data. While this falls under the cool idea category, the idea is totally wasteful and without beneficial purpose.

Adding wires and ports to packaging that will certainly be thrown away is the first problem. It would be far too optimistic to think this packaging would always be recycled properly. The result would be a senseless addition to the world’s landfills. It is also likely that this packaging would come with an increased cost to the consumer.

Another problem with this idea is the additional use of electrical power to keep on-the-shelf electronic devices charged. Granted, if the device charging system was driven by photovoltaic cells, there would be no additional CO2 emissions. However, the addition of solar panels at retail locations would again affect the consumer costs. One could assume these proposed on-the-shelf chargers would be connected to the existing electrical grid, thereby adding to our carbon footprint.

The real question may be: Why is it necessary to employ such a device when the consumer costs will certainly be affected? Most everyone understands that newly purchased electronic devices must be charged for several hours, if not overnight, before first use. Most people also understand that a new device has to be set-up for individual use and the preferences of its owner. This is the opportunity for the user to register the product and get any new software updates.

Apple claims it wants to eliminate these steps and allow the new user to put the device into service immediately after purchase. The brains behind this idea may have forgotten that on-line product registration, set-up and software upgrades are their opportunity to sell other products to the new user.

Most consumers are smart enough to know that these kinds of luxuries directly increase the purchase price of the products they buy and stay away from senseless frills in favor of saving money.