New Energy Star for PCs

[PrntRhd]

The requirements for USA Energy Star compliance has just been raised:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=BWBBWPMYJFLOKQSNDLRCK HSCJUNN2JVN?articleID=201200831

On its Energy Star Web site, the EPA estimates that its new computer specifications will save consumers and businesses "more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next 5 years and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the annual emissions of 2.7 million vehicles."

[deddard]

It will be interesting to see how the technology in the low powered $100 laptops filters into mainstream computing. These things only run at a couple of watts, and let's face it, for office use could prove just the ticket if the technology is ported over.

General word processing etc doesn't need anything fancy, and if the reports that these machines may be made available in developed countries as well as the third world, (can't remember the link for this offhand) then it also means that Linux will become much more widespread.

Interesting times.

[RunCMD]

Manufacturers have told the EPA that the new power supply requirements add about $30 in costs to meet the revamped Energy Star requirements, Kaplan said. However, the cost of those power supplies will fall as large computer manufacturers scurry to get on board with the new specs, she said.

For users of computers meeting the new Energy Star specs, "the savings are $2 to $10 a year per computer, or 20 kWh to 100 kWh," she said. That can add up.

Not like math is a strong point for me, but let me get this straight... It's going to cost $30 more per computer and my savings is $2 to $10 a year? At best, it will pay for itself in 3 years--which is about the time I'll be looking for another computer. At worst, it will take 15 years--at which point I'll be using the thing to prop a door open, if I still own it.

:confused:

[deddard]

The main point is that you'll be using less power.
Not just good for the environment, but less pressure on the grid.

Like everything else, the prices will drop sharply as soon as they are mainstream

[Budfred]

The fact that people are not willing to pay a few bucks more to save the environment is part of the reason we are in so much trouble... How many Katrina's, wiped out species and droughts are needed before people will pay a bit more for more efficient products, especially when you usually end up saving at least as much as you pay over the long run?? Keep in mind that energy costs keep going up as well... A product that saves $10 this year, may save $12 next year... Even if you never get that back, slowing down the destruction of the planet seems like a worthy reason to invest a bit of cash...

[RunCMD]

The push it as an "environment saver"... Not a money saver.