Green Computers

Is it time you upgraded your desktop PC or laptop?

As with a lot of things, it’s probably worth asking yourself if you really need a new one as small upgrades can go a long way to keeping your existing desktop or laptop running smoothly and is often the more enviromentally friendly option over buying a new computer.

Assuming your current computer has given up the ghost and can no longer take the stress of YouTube and BBC iPlayer though, there are now some good alternative choices to the ‘regular’ desktops and laptops stocked in your average electronics store.

The ASUS’s Bamboo Series Notebook, is clad in bamboo – one of the most sustainable materials available – making the production and eventual disposal a lot better on the planet. ‘Super Hybrid Engine’ technology also improves power efficiency, extending the battery life between 35% and 70% compared to similar spec’d notebooks and hence the time between charges.

Specs are as follows: (12.1 inch screen version):

• Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9400/P8600/P840
• Memory: DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 4GB SDRAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS External 256MB VRAM
• Harddisk: 320/250/160GB
• DVD Multiwriter, Webcam, 8-in-1 Card reader
  

For a slightly cheaper option, Fujitsu Siemens have a range of green-certified computers including their Scaleo L ‘Green Edition’ Desktop. Most of their desktops have ‘Energy Star 4.0′ ratings, which means good power efficiency in all modes of operation including standby and halogen-free motherboards. Fujitsu-Siemens are also expected to show off a ‘Zero Watt PC’ in March this year at the consumer electronic show CeBIT, although it won’t be available to buy until the middle of 2009 – I’ll be bringing you more details of this when announced. [via GadgetLite]

Standard Laptop	Asus Bamboo Series Laptop	Fujitsu Siemens Desktops
c.£750-£1200 (for similar spec to Asus Bamboo Series, Intel Core 2 Duo T9400)	c.£1320 from Anvika	c.£370-£700 from MacWarehouse

The Greener Strip Plug

The humble four-way strip plug now has an alternative that intelligently shuts off power to appliances that aren’t being used, making for an altogether greener choice that reduces energy consumption.

The ‘Intelliplug’ from OneClickPower powers off all other devices plugged in to the strip when the main appliance, such as a PC, is not in use. This stops energy being wasted by electronics like printers and PC speakers left on in stand-by. The Intelliplug automatically learns how much power the PC is using so that peripherals are switched back on when it is started, and leaves a delay so that things shut down properly without damage.

OneclickPower also has strip-plugs designed for home AV equipment, but the Intelliplug could really be used with any set of appliances that are used together, such as:

• TV, Video, Set-top box, DVD Player, Console
• CD Player, Amplifier, Radio
• PC, Printer, Monitor, Speakers, Scanner

Standard 4-Way	8-Way Intellipane	3-Way Intelliplug
from c.£11 (with surge protection)	c.£23 from Microdirect c.£20 refurbished from OneClickPower	c.£13-£15 from Microdirect or OneClickPower
Energy used: Average PC draws c.89 watts per hour under a low load, so with a combination of appliances anything in the region of 90 – 500W	Saves on average c.35 watts per hour according to OneClickPower

Do you have an Intelliplug? Do you know of another solution to reduce power wasted on stand-by? Get in touch!