Comments on: What Will Greener Gadgets Look Like in the Future?

By: Tecra

Tecra — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:15:18 +0000

I meant to post that in the google gears thread

By: Tecra

Tecra — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:42:29 +0000

can you still receive txt msg’s when ur data is turned off?

By: Green Gadgets

Green Gadgets — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:29:33 +0000

I believe most of us are afraid of the electric bill.

Also its the time when the world should move on to use alternative sources of energy.

I have many products like the solar calculator,water heater etc. and I often use them.

This saves my electricity bill & also helps to reduce pollution.

Thanks for the information on Green Gadgets.

Please provide some more details on upcoming green gadgets.

Thanks

Deepak

By: Dan Greene

Dan Greene — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:55:17 +0000

I trust you were speaking metaphorically when you said “When my bill comes from the electric company, I rip it open to see how we did!”, and not needlessly wasting paper instead of using online paperfree billing?

Ohh the irony ;)

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:51:40 +0000

Richard, I grew up in a house that was all electric so I feel your pain. We use propane for heat and hot water (although I’m considering solar for my hot water needs) and we also use a wood fireplace almost daily from now to March. But we also have two full-time work at home folks (me and Barb) with multiple computers, so I’m pretty happy with our consumption drop.

All of our lights were swapped out with CCFL bulbs and that made a noticeable difference. For outlets that use power strips for multiple devices (TV, Xbox, FiOS box, stereo and such), I highly recommend Googling for Smart Strips. These will shut off all power to connected devices when the main device is off, i.e. shut the TV and nearly everything else is totally off. It helps minimize the vampire power that electronics can pull even when they’re off.

I’m with you: I like the challenge! :) When my bill comes from the electric company, I rip it open to see how we did!

By: Richard Garrett

Richard Garrett — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:08:23 +0000

Kevin your electric energy usage profile is inspiring. Mine ranges from close to 35kw per day in January to 3.5kw in June. FYI, my house is only electric (no gas, no solar). Thus, my hot water and house heat comes exclusively from electric. Like you, I religiously turn off chargers, television, radios, etc that aren’t in use. I have all thermostats on timers and try to keep lights off in unused rooms. Beyond all else, I enjoy the challenge.

By: Gavin Miller

Gavin Miller — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:01:06 +0000

Kevin, wireless charging is less efficient than a comparable wired charger. However, if charging pads take off, where you can charge multiple devices at once, this may improve overall consumption for those who tend to leave their multiple adapters plugged in all the time. In particular, these pads could be designed to have very low standby consumptions.