150 ENERGY EFFICIENT PC's TO BE WON PLUS ENERGY SAVING MONITORS FOR YOUR HOME

Following on from our fantastic green giveaway where we gave away 2 FREE energy efficient light bulbs to every Daily Mirror & Sunday Mirror reader...

Every day for the next 5 days E.ON, one the UK's leading energy companies, and the Daily Mirror are helping you to save money on your energy costs.

We're now giving away ONE HUNDRED AND FIFITY energy saving PC's with PC Powerdown and home energy saving monitors in our fabulous competition STARTING TODAY.

HUNDRED AND FIFTY readers will win one of these fantastic prizes, comprising

- Advent Eco PC. A unique PC designed to consume much less energy than a convential PC while still offering incredible performance it comes with an Intel® Core 2 Due processor, 160GB hard drive, 19" monitor and pre-loaded with Norton 360 all-in-one security
- PC Powerdown. A clever computer multi-plug that automatically switches off any equipment linked to your PC, such as a printer or scanner, when you shut down
- E.ON Home Energy Saving Monitor. This handy device will help you see the immediate effect of switching to your new low-energy bulbs and make other small changes which could save you money.

GET ENTERING NOW for your chance to win one of today's 30 ENERGY SAVING PC packages & Home Energy Saving Monitors.

PLUS there's another 30 packages to be won each day this week until FRIDAY.

E.ON If you are elderly, disabled or living on benefits you can call the Home Heat Helpline to access free home insulation, cheaper energy tariffs and practical advice on reducing your bills. Call 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk."

THE HOME HEAT HELPLINEE.ON is one of the UK's leading energy companies with over five million electricity and gas customers. They're working with us to help more people take control of their energy usage and save money on their bills.
For more information about E.ON, please visit eonenergy.com/giveaway

HOW TO ENTER

Correctly answer this question BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT for a chance to win :

Electric current is measured in _______
a) centimetres
b) metres
c) amperes

Competition

To enter online, you will need to open an account and register with click&buy to pay for online entry to the competition. You simply register once and then you can use your unique username and password to pay for all future Mirror competition entries. Your click&buy account can be settled later using direct debit, debit cards, credit cards or your BT phone bill. Please read the click&buy terms and conditions before opening an account.

For More info: http://www.mirror.co.uk/fun-games/competitions/2009/01/26/day-1-150-energy-efficient-pc-s-to-be-won-115875-21072754/
Read more!

Asustek goes for green with N-series notebooks

The N20 notebook series developed by Asustek Computer has won a WinHEC 2008 award in the Green PC category because of its eco-friendly design.

In addition to the WinHEC award, the N20 has been rated "Gold" in the Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) eco-program. Asustek said it has committed itself to "green," or environmentally-friendly PC products, in order to be responsible for hazardous waste from PCs.

EPEAT requires products to meet environmental criteria in eight categories including restrictions on hazardous substances, designing for end of life, energy conservation and packaging. Asustek has attempted to reduce hazardous materials and components that are used for its N20-series notebooks and eliminated a total of 37 hazardous substances, 31 in addition to the six controlled by ROHS regulations.

Not only is the N20-series' display mercury-free, but its LED backlight unit (BLU) also helps consume 50% less power than traditional CCFL panels, according to Asustek.

In addition, the N20-series adopts the in-mold roller (IMR) technology for its chassis, instead of conventional painting. IMR treated cases for notebook PCs help to reduce powder pollution to the environment. Meanwhile, the N20-series is also easy to disassemble for recycling purposes, Asustek highlighted.

The "eco-labeled" N20 series was launched in November 2008, targeting the mainstream consumer notebook segment.

for more info visit: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20081225PD216.html
Read more!

Eco-Friendly Zero Watt Monitors From Fujitsu

Fujitsu has just introduced LCD monitors that shut off power entirely when not in use.

Here's something for the eco-conscious hardware enthusiast to cheer about! Fujitsu has just introduced a range of LCD monitors that shuts off power entirely to the monitor when it's not in use. Normally, monitors in standby mode still draw little amounts of power - ranging between 1 to 6 watts. The latest range of Sceneview premium ECO monitors simply powers off the display when you're not using it. The new models have this feature enabled by default.

The technology aims to cut down on ever-increasing electricity bills and according to a company calculation, businesses can save up to 168,000 pounds per year just by switching to these monitors. It works on a simple, patent-pending technology that power off the display when you log off. Power is returned with the help of an electric pulse that is sent to the monitor once the PC is active again.

The range includes the 20-inch P20W-5 ECO and the 22-inch P22W-5 ECO - both of which are premium segment models that are packed with nearly every feature you'll ever need. The features include a 5ms response time, up to 1680x1050 resolution, HDMI, automatic brightness control and a maximum brightness of 300cd/m2.

Source: techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?article_id=92164&cat_id=581
Read more!

First eco-friendly computer developed in Ireland

MicroPro Computers LTD invented the iameco computer, which has been built from bio-degradable wood panels left over from waste products in the lumber and pulp industry.

The computer uses one third less energy than typical everyday computers, with the biodegradable equipment also capable of being used in the manufacturing of equipment such as keyboards and computer monitor casing.

Paul Maher, managing director of MicroPro, said that the energy efficiency of the computer is not the only positive aspect it has on the environment.

"Our business is built around green technologies and using them to produce healthier, more energy-efficient and cheaper computers that have less impact on the environment," he said.

"One advantage of iameco is that when the components are buried in landfill the wood gets wet, breaks down and new plants begin to grow from old computers."

The Irish company is based in the Rathfarnham area of South Dublin and was established in 1990.

Source:edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=15639&channel=0&title=First+eco-friendly+computer+developed+in+Ireland
Read more!

Dublin First with Eco-Computer

World’s First Eco-Computer Produced in Dublin.

The world’s first biodegradable computer has been produced in Dublin. The iameco computer is built from bio-degradable wood panels manufactured from waste products from the lumber and pulp industry.

Inventors of iameco, MicroPro Computers Ltd explained to the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Jimmy Devins T.D, how they can implant the seeds of native-tree species into these wood panels when he visited the company today to announce details of a new Enterprise Ireland Green Technology Support for businesses.

“Our business is built around green technologies and using them to produce healthier, more energy-efficient and cheaper computers that have less impact on the environment”, said Paul Maher, MD of MicroPro. One advantageof iameco is that when the components are buried in landfill the wood gets wet, breaks down and new plants begin to grow from old computers”.

In addition to the iameco computer, which uses one third less energy than regular computers, the biodegradable wood can also be used to manufacture the computer monitor casing, keyboard and mouse.

Minister Devins was on a visit to MicroPro Computers Ltd in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin to learn how the Irish owned company has used Enterprise Ireland supports to produce the world’s first eco-computer.

Commenting on the success of iameco, Minister Devins said: “The iameco computer story is a true example of innovation at work. Not only have MicroPro Computers developed a new, profitable product range but consumers now have the option of buying an environmentally friendly computer or TV’

‘Green technologies offer many opportunities to companies to innovate and save money. Enterprise Ireland’s GreenTech Support can help companies find ways to reduce air pollution and effluents, conserve water and save energy in the workplace as well as come up with new environmentally friendly products” he concluded.

Green PC, Green Computer, Green Technology

Source: irishdev.com/Home/News/167-Dublin-First-with-EcoComputer.html
Read more!

Eco friendly computing: Keep it green with the Lawn PC

This is one patch of grass you'll definitely need to keep off of. Despite what it may look like this isn't a computer/allotment with a real patch of grass sprouting out the top. The idea of the Lawn PC is so seriously far-fetched that it's obviously a concept - a futuristic solar powered concept. It's a completely wireless PC that gets rid of the need for an electrical outlet. This is where that peculiar patch of lawn comes in. As long as it's catching some rays, the grass will collect and store its own power from the solar cells embedded in it. Now the grass isn't the same stuff you'd find in your back garden, it's made form natural cotton fabric (so they're biodegradable) which carries inkjet printed solar cells.

The hundred of blades produce all the power your green machine needs at the rate of around 60 watts per hour. The grass is also removable to enable you to keep up with system upgrades.

Its innards are green too, with a CPU made from plastics infused with bio batch additives. Perplexed? Well, basically this material allows the plastic to decompose when you're ready to dispose of it, when the next big thing comes along perhaps, or you've had enough of insects thinking it's a real patch of grass. There's no need for a fan either, the natural air flow between the strands of grass is enough to keep it cool. Like any plant, the Lawn PC needs plenty of air and sunlight, but obviously not water, unless you want to see what happens when water and computer equipment combine.



It even connects wirelessly to the monitor. Due to the lack of wireage the Lawn PC could essentially and easily be placed anywhere to receive the optimal amount of light. And like most solar powered gadgets a backup plug will be supplied.

Who knew the power of grass could be so potent? If designer David Veldkamp has anything to do with the future of green PC's, they're going to be green.

Source:shinyshiny.tv/2008/11/eco_friendly_co.html
Read more!

An Eco-friendly PC from Eurocom

Eurocom has done it again with its innovative designs. This time instead of a desktop replacement notebook, which is their specialty, it is an Eco-friendly PC or the green desktop.

What ever you want to call it, this all-in-one product basically eliminates the mouse completely. Its touch screen technology enables users to navigate the screen and open and close documents and programs with the touch of a finger or with a stylus (included).

This is a new way of computing and it does take some time to get a feel for it, but I have to stay it was a totally natural way of interfacing with the computer.

Now, you still need a keyboard. The Eurocom unit does not come with a keyboard and I can see where the company is coming from. However, it was impossible to operate the PC with out it.

For example, you still needed to type in your password for the wireless Internet connection. Finding a digital keyboard on Windows XP was too hard and too time consuming and it would not be a natural way of computing in my opinion.

The only other problem with the Eco-friendly PC is that you cannot shut off the screen while still operating the computer. It forces you to shut down the system each time you want to stop.

But that is it. With this unit, Eurocom claims it has the most energy efficient/recyclable product on the market. And, they just might. CDN has not done a product comparison on these products. To be fair, we haven't seen other vendors produce a similar type product. So kudos goes to Eurocom for being innovative.

The Eco-friendly PC was made with a low carbon footprint in mind. It uses just 53 watts to operate and can go as high as 74 watts. To give you an idea of how low this is, the average desktop PC consumes between 300 to 400 watts of power when it is fully operational.

The product is made of 100 per cent recycled parts. It weights just under 10 Kg. and it can be quite portable. I moved the unit with ease to many areas of the office and at home. The small form factor (450mm width x 312mm length and 66.5mm height) gives users a lot of workspace room.

At a price tag of $1,299 for the 19-inch mode of the Eurocom Eco-friendly PC, this product comes at a reasonable price considering all the advantages users would get with reduced consumption rates.

Source:itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=50597
Read more!

NEC unveils 'ECO CENTER' the energy saving server

NEC India, a leading IT and networking organisation, today unveiled a revolutionary product "ECO CENTER" the energy saving server. ECO CENTRE consumes up to 55% less power, occupies upto 50 % less space and approximately 58% lighter than conventional servers due to the leveraging of cutting edge NEC technologies, such as highly efficient batteries, the optimum cooling functions of high-density packaging, and the adoption of advanced low power CPUs, chipsets and memory. The ECO CENTER will support "Windows Server 2003," "Windows Server 2008," and "Red Hat Enterprise Linux."

On the launch of the "ECO CENTER" Mr. Abhilesh Guleria, Country Manager – IT Platform Business, NEC India Pvt. Ltd. said that, “NEC Corporation has concluded development on the "ECO CENTER," a specialized space and energy-saving server. NEC Corporation realizes the requirements of its customers by closely working with them and always works to innovate the products accordingly. "ECO CENTER" is one such product which takes care off all the requirments of the customers in todays scenario. Loaded with a-cut-above technology, it assists our customers in cutting their power consumption costs and space costs significantly."

The ECO CENTER achieves maximum energy-saving benefits by capitalizing on the optimization technology of NEC's "Sigma System Center" integrated with VMware's "VMware(R) ESX 3.5" to streamline allocation of operations in response to hardware demands.

Designed with such advanced technologies, the ECO CENTER is ideally suited for the large-scale application servers and Web servers being used in major enterprises and government agency data centers. With energy-saving IT devices attracting considerable attention in the battle against global warming, NEC intends to actively market the ECO CENTER as the core product in its "REAL IT COOL PROJECT." An initiative that aims to cut the power used by customer IT platforms by 50% year on year, and to realize a cumulative reduction in CO2 emissions from IT devices by approximately 910,000 tons by 2012.

Source:news.moneycontrol
Read more!

Go green with the Advent Eco PC

Every smug eco warrior knows that green gadgets are where it’s at. But fortunately you don’t need to eschew soap and carp on about ‘The Man’ to buy PC World’s awesome new Advent Eco PC. Just a going concern about saving the planet and a love of saving money will do.

The new machine, which you can nab from today, packs in a self–cooling system without using a fan, keeping power down to just 25W. That’s less than your average non–green light bulb, which takes up a relatively hefty 60W.

But what about the PC itself? Surely it’s bobbins? Well, no. You get a Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a 160GB HDD. Plus Vista Premium, but let’s gloss over that shall we.

PC World reckons that if you leave the Eco PC in energy saver mode, it’ll cost you just £8 a year to run. Seeing as you’re probably being given a seeing to by the electricity board at the moment, that’s a corking deal.

The whole thing tots up to £599. Which if you ask us is awesome. Green and one for the credit crunch? It’s definitely a goer.

Essentials

Adent Eco PC
Price: £599
On sale: Now
Contact: PC World

Source:stuff.tv
Read more!

PC World preparing to launch 'green' PC

PC World is finally gearing up to launch its green PC – a full 12 months after it was due to hit the shelves.

It was initially hoped the machine – dubbed the world’s first carbon neutral PC – would be released by last autumn.

But the high-street chain says it’s taken longer than anticipated to develop the technology for the eco-friendly computer.
Testing

A PC World spokeswoman said: ‘As with many innovative projects where we are developing groundbreaking technology, it has taken us a little longer to realise our ambitions than we initially hoped.

‘We will not compromise on the quality of our final product. For example, we have removed the energy hungry fan from the PC therefore we needed to develop an alternative safe and efficient cooling system.

‘We are extremely proud of this product which is currently going through the final stages of testing and we expect to be announcing its arrival shortly.’
Recycled materials.

PC World says its green PC will be made from recycled and recyclable materials where possible, and will also include energy-efficient components.

It also plans to buy carbon offsets to cover the environmental impact of manufacturing the PC.

Source:which.co.uk/news
Read more!

Environmental awareness – are private consumers buying green PCs?

Environmental awareness – are private consumers buying green PCs?
Fujitsu Siemens Computers sees a pressing need to increase awareness for green IT in the region

Today, environmental awareness is considered to be good form, and since Al Gore committed himself to saving planet Earth the "green" debate has become a thoroughly acceptable topic. However, many see this as enormous media hype that only confuses the consumer. Fujitsu Siemens Computers launched the first SCALEO Green PC for consumers, offering more than hype to substantiate its efforts in promoting green IT. With this, the company is first IT provider with a complete range of environmentally friendly solutions for data centers, offices and private households.

The green PC was developed to satisfy customer requirements for both private and commercial use. Green products account for about 75% of Professional PCs sold by Fujitsu Siemens Computers.

“While the regions IT industry is fast changing its attitude towards the environment and adopting ways to reduce toxicity, users should be ready to change their behavior towards the environment by making green choices. However, recent sales figures show that environmental awareness and knowledge about environmental protection on the part of the public still leave room for improvement,” explains Stephane Rejasse, Managing Director for Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Middle East. "With our green PC concept we want to offer a genuine green alternative to the buying patterns of private customers, whose collective environmental awareness is slowly on the rise. Our aim is for private customers to buy in the same environmentally conscious way as our business customers.

In order to manage that, private consumers need clarity. "We as a company see it as the duty of the IT branch of industry, the economy, and the media to increase awareness," continues Rejasse. "As an industry that makes a significant contribution towards worldwide energy consumption, we are obliged to explain in detail that there is more to environmental protection than just media hype. Consumers can reduce their effect on the environment and at the same time save energy, which considering the increase in energy prices is ultimately a real cost benefit for our customers."

Consequently, the pressure on companies not to launch misleading environmental protection measures is also on the increase, and they are compelled to sell only genuine "green" products as such and to thus invest in the research and development of environmentally friendly products.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers believes the regions media is playing a significant role in spreading eco-awareness. Rejasse adds: "The public needs to revise its thinking and we are helping the private and individual consumers to make the right decision by providing detailed information through the media and direct interaction. Behaving in an environmentally friendly way does not mean doing without the comfort and technology of the modern world. The customer's purchase decisions can also highlight this issue and force business to align technical innovation and design with the environment. Turning the lights out for a few minutes once a year does very little for the environment itself; Energy-efficient light bulbs, low-consumption cars and the like are a good start, but no more than just that - a start."

The company recently ran a series of ‘Green IT’ business events in UAE and Saudi Arabia, involving a number of its customers to discuss the merits and suitability of more sustainable, environmentally-friendly IT systems for the Middle East region.

The SCALEO Green PC makes it clear how environmentally friendly a computer can be and what can be achieved by a company with the appropriate research and development: the PC has acquired the Nordic Swan, Blue Angel and Energy Star certificates. All these certificates are based on very stringent guidelines so that the customer can be completely certain that he has not just bought a supposedly green product, but has actively done something for the environment.

Source:albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/229009
Read more!

Dell’s New Environmentally Friendly Green PC

Dell has gone a step further this year and created a green computer unlike any other Dell has ever had.

This year at the Fortune Brainstorm Green Conference, Dell CEO Michael Dell introduced Dell's new green PC. The new Dell green PC is a bamboo-coated computer filled with recycled materials (ex. recycled plastics such as: milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles). The Bamboo-computer uses 70% less energy than the average computer and is 81 percent smaller than the standard desktop. The size makes it easier, less costly and more eco-friendly to ship.

What is the estimated cost of this computer? The estimated cost is about $500-$700. Unfortunately, other than the above information there is little else known about this computer. The computer's name has not been released nor have any further details of the computer capabilities. Don't worry though, the Bamboo computer is set to come out later this year. Stay tuned.

If you are a Dell customer or fan and you are wondering what other environmentally friendly initiatives Dell has taken you will be surprised at what they've done and plan to do. Here is a quick list of their recent eco-efforts:

a. Plant a tree program. Take a look here .

b. Recycling program . Drop off your old Dell at any dell store and they'll have it recycle. You can even buy a refurbished computer if you would like.

c. 100% Renewable Energy for Dell Headquarters, in Austin Texas. 2.1 million square foot headquarters building in Austin is powered by alternative energy.

Source:inventorspot.com/articles/dells_new_environmentally_friendly_pc_13718
Read more!

Dell Going Green, Unveils Bamboo PC

Earth Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we can't continue to think green when it comes to consumer electronics. At a recent FORTUNE Brainstorm: GREEN conference, Dell's CEO Michael Dell challenged every technology company to make the environment both a business priority and daily conversation. He then took the opportunity to announce Dell's greenest PC.

The unnamed mini-desktop is the smallest, and most eco-friendly consumer desktop the company has yet to released. Earth2Tech has a few pictures of the bamboo covered PC, which is said to be 80 percent smaller than a standard mini-tower desktop, and 70 percent less energy-consuming too. No idea if the bamboo casing is just on the prototype, but I'm hoping they all come looking like that out of the box.

The company said the green PC will be shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging when it goes on sale later this year. Pricing hasn't been announced, but is likely to range between $500 and $700.

This is not Dell's first eco-friendly computer. Last year, the company released its first consumer desktop, the Inspiron 531, with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, as well as Dell Latitude notebooks and OptiPlex desktops that consume up to 70 percent less energy on average.

There are plenty of green computers out there such as Everex's Green gPC, Apple's iMac and HP's rp5700, which Treehugger say meets EPEAT Gold critieria, so there's no reason to go green and save a few bucks in the process.

Source:tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/27337
Read more!

Going Green at Work Can Save Money

Companies that sacrifice their commitment to green computing during budget cuts could actually save more money by sticking with their eco-friendly plans.

As the IT industry looks to cut costs, companies are often tempted to abandon their green PC initiatives. This move, however, may end up costing them more in the long run as research proves most companies actually save money by turning green.

"Faced with an economic downturn, many organisations tend to cut back on soft programmes - such as green efforts - as a cost saving measure," said Steve Kleynhans, research vice president of IT research company Gartner.

"However, companies need to pursue these low-risk initiatives as they often provide quick returns that are especially attractive in a cost-cutting environment."

The costs of going green are usually recovered within 12 to 18 months and do not significantly add to companies' current operating costs, Kleynhans said.

Gartner suggested a number of moves for IT departments to make for a successful transition to green PC operations.

First, companies are urged to purchase new PCs that carry an eco-friendly label signifying they can reduce power consumption by over 20 per cent. This move can be very beneficial for the company, as it reduces energy costs.

Second, the IT research company also urges users to put their computers into a low power state when they are not using them. This move also reduces energy costs.

Additionally, companies should make sure their old computer parts are properly recycled when replace their older machines, Gartner said.

Source:itpro.co.uk/wireless/news/184329/going-green-at-work-really-can-save-money.html
Read more!

An Eco-friendly LCD monitor-ViewSonic VA1616w

The ViewSonic VA1616w could be the ideal LCD monitor for anyone concerned about their energy usage.

Reduced power consumption by computer monitors is a likely feature of many people's environmental wish-list.

In the past, attempts to help computer users to feel less guilty have included the launch of Blackle, an alternative to Google with a black background.

But the service received mixed reviews, with some critics claiming that changing the background from white to black would not reduce the energy used.

For a more concrete solution, the ViewSonic VA1616w might be one option, as it comes with Energy Star certification.

This rates it at a power consumption level of 17.2 Watts when active and 0.2 Watts when on standby.

Launched in February, the LCD monitor could therefore be a good selection for anyone seeking to invest in a new 15-inch monitor.

Energy Star points out that consuming less power means components can run cooler, helping them to last for longer before needing to be replaced.

Source:cclonline.com/news/newsArticle.asp?articleid=18508384&tid=cclnews
Read more!

Apple’s Mac Mini Goes Environmentally Green

The Mac Mini may not be Apple’s most powerful computer but it’s the cheapest Mac you can buy; without seeking out refurbished or used units. It may surprise you to learn that the Mac Mini is also a green desktop, meaning safe for the environment and power efficient.

The Mac Mini shined on power efficiency tests and about 90% of the unit can be safely recycled. While not the "greenest" desktop in the tests, it was a good compromise between being "green" and processing power; such as it is.

The Mac Mini consumed 20W of power while idle; 2W in both sleep mode and off; when pushed to maximum performance it used between 42W and 43W.

Unfortunately, the Mini had to take second seat in the "green" rating to the Zonbu Desktop Mini which used a scant 10W at idle, 6W at sleep and 1W when turned off. Rating for it were not available in the maximum performance category.

There you have it, if you want a Mac but also want to feel good about going “green” then the Mac Mini will fit the bill.

Of course, this doesn’t take into account the display being used with the desktop. LCDs contain trace amounts of mercury and other chemicals that are not necessarily good for the environment. At least you can feel good about the computer you are using.

Source:mac.blorge.com/
Read more!

Are Private Consumers Buying Green PCs?

Provider with a complete range of environmentally friendly solutions for data centres, offices and private households.

The green PC was developed to satisfy customer requirements for both private and commercial use. Indeed, green products account for about 75% of Professional PCs sold by Fujitsu Siemens Computers.

This computer manufacturer has a long tradition of environmental protection. Starting in 1988 with accepting returned devices and recycling them at their Paderborn site and creating the first internal guidelines for environmentally friendly product design in the early nineties, the first green PC was launched onto the market in 1993. Behaving in an environmentally friendly way does not mean doing without the comfort and technology of the modern world. The customer's purchase decisions can also highlight this issue and force business to align technical innovation and design with the environment.

The SCALEO Green PC makes it clear how environmentally friendly computer can be and what can be achieved by a company with the appropriate research and development: the PC has acquired the Nordic Swan, Blue Angel and Energy Star certificates. All these certificates are based on very stringent guidelines so that the customer can be completely certain that he has not just bought a supposedly green product, but has actively done something for the environment.

Source:independent.com.mt
Read more!

D-Link Expands Energy-Efficient, Eco-friendly Green Ethernet Switches

The world of networking gear isn't immune to the sustainability benefits of energy-efficient, eco-friendly features. Vendor D-Link is spotlighting that point with the expansion of its family of Green Ethernet switches aimed at SMBs.

Now available with 16 and 24 ports in addition to the 5- and 8-port models unveiled last year, D-Link's Green Ethernet Gigabit switches comply with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). But for the cost-conscious IT admin, the products' energy-saving features may prove more alluring.

First, D-Link's switches are capable of analyzing cable length and adjusting power usage accordingly. Normally, switches send full power to cables regardless of the actual length. Cable lengths used by small-office and home user users are generally less than 20 meters, according to D-Link, so switch's power smarts can reduce energy consumption.

Second, D-Link says its Green Ethernet technology can tell when a connect computer is shut down and responds accordingly by powering down into standby mode and reducing power used for that port.

According to D-Link, when the DGS-2208 multi-port desktop switch is connected and then powered down, users could realize up to 80 percent savings in power usage; the other D-Link Green Ethernet switches could save up to 45 percent, according to the company. If the devices are used for 10 hours, then powered down for 14, you could save up 40 percent on energy with the DGS-2208 and 27 percent with the other switches. Those figures are in comparison to the energy usage of a D-Link conventional switch connected via 20m Ethernet cables.

Source:weblog.infoworld.com
Read more!

Eco Button For Green PC Users

The Eco button is a simple hardware that increases the PC's efficiency while being idle.

At the push of this button, Eco button puts your PC system into a deeper-than-normal sleep mode that draws only as much power as when your computer and monitor are shut down.

Push the button again and the PC returns to wherever it left off while displaying the sleep-induced cash and carbon savings as well as your logo.

The device even keeps a cumulative total of the cash and carbon saved.

At the age of expensive electricity bills and more environment-aware users, the Eco button can be the perfect way to strike a balance, getting both increased efficiency and decrease those costly bills.

Source:maltastar.com/pages/msrv/msfullMagart.asp?an=18425
Read more!