Treehugger spotted this gadget, which seems ideal for the multi-gadget family: A "4-port USB hub from Buffalo that lets you turn on or off just the gadgets you're using."
Sounds clever, but isn't the switch just replacing the action of unplugging the devices?
You tell me:
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Brilliant!
Rather than having to unplug the USB Line from the Computer, you just rock a switch.
Got to be a whole lot cheaper replacing the SWITCH Device than bringing-in the whole Computer is a USB Port breaks.
Do you see how this makes PERFECTLY Good sense.
Break the cheap thing.
Not the Computer.
We have 3 USB ports throughout the house, without them the electricity being used is like a dripping faucet that never turns off. When we stopped our leaks it reduced our consumption and our bills went down.
We have one for the TV, VCR, DVD, another for the stereo, cd player, etc and a 3rd for the computer, monitor and rechargers for cellphones (which use electricity if left plugged in)
A USB port saves electricity and money, it's a no brainer.
You don't have three USB ports, you have three power strips.
You don't plug your TV, VCR or DVD into a USB port. You're using a power strip with an on/off switch. Very energy efficient. Make sure you also have your stereo plugged into one and check those appliances in the kitchen.
Make sure you unplug your iron as well. Not only is that for safety, but it also guzzles energy even when off.
USB connectors have a fairly limited life and really shouldn't be plugged and unplugged as an on/off switch.
So there's more than saving energy involved.
The USB switches are great so you can keep stuff turned off you dont use much.
I have an Athlon PC the processor uses 90 watts. The video card is smart an uses much less energy than an older one.
Water powered car
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/645.html
Seen a few incarnations of water powered cars in recent years. Not sure why they don't rate more than a web page or a short video.
See... that's exactly what's wrong with America... you make a poll out of something that is a simply high school physics question. If you can't answer it... consider yourself having failed science class... again.
You worry about the small amounts of energy consumed by these devices. They are supposed to be conveniences. Use them, enjoy them. Turn off a 100 watt light bulb for an hour and you will save more.
Most of us who care about this kind of thing don't have any 100-watt bulbs left in the house.
The answer isn't fancier technology. The answer is just unplugging from all that technology far more often. Its not your USB hub that ist he problem. Its your consumption of electricity and technological products (and all products, really) in general that is the problem.
the real question is; can we nickle and dime our way out of this mess? And I am afraid the resounding answer is NO.
Regarding the on/off surge protector: Let's say you already have high-energy-consumption devices plugged into a surge protector (like a PC, receiver, speakers, TV, game system). I think for most people this applies. One that is able to turn off each individual device on-demand would sure as hell save energy. I doubt most people are (ever) going to unplug each device everytime they are finished with it, but they might flick a switch like this.
Maybe there is a reason most businesses that produce these are not on-board? (If not, get to it!)
Over-population is at the root of our problems. Would you care to address that?
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First Posted: 06-16-09 09:32 AM | Updated: 06-16-09 09:41 AM