BUYING GUIDE TO
EARTH-FRIENDLY COMPUTERS
BUYING GUIDE TO
EARTH-FRIENDLY COMPUTERS
Before you buy your next computer system, consider the environment. The newer generation desktop and laptop computers are being programmed to consume less energy without sacrificing speed or performance. A new breed of personal computer is emerging that requires less consumable energy. This can mean annual utility savings ranging from $10 to $50. Not much for the individual, but it does make a difference to the environment by drastically decreasing world demand for consumable electricity. As the technology gurus of our age predict a computer on every desk, it shouldn’t take long before energy supply becomes an issue.Computer related equipment is the fastest growing segment of electrical consumption in the business world; energy use by computers could double by the year 2000! Unfortunately, much of the energy use associated with computers is wasted. How often have you seen a computer left on for any extended lengths of time with a bright screen saver amusing away valuable electricity?
The next generation computer system is designed to automatically sense the user’s presence and downshift into "sleep" mode when unused for a pre-programmed period of time. The system’s microprocessor will shut down, the hard disk drive will come to a halt, and the monitor will power down. This process has three major benefits; the system’s mean life increases, less emission from your desktop PC, and you save consumable electricity. Less emission means less radiation. For many of today’s office workers this can spell "no more nagging headaches". Keep an eye out for the Energy-Star Compliant logo or ask your PC reseller for details.
Energy Star Compliance adheres to these guidelines:
- Computers which can automatically power down to 30 watts or less during periods of non-use.
- Computers with less heat dissipation.
- Monitors which emit less heat into the workplace than conventional monitors.
- Monitors which emit fewer electromagnetic fields (EMF) since they are not displaying any visual image when "asleep."
- Printers which automatically power down to 15-45 watts, depending on the number of pages per minute produced. This automatic "power-down" feature could cut a printer's electricity use by over 65 percent.
For further efficiency, we also recommend that users shut their systems off during extended periods of non-use.
Keep your eye out for the Energy Star Logo as more electrical devices are being manufactured with less energy consumption in mind. Remember that the chief source of consumable electricity production is fossil fuel. And less fossil fuel consumption means that we can all breathe a little easier.
RELATED LINKS:
| * * * IN-HOUSE RESOURCES * * * |
|---|