New Energy Star ratings for PCs on the way (news.com.com)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Tom Krazit
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Published: February 8, 2007, 4:00 AM PST

Standards for energy-efficient PCs are about to take a step forward for the first time in more than a decade.

The Energy Star program is set to release the first revision to the specification for PCs since 1992, which was practically the Bronze Age of the PC industry. Energy Star stickers are familiar to those who have shopped for household appliances over the last few years; it designates appliances or electronics that meet certain specifications for energy efficiency.

Due to the lag in formulating a new certification, more than 90 percent of PCs currently on the market are eligible for an Energy Star sticker. But come July, a new voluntary specification will go into effect for energy-efficient PCs and game consoles that includes new recommendations for power supply efficiency and idle power consumption.

And later this year, a similar specification update is planned for flat-screen televisions, targeting the increasing popularity of energy-hogging TVs. The idea is to encourage companies to make more energy-efficient products without imposing requirements, said Jill Abelson, a representative for the Energy Star-labeled-products program.
***
The new specification targets two areas: the power supply and the amount of power used in "idle mode," said Noah Horowitz, a senior scientist at the nonprofit National Resources Defense Council, which helped the Energy Star program come up with the technical requirements for the new specification.
***
more: http://news.com.com/New+Energy+Star+ratings+for+PCs+on+the+way/2100-1041_3-6157317.html

[ohioINC]

1. Good news

People don't realize how much power their PC's use. I have seen the difference in my electric bill by simply turning off my computer more often.

[Javaman]

2. Use this...

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Hardware-Cable/Item/LCG1/