| Computers have become seemingly ubiquitous in | | | | How do I find Energy Star rated Computers? |
| today's society. We use them for both business and | | | | Energy Star maintains an up to date list of computers |
| for entertainment purposes. When one takes the | | | | that meet the latest specifications. When purchasing |
| global usage of computers today into consideration, | | | | your next machine it is always a good printable |
| its easy to understand why Energy Star revised their | | | | reference: |
| specifications for computers in July 2007. | | | | - [ |
| What did they change? | | | | If you'd prefer more of an interactive tool they also |
| In order to qualify for the new Energy Star rating | | | | offer a web based version of the same information |
| products must first meet more stringent energy use | | | | to help you find Energy Star qualified computers: |
| guidelines in three unique operating modes: | | | | - |
| - Standby | | | | Currently Available Energy Star Desktops |
| - Sleep Mode | | | | A number of manufacturers have already moved |
| - In Use/Active | | | | forward and accepted their responsibilities by offering |
| According to Energy Star products must also include | | | | desktop PCs that are compliant with the latest |
| a "more efficient internal power supply." They claim | | | | Energy Star standards. Here is a short list of major |
| by "requiring efficiency savings across operating | | | | manufacturers that you may wish to consider: |
| modes, the new computer specification is expected | | | | - Acer |
| to save consumers and businesses more than $1.8 | | | | - Apple |
| billion in energy costs over the next 5 years and | | | | - Dell |
| prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the | | | | - Gateway |
| annual emissions of 2.7 million vehicles." | | | | Some of the new machines that are already on the |
| Are computer manufacturers willing to meet these | | | | market today boast standby power usage as low as |
| new standards? | | | | 1 Watt, sleep usage as low as 1.95 Watts and 27.63 |
| As with any updated specification it will take time for | | | | Watts while In Use/Active. |
| computer manufacturers to revisit their product | | | | Always remember saving energy helps prevent |
| offerings. This means that it's more important than | | | | climate change. Furthermore, computers are |
| ever before to look for the Energy Star label when | | | | environmentally expensive items, it requires 530 lbs |
| purchasing a new computer. If the machine isn't | | | | of fossil fuel, 58 lbs of chemicals and 1.5 tons of |
| Energy Star rated then at least check the power | | | | water to make a single desktop PC and monitor. By |
| supply rating. Some of the new "gaming" computers, | | | | making sure your next computer purchase is green |
| like the HP Blackbird 002 with its 1.1 KiloWatt power | | | | one you are doing your part to fight global warming. |
| supply should be pulled from the market. | | | | |