Saving power by changing computing habits and hardware

[bennelson]

The information for Alltrax's software is HERE
It is a very small, fast-loading program. I think it must use hardly any memory.

It lists several Windows OS's, including 98.

What kind of computer setup do you think would be best to run this inside an electric car?

[NoCO2]

For any kind of vehicle application I always recommend using the mini-ITX form factor systems. They aren't the cheapest you can get, but they are super power efficient. The one I'm looking at getting is the ARTiGO Pico-ITX kit that sells for about $350USD. The only kicker is that it's coming from over seas so the shipping to the US is $98 for 5 days air which kind of hurts so I'm still considering going with a parted together system from newegg.com. Theses systems, however, if used with a solid state compact flash card as the hard drive (they make up to 32GB cards that sell for less then $100) they can consume less then 40W of power, often times even as few as 10W or less when idle.

The Pico-ITX kit doesn't have a COM port, but it comes with everything you need right out of the box which is a great bonus since parts for these systems can be hard to find or expensive if you do find them. But it has USB ports and I know they make USB-COM port adapters (at least I'm pretty sure they do).

[zjrog]

I like the ITX format, and even considered building a system for my Jeep. But by the time I fatored in the cost of a decent touchscreen LCD, I was well over the cost of decent used laptops.

Which is why I am interested in the new, smaller format laptops like the Asus EEE-PC. But because I want more storage, the coming Everex Cloudbook and others are more with what I want. Having something to "tank" my photos on while traveling would be nice. As well as having all my MP3s with me. Adding a USB GPS receiver to the unit would be great. AND, I can move the systme from car to car, or even a rental if need be.

[H4MM3R]

I thought I would share this link. http://www.linutop.com/linutop2/index.en.html

This computer uses about 8 watts.

[zjrog]

Now that is cool...

[SVOboy]

I found this to be a bit interesting: http://www.goodcleantech.com/2008/02...lowpower_p.php

[roflwaffle]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I found this to be a bit interesting: http://www.goodcleantech.com/2008/02...lowpower_p.php

Hmm... I think sometimes people miss the point. Yes, going with another AMD/Intel/Via system would double the power consumption, but with a $230 premium it'll take at least six years to see any savings in cost, and more importantly IMO, that $230 could do so much more in other arenas. Like an e-bike conversion, or lay down fridge, or etc... The point being that going for the minimum in one area probably isn't the best way to save energy in genral. Going for the overall minimum compared to the dollar spent is where it's at.

I suppose That doesn't jive with the whole "green" economy, but I guess I'll never see slightly reducing the amount of plastic used by bottled water companies as green when we could just use tap water. I suppose that's the difference between "green" as a fashion statement and "green" as in green.

[NoCO2]

The point I think with the Pico-ITX system is if you are looking for a new computer, these are pretty inexpensive compared to comparable other ITX or ATX systems. Also note, that, if you are even the slightest bit computer savvy, you can install and use Ubuntu Linux which is the best distribution out right now in my opinion. In 6 years, you would probably have to upgrade your computer at least twice to keep up with just the windows operating system's, system requirements, however, I can almost guarantee that if you are using ubuntu, you will never need more system then you started with, even if you upgrade to the new release every 8 months. So keeping that system running for 6 years would not be completely un-realistic. Yea, you wouldn't see the savings for that much time, but still, 6 years to break even is better then never breaking even with another "less expensive" system.

[zjrog]

Back in October or November, Everex offered a Via ITX machine at Walmart with Gos Linux. A desktop for a mere $199. Even though the machine was placed in a much larger case than needed, it sold out in mere days... I'm not sure of its power requirements though. But yes, it is possible to offer low power consumption systmes. I'd like to see more companies offereing these. Again, this is why I am leaning towards the Ultra Mobile PCs like the Asus and Everex tiny laptops.

And of course, I say this despite my gaming system with SLI and a 550 watt power supply. At least I have a LCD screeen to help reduce.

I do use CFL lights in my house, except in areas that they're "off" colors disturb me, I just seem to be real sensitive to that. I have tried some replacements for flood lams, and all have failed in hours. I want to try LED bulbs as they come down in price. All in attempts to save me money more than be "green". If I can do both, so much the better.

[LostCause]

Originally Posted by zjrog

Which is why I am interested in the new, smaller format laptops like the Asus EEE-PC.

I second the EEEPC, minimalist computing at its best. Hopefully the next generation will come with the Diamondville chip (2W TDP), a 9" screen, and the same form factor/price. What else could you need?

- Lost Cause