Gizmodo: going green

Somniloquy Lets Your Computer Download Files In Its Sleep

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Usually, when us modern, sensitive, environmentally-conscious types leave the computer on all night, it's because we're downloading something sizable. But what if our computers could handle that task while in sleep mode, thus saving energy?

Computer scientists at UC San Diego along with Microsoft Research have developed this USB device they dub the Somniloquy, which appropriately enough means "talking in one's sleep." The dongle lets you keep your computer in sleep mode, which saves a ton of energy, while remaining seemingly active on the network. So your computer will be in sleep mode, but you'll still be able to download files or receive IM or VoIP messages, and if an action that requires your computer's full attention does occur, Somniloquy will gently rouse it from its slumber.

The device is actually a very low-power computer, complete with OS and flash memory, and essentially takes over as the computer's presence on the network while the actual computer is asleep. It consumes somewhere between 11 and 24 times less power than a full computer, which makes for some impressive energy savings. The creators are hoping the tech will be incorporated into future network cards so computers have this functionality out of the box. You know what? We're hoping that, too. [PhysOrg via Engadget]

Pig Urine Plasticware Could Add Some Flavor To Your Meals, Cigarettes

Sean Fallon — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Denmark has a disgusting problem. The waste produced by the country's 20 million pigs is slowly choking the environment—which has prompted a local company named Agroplast to devise a unique solution. Specifically, they have developed a means of processing animal waste (pig urine most notably) and transforming it into plastics that could be used in just about everything—including plastic dinnerware.

In fact, the folks at Agroplast claim that their chemicals can be utilized in other products like fertilizers, lotions, and as "a flavor enhancer in cigarettes." Sorry, but I'm going to pass on a ticket to that flavor country. [Agroplast via CNET]

Your TV Sucks (Power, Even When It's Not Running)

Charlie White — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:20:50 EST

That TV set of yours still sips power even when it's turned off, to the point that phantom power use can add 10% to your electricity bill. In fact, the average US household consumes about 50 watts of standby power per hour. There's a lot of talk about Energy Star ratings for electronic devices, but plasma and LCD TVs are still sucking up energy when they're doing nothing, and that's why Get with Green tested 50" plasma and 37" LCD displays to see which ones are the hungriest in standby mode. Of the 50" plasma displays, it looks like the 1080p Panasonic TH-50PZ700U (pictured above) is one of the greenest in standby. Let's take a look at the list:

50" Plasma TVs
(Manufacturer/Model/Standby/On/Mode)
Panasonic TH-50PX75U 0.2W 499W 720p $1999.95
Panasonic TH-50PZ700U 0.2W 695W 1080p $2999.95
Panasonic TH-50PX77U 0.2W 499W 720p $2099.95
Panasonic TH-50PZ750U 0.2W 705W 1080p $3499.95
Hewlett-Packard PL5072N 0.4W 460W 720p $1799.99
Philips 50PDFP5332D/37 0.67W 480W 720p $1599.99
LG 50PC5DC 0.74W 418W — $1599.95
Sanyo DP50747 0.85W 460W 720p $1294.00
LG 50PB4DA 1W 420W — $1999.95

37" LCD TVs
Hewlett-Packard LT3700 0.3W 220W

Hewlett-Packard LC3772N 0.3W 220W

LG LB5DF-UC 0.3W 170W

LG 37 LB4DS-UA 0.4W 165W

LG 37 LC7D-UB 0.5W 177W

Philips 37PFL5332D/37 0.75W 190W

Philips 37PFL7332D/37 0.75W 200W

Sharp LC37GP1U 0.9W 165W

Samsung LN-T3732H 0.9W 180W

Sharp LC37D62U 0.9W 198W

Sharp LCC3742U 0.95W 185W

Sharp LC37D43U 0.95W 185W

Sharp LC37D42U 0.95W 185W

[Getting With Green] (Thanks, Kevin!)

Cyber-Rain XCI Waters Your Lawn When The Internet Commands It

Sean Fallon — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:40:59 EST

I love green technology, especially when it doesn't involve me lifting so much as a finger. With the Cyber-Rain XCI, you can take control of your sprinkler system across eight zones and help conserve water and a little cash at the same time. Via a wireless connection with your PC, the Cyber-Rain can make adjustments to scheduled watering times using current weather data.

If the forecast looks like rain, the unit is smart enough to suspend operations. It can even optimize its schedule based on the changing seasons. And the best part is that it isn't as expensive as you might expect. If you already have an irrigation system in place, Cyber-Rain can be added for only $349. So it may actually pay for itself in a short amount of time. [Product Page via GTW via Sci Fi Tech]

D-link claims that their new line of DGS-2200...

Sean Fallon — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:50:52 EDT

D-link claims that their new line of DGS-2200 series multi-port desktop switches are the first in a line of "green" networking equipment designed to lower power consumption without affecting performance. Excuse me while I throw away all of my gear in anticipation. [PC Mag]