By Blythe Copeland | Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:30
-
Buy Green: Power Strips
Battle vampire power with these five power strips, including perks like automatic shut-off.
Power strips are kind of a double-edged green sword: They can make it easy to waste electricity by plugging in more electronics than you need, but when used correctly?and turned off at the switch?you can save a ton of energy (and money) that's usually lost to vampire power. The strips on this list, in addition to preventing damage from power surges and spikes, offer even more ways to cut your energy bills, with automatic shut-off, control outlets, and other green features that let you keep the gadgets with less environmental guilt.
-
MDP 900 GreenPower Digital PowerCenter From Monster
Why We Like It: The GreenPower Digital PowerCenter from Monster both protects your gear from power surges and cuts back on electrical interference that can interrupt your computer's efforts. Equally protected outlets for networks, USB chargers, and phone jacks keep everything from your modem to your iPod safe.
Eco-Factor: The automatic shut-off of the PowerCenter requires nearly no effort from the consumer: When the computer or television plugged into the GreenPower outlet goes to sleep or is turned off, all the associated plugs shut down as well?saving the energy that would be lost on printers, cable boxes, and other ancillaries left on.
Use It For: Any plug-central area—it comes with 10 outlets, the most on this list
Where: Monster
How Much: $130
Photo courtesy of Monster Cable
-
Isolé IDP-3050 Plug Load Control From WattStopper
Why We Like It: WattStopper's Isolé IDP-3050 Plug Load Control offers wall-mountable surge protection for eight outlets?two independent, and six controlled by a personal sensor that turns them on when people enter the room and off during unoccupied times or periods of inactivity. The sensor technology, says WattStopper, can cut workspace energy costs by as much as 50 percent.
Eco-Factor: If you're the type who leaves your desk without shutting off your computer, printer, monitor, or even your lamp, then the personal sensor offers a no-effort way to save energy and money: Set your own timeframe, and the outlets will turn off after they've been unused and on when you enter the room again.
Use It For: Your home office
Where: WattStopper
How Much: $90
Photo courtesy of Wattstopper
-
SCG5 Power Strip From Smart Strip
Why We Like It: The Smart Strip Power Strip, with seven outlets, is sized just right for a workshop or bedroom where 10 outlets would get in the way. Top surge protection, noise reduction, and a recessed power switch protect your electronics (and prevent accidental turn-offs).
Eco-Factor: Like the Monster version, the Smart Strip has an automatic sensor that shuts off four outlets when the equipment plugged into a fifth, control outlet is turned off. But when all those outlets are turned off, the strip as a whole draws no power at all for maximum energy savings.
Use It For: Your circular saw, air compressor, router, and other tools
Where: Bits LTD
How Much: $30
Photo courtesy of Bits Limited
-
Power Strip From Kill A Watt
Why We Like It: While offering surge protection, the Kill A Watt Power Strip focuses on the quality of power that's going to your electronics, from measuring the current and voltage to checking line frequency, amperage, and kilowatt hours. Plus, the eight-outlet strip helps you keep your electronics in good condition with minimum effort.
Eco-Factor: Though it doesn't have the shut-off option that some of the other power strips on this list have, the Kill A Watt does have something they don't: a digital monitor that shows you exactly how much energy you're using?and how much you're wasting, with a power leakage monitor. If that doesn't convince you to cut back, what will?
Use It For: Convincing skeptical friends that vampire power really does exist.
Where: Convenient Gadgets and Gifts
How Much: $100 (On sale as of 8/09 for $79.95)
Photo courtesy of P3 International
-
Mini Surge Protector From Belkin
Why We Like It: The travel-sized Mini Surge Protector from Belkin lets on-the-road electronic users keep track of all their plugs?and provides more outlets than hotel rooms or airports usually offer?while providing surge protection for your laptop, cell phone charger, and mp3 player.
Eco-Factor: The three-plug outlet takes up less space in your bag than larger ones while making it easy to plug and unplug all your devices at once; an additional USB charger means you can recharge your iPod for the morning's flight without keeping your laptop on all night.
Use It For: Gadget-heavy travel
Where: Belkin
How Much: $25
Photo courtesy of Belkin
On Now
- 07:30pm Grizzly Man Diaries
- 08:00pm Off the Grid
- 09:00pm Whale Wars
On Tonight
- 08:00pm Off the Grid
- 09:00pm Whale Wars
Earthquake in Chile - How You Can Help
Find charities and social media tools to help with relief efforts.
10 Ways to Help the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
Send text messages, donate online or just get informed on easy ways you can contribute.
How to Make the Recovery Last
Once the Red Cross pulls out, Haiti will still need help getting on a path to real development.
More Ways to Help
Get our complete coverage of the relief efforts in Haiti and ways you can take action to help.
| CREDITS | DCL | |
| DISCOVERY SITES | Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Science Channel | Planet Green | Discovery Fit & Health | Hub | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | Discovery Home | HD Theater | Turbo | HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | Viewer Relations | Free Newsletters | RSS | TV FAQs |
| CORPORATE | Discovery Communications, Inc. | Advertising | Careers @ Discovery | Privacy Policy | Visitor Agreement |
