Did you know the average household uses nearly 75% of all electricty on devices and appliances set to an "off" setting? That means those computers, video game consoles, TVs, DVD players, stereos and cell phone/iPod chargers are all Count Draculas sucking energy continually throughout the day despite being turned "off". The Smart Strip Power Strip is a keen device which programs for total energy shut off to a series of interrelated devices, such as a home office setup or a entertainment unit.
posted originally from: AT:LA
The Smart Strip Power Strip automatically turns off all peripherals plugged into the three designated outlets (marked in red) when the main system/computer plugged into one main controlling socket (blue) is powered down. The unit also comes with a $30,000 equipment meltdown warranty and lightning strike/surge protection feature, available for about $42. We're thinking of replacing both our entertainment system and home office setup with a couple of these, and hopefully we'll see a notable reduction in power usage while also protecting our investments.
You could buy this, or you could just unplug the appliances and items with powercords until you want to use them again and then plug them in when you are ready to use them--probably a much cheaper solution....
view KerryTay's profile
@KerryTay: Yes, it probably would be cheaper to just unplug things. But the convenience is what makes this an attractive offer for most of us lazy Americans. Sad but true.
view Scott Johnson's profile
I live alone, so unplugging the few things I have plugged in before I leave my apartment for the day is not really a problem, but imagine how nice this sort of thing would be for a large household! Or, for that matter, for someone who has all their cords hidden away behind some hard-to-move dresser. It sure beats crawling around on your hands and knees unplugging dozens of things in multiple rooms all while trying to get your kindergardener and 9 year old ready for school. I'd guess that for some people this would be WELL worth the money, and not just because they are lazy.
view cranberrybobbie's profile
I agree with cranberrybobbie. The problem isn't that I'm unwilling to unplug things (although that would be a pain), its that all the plugs are hidden behind large peices of furniture. It would be nearly impossible to unplug them all every day.
I think this is a great product!
view supapfunk's profile
This is fabulous.
Why not be green and lazy too?
view Alana in Canada's profile