Edwin Humphries wrote: > Surely it rather depends on what the intended use of the old computer is? > > I've heard of using old computers as routers, NAS boxes and so on, and whilst > I applaud the idea of extending useful life, using a 75-100W PC to do the job > of a 10-15W router is hardly energy efficient - or cost effective.
Yep. Consider that the CubieTruck with a SSD pulls 10W peak, 5W typ and will happily run a web server capable of pushing 1Gbps. The CubieTruck is about $114, a 120GB SSD is about $100. If that replaces a 95W headless computer (aka “old laptop”) then the CubieTruck uses $160pa less electricity. So the payback period is about 1.5 years (less if the house has air conditioning). I’d also be careful when comparing old v new computers that you include the entire system, especially if moving from a CRT to LCD screen. The flip side is that old computers can be outstanding value for money when used as computers. For example Aspitech offer a Core2Duo desktop computer with LCD screen for $170 including Windows and Office. If you desperately need a computer for uni essays then it’s hard to do better than one of these and a monochrome laser printer (and yeah, Aspitech are Linux-friendly if you ask). -glen -- Glen Turner <http://www.gdt.id.au/~gdt/> -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
