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Desktop Computer Consumes 4W vs. Regular 80W

2007-07-10-sunray_eco_desktop.jpg

Sun Microsystems introduced a desktop computer that uses less watts than a nightlight this past spring. Although intended for business settings, it could be an easy--and greener--option if you need a second, or third, computer for the family and can do a little networking.

The Sun Ray 2 systems start at $249 for the basic desktop, without any software or monitor, and you need to be running a Java, Red Hat or Solaris network.

-Via Treehugger.

Comments (2)

These aren't for the home. They have no operating system and run on a virtual desktop running on a server running something like Solaris, Red Hat Enterprise or SuSe Enterprise. IF you have the infrastructure and know-how to set the server up, yes these are very cool.

posted by Ondrej on 2007-07-10 18:45:11
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Sun Rays are incredibly cool, but unfortunately, as Ondrej says above, they are not really intended for home use and don't fit well (which is unfortunate). The device requires a server which must be running Sun's Sun Ray server software which was cost prohibitive the last time I looked. Digging into Sun's site it looks like the cost is now down to $125 per client which is more reasonable, but still. While I'm all for being green, and scrimp and save energy where possible and appropriate, the price of $250 for the device $150 for the license cost for a monitor, keyboard and mouse means this is about the same price as a low end cheapo laptop (running Windows).

For home users the laptop is a better deal, more functional and a better choice while not using all that much more energy. Oh, and the laptop will only be powered on when it's actually needed. The Sun Ray would require the server to be on basically all the time.

Not that I don't love the Sun Ray concept and execution for larger enterprises. They are awesome.

posted by TheRealCMJ on 2007-07-17 08:09:21
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