The Recompute PC is a working computer with a case composed of corrugated cardboard. The concept is simplified by Mecaluso’s strategy of one material, two case components, three electronic components and four manufacturing processes to make a computer that is not only recyclable but simple to make.

The Recomputer is an experiment in functional cardboard design.

While the system isn’t going to wield the power gamers need, the Recompute is fully functional and includes a motherboard, four USB ports, 2 GB of RAM and a 2.5-inch hard drive.

The computer can be put together with scissors, glue, print and a little electronic assembly. In case you’re wondering, Mecaluso has already solved the safety problem represented by using cardboard next to electronics that get hot.

Cardboard, Mecaluso told Engadgdet, is actually more able to withstand heat than the ABS plastic used in traditional tower cases (which also use aluminum and steel). Plastic begins to melt at 120 degrees Celsius, but cardboard doesn’t ignite until 427 degrees.

 The Recompute’s use of corrugated cardboard has the added advantage of being self-ventilating.

The Recompute is one of the top 50 entries in the Core 77 design competition for green gadgets.

Part of the re-usability factor of the Recompute is that it can use bits and pieces from existing systems – for example, the keyboard from an existing computer. The whole kit and kaboodle can be disassembled without tools, allowing the electronics and the cardboard case to be separated easily for recycling.

Via Core 77.

Cardboard Computer Case Promises Simplicity, Easy Recycling is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

A new study shows that some of the most popular game consoles today are huge energy suckers.

The worst offenders are Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360. In the first ever comprehensive survey of the consumption used by video games, the Natural Resources Defence Council in the U.S. came up with some pretty startling figures.

Combined, the electricity use of video games is enough to power the American city of San Diego for a full year. But most disturbing is the amount of power that is being consumed just because these consoles are being left on. The calculation is four out of every ten American households have at least one game console and the influential NRDC estimates that half of all gamers keep their consoles on all the time. Leaving the console on 24/7 eats up as much power as running two refrigerators year-round.

NRDC Senior Scientist Noah Horowitz, the author of the new study, said turning off the consoles can result in significant savings. With so many struggling in today’s economy, it’s important to realise there are simple steps games can take to lower their energy costs.

Of the big three in video game consoles, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii, the amount of electricity consumed varies greatly. Given the amount of graphics used, it makes sense that the PS3 and Xbox are the biggest consumers, using 150 Watts and 119 Watts respectively per hour. The Wii, on the other hand, uses a comparatively paltry 16 Watts per hour. Just two years ago, the PS3 and Xbox used even more power but newer versions of the consoles have improved their energy consumption.

More can be done, however. The NRDC calculated that in the U.S. alone, consumers could save $1 billion a year on utility costs and reduce as much CO2 emissions per year as all the cars in the tech-heavy city of San Jose emit annually, or about 7 million tons.

Using the game consoles as high-definition video players are particularly high energy uses. The PS3 uses five times the power of Sony’s Blu-ray player to operate the same DVD. This makes no sense especially since Sony produces both devices.

Both the Xbox and PS3 have automatic power-down features which shut off the devices if they’re left idle. But for some silly reason, the feature is disabled by default on the consoles. The NRDC has a link to how to set up the power-setting default. Click here for the link.

So go ahead and set that up now. Go on. We’ll wait here.

Via NRDC

Distressing News for Gamers is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

Now it’s available in the UK and just in time for anyone who may have done a bit too much holiday celebrations.

The iBreath attaches to your iPod or iPhone and has a fold out blow wand. Exhale into the wand for at least five seconds. Within two seconds, the iBreath will let you know whether you’re in the legal limit and should take a cab home instead. The UK limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood which translates as 0.08 on the iBreath.

There’s even a built in timer that can be set to let you know when to take the next test whether it’s one minute later or if you’re still celebrating up to eight hours after the initial test.

In addition, the iBreath which costs £55 doubles as an FM transmitter and doesn’t require batteries.

iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer – holiday seasons must have gadget is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com