[the_glassman]

Well, being the tree hugging hippie that I am, and having a computer on 24/7 I'm concerned about the environment not to mention the effect it's having on my wallet! I'm currently using an eMac which doesn't look like it rates very well against the Mini or iMac. Surely it must be better than a dual super computer G5 though?

So hows Apple's lineup as far as power used is concerned.
I'd imagine the ibook or Mini would use the least amount of power, but coupled with the fact you have to add some kind of display to the mini it kind of defeats the purpose.

[ManOfSteal]

You may not find your answer here; however, it's informative none-the-less:

http://www.apple.com/environment/design/energy/

[Apple Pro Underwear]

get whatever mac is best for your needs

use the mac for powers of good and you are set

[memory-minus]

Originally posted by the_glassman:
Well, being the tree hugging hippie that I am, and having a computer on 24/7 I'm concerned about the environment not to mention the effect it's having on my wallet!

What are you running on an eMac that requires you to have it on 24/7? Just put the eMac to sleep when you're not sitting in front of it. Alternatively, turn down the thermostat 2 degrees that'll save you some money and electricity (or natural gas, depending on your heat source).

Do you have a car? I'd be much more worried about the damaging effects on the environment that has. Do you take mass transit whenever possible? Are you recycling? Do you avoid consuming goods from companies known for poor environmental policies? My point is, there's a lot more to worry about than how much energy your eMac's 230W power supply is sucking down.

Anyway to answer your question, 12" iBook is probably the most energy efficient Mac due to the slower processor and small LCD screen.

[the_glassman]

Originally posted by memory-minus:
What are you running on an eMac that requires you to have it on 24/7? Just put the eMac to sleep when you're not sitting in front of it. Alternatively, turn down the thermostat 2 degrees that'll save you some money and electricity (or natural gas, depending on your heat source).

Do you have a car? I'd be much more worried about the damaging effects on the environment that has. Do you take mass transit whenever possible? Are you recycling? Do you avoid consuming goods from companies known for poor environmental policies? My point is, there's a lot more to worry about than how much energy your eMac's 230W power supply is sucking down.

Anyway to answer your question, 12" iBook is probably the most energy efficient Mac due to the slower processor and small LCD screen.

Video/Photo/Music Server. I ride a 27 speed to work almost every day! Yes I recycle, I've gone as far as to pull stuff out others trash to make sure it gets recycled.
I tend to boycott companies with poor environmental habits as much as possible and was just looking at something a little more eco friendly for my next purchase.

I'm also glad to see that Apple is (finally) making an effort to improve and lessen the impact they have on the environment.

[tooki]

In terms of maximum power draw, the iBooks and 12" PowerBook are tied: they both use the 45W AC adapter (even the mini's adapter is 85W plus however much the screen draws, and the 15 and 17" PBs use a 65W adapter). Note that this is the maximum output, which only happens when the machine is under full load and (except in the mini of course) charging its battery. In everyday usage, it will be significantly less.

That said, neither an iBook, PowerBook, nor mini make the best server, since they all use 2.5" hard drives that are simply not as fast as those in the eMac, iMac, and Power Mac. But for your purposes, that may be fine.

tooki

[macaddict0001]

an ibook uses the least amount of energy. but older computers often us less.

[sugar_coated]

To save energy put them to sleep when not in use.

[Gankdawg]

Apostrophe police. You are under arrest.

[TheBadgerHunter]

Originally posted by the_glassman:
Well, being the tree hugging hippie that I am, and having a computer on 24/7 I'm concerned about the environment not to mention the effect it's having on my wallet! I'm currently using an eMac which doesn't look like it rates very well against the Mini or iMac. Surely it must be better than a dual super computer G5 though?

So hows Apple's lineup as far as power used is concerned.
I'd imagine the ibook or Mini would use the least amount of power, but coupled with the fact you have to add some kind of display to the mini it kind of defeats the purpose.

You do know that your power consumption has zero effect on the environment, right?

[the_glassman]

Originally posted by TheBadgerHunter:
You do know that your power consumption has zero effect on the environment, right?

So I can just leave all the lights on with the Microwave, TV, hair dryer and all appliances on 24/7 and it won't have any impact what so ever on the environment?

[macaddict0001]

electricity is clean, but most of it is made at methane or coal plants, neither of which are clean.

[TheBadgerHunter]

Originally posted by the_glassman:
So I can just leave all the lights on with the Microwave, TV, hair dryer and all appliances on 24/7 and it won't have any impact what so ever on the environment?

Probably. If you're power is coal-based still highly unlikely. Power produced won't be affected by your consumption.

Of course if you're running a hair-dryer and microwave 24/7 that will be the least of your concerns. Namely fire and being sterile.