MakeUseOf Directory » power

PwrDrain: View Laptop Battery Power Drain Data In Real-Time

Umar — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:01:03 +0000

Numerous virtual “power meters” let you find out how much of your laptop’s battery remains before it needs a recharge. But these meters do not display power drainage in real time. For this you will need to use PwrDrain.

PwrDrain is an open source desktop widget for Windows laptops that displays the current power drainage in real time. In addition to displaying drainage data, the app alerts you when you are about to run a tool that requires a lot of power.

Written in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the widget helps identify which programs are taking up a lot of power. Data is collected through Windows Management Instrumentation by using Advanced Configuration & Power Interface.

Features:

A user-friendly tool.
Intended for Windows-running laptops.
Displays power drainage data in real time.
Helps find out which application uses a lot of your battery power.

Check out PwrDrain @ code.google.com/p/pwrdrain-gadget (By Umar from TechCityInc)

Grano.la: Optimizes Computer Energy Usage & Saves Electricity

Israel Nicolas — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:01:17 +0000

If you care deeply for the environment or you just want to save money on electricity, you need to check this out. Granola is a power management software that claims to optimize computer energy usage by as much as 10% to 35%. It also tracks the energy used and saved in your desktop so you have an idea how system resources are used.

Granola works by limiting your computer’s power and making it available only when it is needed while saving the rest. The applet displays the electricity saved in kWh, money, and carbon output. It even displays cool trivia as they show the numbers.

In addition to saving electricity, this app is also useful for making your laptop batteries last longer.

Granola is a nice desktop app for people who want to extend the life of their computer while contributing something to save the environment.

Features:

Computer power usage optimizer program.
Free for personal use.
Safe for any computer.
Small footprint.
Save energy while maintaining performance.
Install easily and forget it.
Similar Tools: MonitorOff or check out our 5 Ways To Reduce The Power Consumption Of Your Computer.

Check out Granola @ www.grano.la

MicrosoftHohm: Get Tips To Reduce Home Energy Costs

abhijeet — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:01:53 +0000

Hohm is a new web service by Microsoft which aims to provide you with a detailed analysis of the energy costs related to your home appliances and suggest measures to reduce home energy costs. It requires a Windows Live ID and Postal code ( currently US only ) to sign up. Once you register, it asks you elaborate questions about your home appliances and then presents you with an energy report that suggests varios ways to help you reduce your energy consumption and your overall energy bill.

Features

Free web based home energy cost calculator.
Sign up with Windows Live ID and postal code ( US only ).
Answer questions and get detailed energy report.
Get tips to reduce your energy costs in your home.

Check out Microsoft Hohm @ www.microsoft-hohm.com (by Abhijeet from Jeet Blog)