2 Responses

1. Nothing like that.

   use the power safe options in windows: Shut down HDs when not is use, turn of monitors, use power saving options for CPUs, remove unnecessary fans.

   Unless you use solar/wind power most other schemes will only lose power in conversions.

   Good luck.

2. 1) turn them off when you don’t need them for a long period of time (500W)

   2) turn the screens off if you don’t need them (100W)

   3) if possible, don’t use your DVD player (20-40W) for long periods of time. ie: if you want to watch a movie, copy it on your HDD (hard disk drive) and watch it from there.

   4) unplug the speakers (20W), the keyboard, mouse and usb key (a few W) when they’re not needed

   5) make sure you have activated all the energy saving possibilities offered by your computer (this usually involves shutting the screen and HDD down automatically, and if you’re using the latest models, then the cpu (processor) will be shut down partially when not needded)

   6) when they’re finally released on the market, get yourself flash_memory-magnetic_memory HDD instead of the normal magnetic HDD (it will be able to stay in low power consumption most of the time, that way)
   (should save about 30W)

   battery??? What the hell! damn it! you’re using laptops! Well, your laptop should already be in an optimal powersaving configuration (when you bought it). And you should be able to recharge the batteries using the electricity generated by your car, yes. you will then need a DC-DC converter.
   (car batteries are DC 12V, after all)

   check with your laptop supplier, he should be able to sell you the correct equipement to recharge your batteries.