By codemechanic | September 15, 2009

Yes. TonidoPlug can help you to save hundreds of dollars in electricity costs. In fact, it pays for itself in approximately 9 months.

TonidoPlug is based on Marvell’s 1.2 Ghz Sheeva processor (ARM Architecture) which consumes typically 1/20 of your average desktop power consumption. TonidoPlug consumes power anywhere between 3.1 watts (Min) to 7 watts (Peak) of power. Check out Martin’s blog for more numbers. On average, one can say TonidoPlug will consume 5 watts of power per hour.
 

Lets us do a little math here. Assume, you are running the TonidoPlug 24/7, 365 days and 1 KW power costs 0.15 cents in your area, then

Total Cost of Running TonidoPlug = (5 * 24 * 365/1000 watts) * .15 cents = $6.57/year.

Now, let us compare TonidoPlug with typical desktop PC’s. Typically desktop PC’s consume 60 watts to 250 watts of power depends on the computer state and CPU type. Check out the power management statistics from Northwestern University for detailed power consumption numbers.
 

If we assume on average your desktop consumes 120 watts of power ( It can be more if it is a gaming or multimedia system) and runs 24-7, 365 days

Total Cost of Running desktop PC = (120 * 24 * 365/1000 watts) * .15 cents = $157.68/year.

Now you can compare both numbers and see the difference,
 

If you are php, ruby developer or drupal, joomla web designer and you need a test linux server that runs 24/7 for development needs , now you have a low power, low cost alternative. You can buy TonidoPlug instead of a PC. TonidoPlug comes with standard ubuntu jaunty distribution with ssh access. You can use your favorite package management system to install whatever software you want into TonidoPlug.
 

Also, if you are a student or a consultant and you need access to files and media 24/7 from anywhere, then TonidoPlug is an ideal option compared to your power hungry PC. TonidoPlug comes with a list of fun and productive web apps that will help you to access your files and media from anywhere.
 

In summary, TonidoPlug not only offers an array of powerful web applications but also pays for itself by saving electricity costs.