ThinkEco Modlet

So, wouldn't the device ITSELF be constantly using power to maintain its wireless connection and to track its on/off schedule. It seems to me, that for $50 a pop it would cost me roughly $200 a room x 10 Rooms = $2000 to ADD "Power Vampires" to my house.

This is a good concept with a horrible implementation.

This article generates many questions and does not offer a link to the manufacture of this device, which obviously uses a website. Is this $50 for one device or many and what other cost might be included?

A device uses electricity to save me electricity to save me money, while charging me money, odd?

I agree with you Xionanx.

It's pretty hard to type in the name ThinkEco Modlet in google and get their website. Also, your wall outlet on its own breaker has the capability of pulling 15 amps at 120VAC. That's over 1500W. Do you honestly think a wireless connection that is most likely only active once an hour or so to transmit stored data is going to even come close to that order of magnitude? Obviously you're not going to plug these things in all wall outlets such as small power use items, but it does make a lot of sense to use for big ticket items like TV's, computers, stereos, and even your cable television boxes (provided you don't DVR during daytime hours) ... those things are all power hogs.

Products like this are hypocritical. If you want to use less of something, use less of it. Don't use more in order to use less. I'd love to have to skill-set to calculate how much carbon the existence of one of these things puts out into the world, from the time the company was started until it gets plugged into your wall. What about in 10 years when it isn't needed anymore? When phantom power drain is eliminated completely by manufacturers. It's already happening.

Just unplug your phone charger. Switch off your power bar. Donate the $50 to charity. Get a handle on reality people.

Use more just to use less? That makes no sense. The idea is you use 1% more of something to use 30% less of another. It's called a net loss. Not sure if you understand math here, but it's not difficult. And what do you think manufacturers will do to eliminate phantom power? Do you think they'll use less to accomplish that? I don't.

Thank you for the comments and questions!

We would like to address some of the questions brought up:
The modlet has a very small standby power (max of 0.4 w) which translates into a few cents a month – significantly less than the energy it can save when used with a large energy waster like a TV, cable box or printer. While it would be great to modernize all the outlets in your home, the modlet is only recommended for outlets where the greatest energy waste occurs. This is usually the entertainment center and home office, although bedrooms and kitchens can be great places to save as well. So you really only need 1 – 5 modlets for your home.

In addition to the energy saving benefits, one of the key aspects of the modlet is the ability to remotely control whether your devices are on or off. With the modlet system you could set your window A/C or light to turn on 15 minutes prior to you returning home. Or if you're wondering if you forgot to turn off your coffee pot, you can check from your mobile device.

The $50 starter kit includes 1 modlet, 1 USB receiver (which is how the modlet communicates with your computer) and access to the web-based software. Additional modlets can be purchased for $45 to expand your modlet network. The only other cost is shipping. Modlets are available through themodlet and best buy.

Additionally for more info please visit www[dot]themodlet[dot]com