US Department Of Energy Wants In On Netbooks

Energy Star, a joint company started by the EPA and the US Department of Energy, was developed to help consumers make good energy choices. Right now, their computer database only has three options: workstations, notebook/tablets, and desktops. However, a file has been released which seems to outline an effort to bring netbooks into the mix. Netbooks’ excellent use of battery power make them a prime candidate for Energy Star, so this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.

GottaBeMobile took some interesting notes about the Energy Star proposal. We quote:

• Energy Star predicts that the netbook market will grow during the next couple years.
• Included in the proposal is the Wikipedia definition of netbook.  It states, “The term netbook was re-introduced by Intel in February, 2008 to describe a category of small?sized, low?cost, light weight, lean function subnotebooks optimized for Internet access and core computing functions (e.g., word processing) — either directly from applications installed on the netbook itself or indirectly, via cloud computing.” The proposal seems to promote the netbook term as a generic category rather than a specific product.  This goes against Psion’s quest to keep their netbook name exclusive.  It should be noted that the Energy Star proposal was published before Psion’s dispute.
• The proposal seeks to introduce three categories for netbooks.  Two categories will separate netbooks based upon integrated v. discrete graphics.
• Energy Star’s proposal defines netbooks as having a screen size of less than/equal to eleven inches.
• The proposal quotes Paul Bergevin and his article Thoughts on Netbooks from March, 2008.  It is interesting to revisit Paul’s thoughts to see how the netbook market has developed from the introduction of the original Asus Eee PC 701.

This sounds like an interesting future for netbooks, and we’ll be sure to follow the story as it develops. If the Department of Energy wants in on netbooks, who wouldn’t?

If you’re interested, you can go here to see if your computer is efficient enough to meet Energy Star’s guidelines.