Low Voltage Power Distribution?

thesp asks: "As I look around my apartment, I am continually struck by the plethora of high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC power adapters I use to power my various devices. At a recent estimate, around 30% of the power consumed in my house is via these adapters. From my laptop to my digital music player, and from my mobile telephone to my PDA, each device is down-converting its own power through its own adapter. Double this number to include my partner's devices. Many of these run hot, and are inconvenient to remove/replug to conserve power and outlets. Does Slashdot know of any moves to standardize power delivery to such devices, or of hobby/home-brew projects to distribute low-voltage power from a central power converter? Alternatively, are there reasons as to why this would not be a simple and effective solution to the proliferation of wall-warts." "On closer examination, these adapters seem to fall into four major categories, 7V, 5V and 3V, with the most common being 5V. Despite this, each device uses a different DC plug configuration, which makes efficient use of adapters difficult. It seems to me that, just as AC power is standardised, portable electronics power requirements should be also be standardised, with a standard wall outlet and car outlet at, say, 5V, and a standard device cable and interface. Electronics manufacturers would save money on power adapters, and the consumer would have the cost of the converter written in to home construction or automobile construction costs. No longer would we have to lug 4 separate power adapters with us on an overnight business stay to power our various equipment."

Comments

30 Percent?

[Gothmolly]

At a recent estimate, around 30% of the power consumed in my house is via these adapters.

You're new here, aren't you. By "new", I mean, new to this planet. Apparently you have no idea how much a TV uses, or how much a refridgerator or microwave uses.

So this article is a "tripe", and also has a stupider premise than the others. Thanks, "editors".

Surety you crave! Reality gives you none!

[Gothmolly]

It seems to me that, just as AC power is standardised, portable electronics power requirements should be also be standardised

TYPICAL Euro-troll. Why can't everything be the same? (i.e. the way I want it) Isn't everything arbitrary> (so why not MY whim)

Other nice things:
One world currency
One world religion
One world governing body
One world form of government
New World Order