Granola “makes computers more energy efficient without slowing them down. It is safe, easy to use, and allows your computer to operate with the performance of a Ferrari, when speed counts, but also with the efficiency of a Prius so you don’t waste energy.”  The program is FREE, lightweight (smaller than a single MP3) and super easy to use.  Installation took me less than 2 minutes and I didn’t have to sign up, provide any information or labor over any settings.  Granola just started gathering information about my PC and then saving me energy and money…. but how?

Granola Gathers, Then Saves

How Granola Works

- taken from granola web site

When your computer is working hard (for instance, when you are playing a game) the CPU needs to be at full speed so that it can work effectively. When your computer is “relaxing” (for instance, when you are browsing a web site) your CPU can “dim” itself by slowing down execution without you noticing. In the lower state, the CPU consumes less energy, thus making your computer more efficient. If you wanted to, you could switch between the “bright” and “dim” modes yourself to match your usage. In order to get the most efficient use of power in your computer system though, you would need to switch DVFS modes every time you changed your usage.

That is where Granola comes in. Using sophisticated workload modeling and prediction algorithms, Granola can determine when your computer is working and the CPU needs to be “bright” and when your computer is relaxing and the CPU can be “dim” without affecting your work. This allows Granola to automatically change DVFS modes to save energy when you can while still running at full speed when you need it.

Get Constant Updates on Your Savings

Get Granola

To download the program and start the install, simply visit:

• http://grano.la

You can also follow Granola on Facebook and Twitter.  Find out about the latest updates, the latest news and hear from other Granola users as they save money and the environment.

• Granola on Facebook
• Granola on Twitter

Donate

Granola is FREE, but they will need donations to keep the program running and updating regularly.  If you find yourself saving even $10 this year because of Granola, why not give them back $3?  The more savings you see, the more you can donate.  Who knows, with enough money and time we might find ourselves using Granola on other devices.  I for one, would love to see the savings.

As with any technology, one thing is required for any extended period of time…. power!  Most riders carry extra batteries and I even saw some who attempted to use small solar panels to power their devices.  Unfortunately, each of these solutions has their own set of problems, including a mostly-overcast ride this year.  One possible solution that I have kept my eye on for some time was the use of “pedal power” for our gadgets and devices.  Why not use the power of our own legs to generate the juice needed for our devices?  Thankfully, the folks of Dahon were working on an answer to the same question.  Their answer, released just a few months ago, was the BioLogic ReeCharge.

DEVICE

The BioLogic ReeCharge is personal power system that can charge almost any gadget via a lithium polymer battery that can be charged by an outlet, a computer or the pedaling power of a cyclist.    The device captures and stores energy created by magnets in a specially designed hub (not included).  The idea is simple and, in my opinion, amazing!  Any cyclist who is covering a long distance can now rest easy, as their device (cell phone, ipod, GPS unit) can be charged over and over again from a power source that simply needs nutrition and the occasional water break.  The ReeCharge is small enough to stay out of the way and it looks as if it is light enough for the weight-conscious cyclists in the crowd, although I couldn’t find a “spec sheet” that identified the exact weight of the device.

A Dynamo Hub & ReeCharge Provide Power for Your Device

COST

Price is probably the only limiting factor for the “green power” BioLogic ReeCharge device.  For interested parties, we are most likely looking at a $200+ investment.  That’s $120+ for the ReeCharge and another $90 (or more) for the required dynamo hub.  Avid cyclists will tell you that this is a minimal investment, compared to the cost of carbon-fiber components and accessories, but it is still quite a bit of money.  Compare it with the hassle of  cell phones gone dead, hauling batteries or charging cables all over the country-side or simply taking a wrong turn down a country road and finding yourself 15 miles in the wrong direction and the cost seems a lot more digestible.

REVIEWS

Unfortunately, I just learned of the release of this device and was unable to find any reviews from actual users online.  There are many articles that mention the release of the BioLogic ReeCharge, but none from actual users.  I for one would love to hear from some of the early adopters before shelling out the $200.  Does anyone out there have this device in hand?  If so, please let us know.

LINKS

Official Site for Dahon: http://www.dahon.com/accessories/2010/biologic-reecharge

Available From: http://www.electriccyclery.com/catalog/biologic-reecharge-p-283.html (Electric Cyclery for $120)

Required Hub: http://www.electriccyclery.com/catalog/biologic-joule-dynamo-p-284.html (Not the only compatible hub, but one of the least expensive)