Power-saving desktops to reduce bills

Fujitsu Siemens Computers has released two energy-saving desktop systems that cut electricity consumption by up to 23%, IT Week reports.

The Esprimo E5615 small form factor PC and P5615 microtower, available in mid-June, are based on AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors up to model number 4600+, and can have up to 4GB of memory.

The two models reduce energy consumption enough for a firm with 100 such systems to save up to lb6 800 (R85 500) on electricity per year, Fujitsu Siemens said.

Intel will aim the dual-core chips, due to start shipping in July, at desktops priced under $1 000 (R6 800), versus restricting them to more expensive hardware, reports PC Mag.

Although those looking for extra performance or exclusivity will be able to purchase one of Intel`s Core 2 Extreme chips.

The move will supposedly allow Core 2 Duo to capture more sales by playing to mainstream business desktops and corporate workstations as well as upper midrange and high-end consumer desktops.

The rise to prominence of laptops over desktop PCs continues apace, with IDC predicting sales of the latter will remain static, while businesses and consumers will drive laptop sales up by 15% per year, reports Silicon.

IDC`s figures for Western Europe predict total PC shipments will increase by 7.9% annually over the next five years

This figure is almost exactly halfway between the near-stagnant 1.2% growth of desktops and the 15% predicted for laptops.