P3 Kill-A-Watt P4400 Electrical Monitor - $19.99 w/FS (requires code) @ NewEgg.com

[shrike4242]

I've been looking to pick up one of these Kill-A-Watt electrical monitors, to try and cut down on my electrical bills. This has been about as cheap as I've seen it, and it's from NewEgg.com, rather than some of the other places I've seen it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001

Free shipping code: EMCLPMX36

Info about the Kill-A-Watt: http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html

 

[Kerig]

0.2% Accuracy

I got a chuckle out of this.

without the +/- in front of 0.2%, they're basically saying this thing is less than 1% accurate

I know what they mean (99.8% accuracy), but it's still funny. I would get one of these myself, but then I'll have to start replacing appliances left and right. I love my 15 year old toaster oven.

You can also buy it used at amazon for $2,400:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...37493458&sr=8-1&seller=&colid=&condition=used

Alright, I want one now, thanks.

 

[seen]

I'm almost ready to buy it but am interested by this more expensive one. Thinking it maybe better?

http://www.amazon.com/Watts-Up-AC-Power-Meter/dp/B00130R810

 

[Teqonix]

I'd love one of these things, but I'd really like to see one with Wi-Fi built-in so you could purchase a few of them and aggregate data wirelessly for your household. Probably a ways off, though.

 

[banpeikun]

It used to be $17.99 at newegg until recently, but I don't know if the free shipping code was active.

 

[Kerig]

[quote name='seen']I'm almost ready to buy it but am interested by this more expensive one. Thinking it maybe better?

http://www.amazon.com/Watts-Up-AC-Power-Meter/dp/B00130R810[/quote]

I'm sure you've also seen the expensive version of the kill-a-watt:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RGF29Q/ref=cm_rdp_product_img

that one seems more comparable to the watts-up, but only $40 instead of $100+. I think it's kind of silly to let it calculate into real money for you. Once you figure out your specific calculation, you'll know it right off the batt. I look at Goozex points and my mind immediately converts them into $ without even thinking about it.

A battery backup seems to be the other major improvement. I'd start with the cheapest one since they're all just as accurate. If you find it's your new obsessive hobby then you can always upgrade later. I just really want to know 2 things:

1. Should I cut off power to my 37" LCD completely when it's off?
2. Is my wife correct in telling me my laptop power cord is still using electricity when I keep it plugged into the wall, but not plugged into the laptop.

#2 is worth the price of the unit alone. (the part about my wife being correct, not about it actually sucking voltage when not connected to the laptop )