[peakoildiary]

Hello

I am new in this group, I am also new to a peak oil issue.

I am thinking of buying a used car, and I don't know anything about cars. I have heard of this "peak oil thing". After doing some research I thought you guys may advice me better then car dealers. I like Toyota models, but I would like to buy a car whose parts are cheap, consume less gas, and it will last long.

Another interesting thing I would like to know is, what do you guys think about internet use, and new CPU? Pentium4 3Ghz consume lots of energy, and AMD is not that far behind. Am I wasting energy by running computer 24 hours a day?

Also I'm thinking of building a new computer because right now I have Pentium-II 233mmx don't laught Which CPU should I buy AMD or Intel? Which one consume use less energy? I also read that new video cards consume more energy then older one, is it true? And what about laptop? Are laptop good for preparing post peakoil life style?

Finally, I would lilke to know, what can a person do who is living in a city? I live in Toronto, Canada (Toronto is like a New York City). It's becoming very hard to ignore peak oil issue. Gas price is 99.9 cents here!!!!!!!! It use to be 58 cent as far back as 1998....

Thanks in advance

Ps: English is not my native language so I apologize for any grammr/spelling mistake I may have made.

[max_power29]

I would buy a volkswagon that runs on diesel. if i lived in an extremely cold icy weather. Otherwise I would buy an aprilia scooter. you can get them in a variety of diffferent sizes, and they all go fast look cool and Ive heard get about 100 miles to the gallon.

I dont know much about computer technicalities, just go ahead and shut them down when you're not using them it doesnt hurt or anything. New computers dont seem to take that long to boot up.

[linlithgowoil]

buy a diesel used car. volkswagen, audi, toyota, are good.


as for computers, the actual components dont matter. its your power supply that matters - its the thing that is drawing all the power.

laptops use quite a bit less power than a desktop pc so get that if you want. however, computers dont use much electricity at all. just make sure you tell your pc to shut itself down when not used for more than a set period. never leave it on 24 hours a day, whats the point? total waste of energy.

[emersonbiggins]

Lithgow's right - power supply is all that matters. I wouldn't go below a 350W supply, though, especially if you're going to have 2 or more hard drives, a decent video card, 2 or more DVD/CD drives, etc. I put a 500W supply into my new machine; that's probably overkill if you're not gaming or into graphic design.
I have a P4 laptop that sucks 90W. I'm sure the Centrinos and new M's use far less power than that beast.

[rogerhb]

Second hand cars are often a case of buying somebody elses problems!

Considerations should include

1. Fuel efficiency

2. Reliability

3. Spares availability

4. Can you fix it yourself, eg a manual without electronic ignition may be better in the long run.

5. Insurance

[Dingbat]

- also - don't go into more debt to buy said car. Better buy cash that way you don't have a financially ball-and-chain associated with said car.

- Ding.