ThinkEco modlet smart plugs

CES 2010 featured a number of products geared at home energy efficiency, including smart plugs from Tenrehte and this "modlet" from start-up ThinkEco. The modlet, which stands for modern outlet, works with software on a USB key that lets people control appliances plugged into the modlet from a Web application. People can set on/off schedules for computers and peripherals or for an entertainment center. The company says the smart plugs, which are expected to be released in early 2011, will pay for themselves within six months in energy savings.