[timlossen]

well, it partly depends on the local electricity rate you are paying .... which is probably a little higher here in europe than in the states, i guess. haven't really calculated the amortization time yet, though.

[windsurfer]

10 watts per year is 87.6 kW h... how much are you paying for your electricity?

[loki99]

88kwh cost about 22$ here in Vienna, AT.

[windsurfer]

So for a 200$ drive versus a 100$ drive using 4x as much power with both having an expected life time of 4 years, the 100$ drive is still cheaper.