What’s wrong with the current technology -- linear power supplies?

Linear power supplies, also referred to as "energy vampires" because of their energy-sucking nature, work off of old technology from the 1800's, which hasn't kept pace with current innovation. Linear transformers use large iron cores and require many turns of copper wire in order to convert regular 50/60 cycle AC house current to the safer low-voltage DC needed to power our appliances and electronic devices. As a result, they are extremely large and bulky, often times covering two outlets on your wall plate or power strip. Moreover, linears do not have the smarts to recognize the standby or sleep mode of the appliance and cut back the consumption accordingly. As a result they consume many more watts than necessary. As a test, go feel one of the bulky linears plugged into the wall. It will be warm to the touch...those are wasted watts!  more