Quote - Prob takes more to power down and up than it does to continue running.  Just set it to sleep.

Considering that it takes less power to shut down and turn a light back on (.33 seconds worth of power according to Mythbusters), I'm kind of doubtful about that.

And leaving the computer off for 6+ hours more than makes up for any potential power spikes when shutting down or starting up, since there's none being used. Doesn't sleep mode still use some power?

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If you're joking that's just cruel, but if you're being sarcastic, that's even worse.