I'm a bit OCD about efficiency and I have noticed that at least one of my two Android devices tells me to unplug it after charging is complete to save energy. My questions are:
- Is it true that a chargeable USB device may or will continue to consume similar amounts of power if it remains plugged in after fully charging?
- Does this vary based on hardware and/or software (Is it possible my LG Optimus T phone continues to consume similar power after it is charged, but my Nexus 7 doesn't)?
- If a device continues to "consume" power after it is charged, where does it go (laws of thermodynamics and all)?
In searching for my answer, I have found the following questions relevant but not entirely applicable to my question: