$9.99 AR APC 725VA UPS + USB cable + surge protector

[wisedesi]

Hello,

Rebate form says "Item must be purchased instore only, not valid on website purchase".
Does ordering online and selecting instore pickup will be website purchase?

 

[marors1]

Well, I went to pick mine up, but when I saw that it was 'not valid for online purchases' I just had them return my 'web order' and then I rebought in 'in store'

The employees seemed to think that the rebate would be invalid unless it was purchased in-store.


I dunno, that is just what I was told.

D

 

[myrcgarage]

I selected in-store pick up and it came out with $59.99! Wow, very cool deal!

 

[cougar54]

Thanks allisom, great deal. Picked up at B&M for $64.49 minus $50 MIR

 

[Oicur12]

Originally posted by: wisedesi
Hello,

Rebate form says "Item must be purchased instore only, not valid on website purchase".
Does ordering online and selecting instore pickup will be website purchase?

The "Item must be purchased in-store only, not valid on website purchase" clause is only for purchases made in either Alaska or Hawaii. Or at least that is how the form read to me. Those two states have different dates of purchase as well so I don't think it applies to purchases made in the continental US.

 

[wisedesi]

Originally posted by: Oicur12

Originally posted by: wisedesi
Hello,

Rebate form says "Item must be purchased instore only, not valid on website purchase".
Does ordering online and selecting instore pickup will be website purchase?

The "Item must be purchased in-store only, not valid on website purchase" clause is only for purchases made in either Alaska or Hawaii. Or at least that is how the form read to me. Those two states have different dates of purchase as well so I don't think it applies to purchases made in the continental US.

I think you are right, I never looked at bold fonts [only fine prints ]. Also since when we started seeing that they should receive it befoe some given date. I thought it will be always postmarked before certain data. What will you do during new year season where post will be over loaded with greeting cards.

 

[allisolm]

Also since when we started seeing that they should receive it befoe some given date. I thought it will be always postmarked before certain data. What will you do during new year season where post will be over loaded with greeting cards.

That received by date is on a lot of rebates. In this case, you don't have a lot of time. Two weeks to get it mailed and three weeks total before they have to receive it. So anyone who tends to sit on their forms better get this one mailed. OfficeMax had (maybe still has) lots of their rebates with a two week mail window, but I don't remember OD doing that in the past.
One more reason to read the forms thoroughly as soon as you can. Sometimes I feel like it's a game of wits between them and me, and I am determined to win!

 

[Karaktu]

Originally posted by: Lanyap
Nice deal. Just a heads up, I was reading over at B$ and FW that this is the same UPS on sale BF and that lots of people were complaining that it hums very loud. Guess I'll have to get one and see for myself.

colossus said:

Don't mean to threadcrap, but wasn't this the same APC unit BB had on sale last BF? That stupid thing buzzed like crazy and 1/2 the people here returned it. Unless APC put out some revised units this unit may not be worth $10.

More info...
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.php?catid=18&threadid=399537

If it does, it's defective. I got one at BestBuy on a previous deal that did that, called APC and they said to return it. The 2nd one I got is silent.

I use this particular model as a backup (to protect from brownouts and surges) for my 51" Sony HDTV, so plenty of juice there.

OOS for local pickup for me, so I just bought a couple of other things I needed and used a $30 off $150 coupon (also went through ebates.com to get another 2% back and also designated 5% of my purchase to a local school!).

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Seems like the deal is now dead online.

My 3 stores ran out of this bundle early on Sunday.

 

[myrcgarage]

It is all gone in the chicago suburbs. Stores around the city have limited quanitty. But it is not worth the hassle to drive into the city.

 

[Quadriflax]

My local OD had only one of these in stock. I was among the first few in the store so I was lucky enough to snag it. I plugged it in and let it charge up a bit to see if I heard anything. When the power is off but the unit is plugged in there's a very, very faint buzz that I need to put my ear up to the thing to hear. After letting it charge a bit and switching it on the noise got a little bit louder. I let it sit to charge some more and came back a few hours later. Again, I had to put my ear up to it to hear anything. I guess I got a good unit. And I'm a guy who can hear the high pitched whine of a muted television from a couple of rooms away.

 

[soflawill]

Just scored one in Florida City, FL. Also, they had bottled water- 1/2 liter - buy 1 get one free - $5.99 total for 2-24 pack cases

One other- they have copy paper on sale 1.79 reem for superbrite 108 24lb

 

[BigJimbo]

not finding it online anymore

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: isekii
If you just go to the store

they have it as 99.99 - 30 instant rebate - 50 mail in rebate.

Right, that's what I figure now. I see the ad on the back of the insert in yesterday's S.F. Chronicle.

Can I ask a question or two? How exactly does this work? Why is there a USB cable included? There's a separate surge protector from the UPS?

Why might I want a UPS? This thing gives you maybe 5-10 minutes to shut down your system after a blackout, right? So you avoid what might have been data loss if your system had simply had the plug pulled (i.e. if you didn't have this UPS and the power went out suddenly). But if you don't have unsaved data and you are running a reasonably advanced OS like Windows 2000, what difference would it make? I'm in the habit of saving to disk whenever I think I have info in RAM that I don't want to lose, so what would be the advantage for me? I already have my computer components plugged into a fairly decent surge protector. Thanks for any explanations, insights, etc.

 

[lookin4dlz]

No buzzing w/ mine, been plugged in 24 hrs & everything is fine...

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: isekii
If you just go to the store

they have it as 99.99 - 30 instant rebate - 50 mail in rebate.

Right, that's what I figure now. I see the ad on the back of the insert in yesterday's S.F. Chronicle.

Can I ask a question or two? How exactly does this work? Why is there a USB cable included? There's a separate surge protector from the UPS?

Why might I want a UPS? This thing gives you maybe 5-10 minutes to shut down your system after a blackout, right? So you avoid what might have been data loss if your system had simply had the plug pulled (i.e. if you didn't have this UPS and the power went out suddenly). But if you don't have unsaved data and you are running a reasonably advanced OS like Windows 2000, what difference would it make? I'm in the habit of saving to disk whenever I think I have info in RAM that I don't want to lose, so what would be the advantage for me? I already have my computer components plugged into a fairly decent surge protector. Thanks for any explanations, insights, etc.

The usb cable connects from the UPS to the computer.
if lets say the power goes out. APC kicks in
shuts down your computer via software.

 

[wisedesi]

Ordered online Sunday night for instore pickup, went there to pickup Monday evening, All sold out. Fred (that's a guys name) was there to help and was really helpful. He canceled my online order and placed another order for me (with 30$ discount and free delivery). I should be getting on Wednesday. Also he printed out rebate copy and Recepit which shows 21st as purchase date.

Really good customer service.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: isekii
If you just go to the store

they have it as 99.99 - 30 instant rebate - 50 mail in rebate.

Right, that's what I figure now. I see the ad on the back of the insert in yesterday's S.F. Chronicle.

Can I ask a question or two? How exactly does this work? Why is there a USB cable included? There's a separate surge protector from the UPS?

Why might I want a UPS? This thing gives you maybe 5-10 minutes to shut down your system after a blackout, right? So you avoid what might have been data loss if your system had simply had the plug pulled (i.e. if you didn't have this UPS and the power went out suddenly). But if you don't have unsaved data and you are running a reasonably advanced OS like Windows 2000, what difference would it make? I'm in the habit of saving to disk whenever I think I have info in RAM that I don't want to lose, so what would be the advantage for me? I already have my computer components plugged into a fairly decent surge protector. Thanks for any explanations, insights, etc.

The usb cable connects from the UPS to the computer.
if lets say the power goes out. APC kicks in
shuts down your computer via software.

OK, thanks. However, I'm wondering what the fuss is. Granted, if you have unsaved work, then maybe it gets saved (hopefully). Running Windows 2000 I get occasional lockups and when I do, and can't close down normally, I just hit the reset button. Since I have almost always saved me work before such lockups occur, I almost always suffer no known consequences when this happens. So, the question is: What real advantage would something like this afford me? Thanks for any answers.

 

[wallsfd949]

Originally posted by: Muse
Why might I want a UPS? This thing gives you maybe 5-10 minutes to shut down your system after a blackout, right? So you avoid what might have been data loss if your system had simply had the plug pulled (i.e. if you didn't have this UPS and the power went out suddenly). But if you don't have unsaved data and you are running a reasonably advanced OS like Windows 2000, what difference would it make? I'm in the habit of saving to disk whenever I think I have info in RAM that I don't want to lose, so what would be the advantage for me? I already have my computer components plugged into a fairly decent surge protector. Thanks for any explanations, insights, etc.

My philosophy is, you never can be too safe. If what you do is absolutely meaningless and you don't mind the possibility of having to reinstall your OS, I guess you don't need one. I don't use my PC for anything mission critical, but for $9.99 if I can avoid loosing the video project I was working on or the 3 page letter or report I was typing, It's worth it.


Thanks OP, picked one up to add to my collection (4). You never can have too many at that price.


[edit]I'm not sure how good a sudden power loss is to components. It may not matter, but if my hard disk is mid-write, it could have potential consequences.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: wallsfd949

Originally posted by: Muse
Why might I want a UPS? This thing gives you maybe 5-10 minutes to shut down your system after a blackout, right? So you avoid what might have been data loss if your system had simply had the plug pulled (i.e. if you didn't have this UPS and the power went out suddenly). But if you don't have unsaved data and you are running a reasonably advanced OS like Windows 2000, what difference would it make? I'm in the habit of saving to disk whenever I think I have info in RAM that I don't want to lose, so what would be the advantage for me? I already have my computer components plugged into a fairly decent surge protector. Thanks for any explanations, insights, etc.

My philosophy is, you never can be too safe. If what you do is absolutely meaningless and you don't mind the possibility of having to reinstall your OS, I guess you don't need one. I don't use my PC for anything mission critical, but for $9.99 if I can avoid loosing the video project I was working on or the 3 page letter or report I was typing, It's worth it.


Thanks OP, picked one up to add to my collection (4). You never can have too many at that price.


[edit]I'm not sure how good a sudden power loss is to components. It may not matter, but if my hard disk is mid-write, it could have potential consequences.

Thanks. I won't argue with those ideas. There could be some real merit to them. Myself, I'd never write 3 pages and do no saves. I do a save after every good idea!

What I do is NOT meaningless. Maybe I'll see if I can pick one up tomorrow. I did get a mouse from them on special a few months ago and called to make sure they had them. I can do the same tomorrow.

I'm wondering what this will cost me besides the money, time and trouble to set it up. This thing has a battery in it, right? What kind is it, how long will it last and what is the feasibility of replacing it and at what cost?

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: wallsfd949

Originally posted by: Muse
Why might I want a UPS? This thing gives you maybe 5-10 minutes to shut down your system after a blackout, right? So you avoid what might have been data loss if your system had simply had the plug pulled (i.e. if you didn't have this UPS and the power went out suddenly). But if you don't have unsaved data and you are running a reasonably advanced OS like Windows 2000, what difference would it make? I'm in the habit of saving to disk whenever I think I have info in RAM that I don't want to lose, so what would be the advantage for me? I already have my computer components plugged into a fairly decent surge protector. Thanks for any explanations, insights, etc.

My philosophy is, you never can be too safe. If what you do is absolutely meaningless and you don't mind the possibility of having to reinstall your OS, I guess you don't need one. I don't use my PC for anything mission critical, but for $9.99 if I can avoid loosing the video project I was working on or the 3 page letter or report I was typing, It's worth it.


Thanks OP, picked one up to add to my collection (4). You never can have too many at that price.


[edit]I'm not sure how good a sudden power loss is to components. It may not matter, but if my hard disk is mid-write, it could have potential consequences.

Thanks. I won't argue with those ideas. There could be some real merit to them. Myself, I'd never write 3 pages and do no saves. I do a save after every good idea!

What I do is NOT meaningless. Maybe I'll see if I can pick one up tomorrow. I did get a mouse from them on special a few months ago and called to make sure they had them. I can do the same tomorrow.

I'm wondering what this will cost me besides the money, time and trouble to set it up. This thing has a battery in it, right? What kind is it, how long will it last and what is the feasibility of replacing it and at what cost?

they come with a 2 year warranty.
2 years for under 15 bucks is well worth it.
Battery shouldn't be too expensive for these.
You can find a bunch on ebay for a decent price.

 

[myrcgarage]

Are they getting new shipment or something? I had the same problem that it is all out. The guy in OD called me and told me that he cancelled my order because it is all out! Also, most of the OD's in the chicago suburbs are out. Please let me know how you can get one while it is all out.

Thanks

 

[Muse]

they come with a 2 year warranty.
2 years for under 15 bucks is well worth it.
Battery shouldn't be too expensive for these.
You can find a bunch on ebay for a decent price.

What's a "decent" price?

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Muse
Thanks. I won't argue with those ideas. There could be some real merit to them. Myself, I'd never write 3 pages and do no saves. I do a save after every good idea!

What I do is NOT meaningless. Maybe I'll see if I can pick one up tomorrow. I did get a mouse from them on special a few months ago and called to make sure they had them. I can do the same tomorrow.

I'm wondering what this will cost me besides the money, time and trouble to set it up. This thing has a battery in it, right? What kind is it, how long will it last and what is the feasibility of replacing it and at what cost?

Yes, it has a battery.
It lasts a few years. You can replace it. But, with the prices this low, you can pick up a new UPS.

The UPS is not there to make sure that you do not lose an unsaved file. In fact, you can still lose data if you do not manually save the file.
The UPS is there to make sure that your PC never sees a line voltage lower than like 90V.

If you have a brown out (low line voltage but not zero) without a UPS, your PC can be damaged.

Another time a UPS is a must is when you flash your motherboard BIOS. If you lose power in the middle of the process, you may end up with a very expensive door-stop or plant stand!

Basically, if you have a UPS and you set it up right, you guarantee that when you are running a critical task (like flashing the BIOS), it will be finished no matter what, and if you lose power, your PC will be turned off gracefully.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Navid

Originally posted by: Muse
Thanks. I won't argue with those ideas. There could be some real merit to them. Myself, I'd never write 3 pages and do no saves. I do a save after every good idea!

What I do is NOT meaningless. Maybe I'll see if I can pick one up tomorrow. I did get a mouse from them on special a few months ago and called to make sure they had them. I can do the same tomorrow.

I'm wondering what this will cost me besides the money, time and trouble to set it up. This thing has a battery in it, right? What kind is it, how long will it last and what is the feasibility of replacing it and at what cost?

Yes, it has a battery.
It lasts a few years. You can replace it. But, with the prices this low, you can pick up a new UPS.

The UPS is not there to make sure that you do not lose an unsaved file. In fact, you can still lose data if you do not manually save the file.
The UPS is there to make sure that your PC never sees a line voltage lower than like 90V.

If you have a brown out (low line voltage but not zero) without a UPS, your PC can be damaged.

Another time a UPS is a must is when you flash your motherboard BIOS. If you lose power in the middle of the process, you may end up with a very expensive door-stop or plant stand!

Basically, if you have a UPS and you set it up right, you guarantee that when you are running a critical task (like flashing the BIOS), it will be finished no matter what, and if you lose power, your PC will be turned off gracefully.

OK, I got an A in statistics and I know that the odds of my experiencing a power failure in my lifetime while flashing a mainboard BIOS are in the neighborhood of 10,000:1, and that's probably generous. Then, to justify buying a UPS on that basis, if I assume $5 worth of the UPS goes toward insuring my mainboard, I better have a $50,000 mainboard to justify it.

My HD is probably a bigger issue, not because it's in another order of magnitude of cost but because it has information on it. I can buy a new mainboard for $100, $200 tops, same for a HD. But I backup pretty frequently and wouldn't suffer too badly if I lose 1, 2, or all 3 HD's in my main PC. I'm not saying it's stupid or ill-advised to get a UPS, I just am not convinced it is worth it to me. I admit, I'm kind of stupid about this stuff.

Segal's Law: A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.