Can anyone recommend a good UPS?

[Adrian Tung]

I notice in Win2k's power settings, there is a tab for UPS. Is there any cheap UPS that is supported by Win2k? I just need my PC to auto-shutdown if there is a power loss of more than 5-10 minutes, so I don't need a very long-lasting UPS anyway.

Thanks in advance,
atwl

 

[Lord Evermore]

Almost all UPS's come with a serial port for connecting to your computer (some have USB), and monitoring software as well, that automatically will shut down your computer in the event of an outage. The only question is whether the supplied software (or downloadable from the manufacturers web site) will run on Win2k.

Whatever you do, don't get a CyberPower UPS. I've seen many failures with people on these forums, and I personally had 2 fail, my roommate had one fail, and my current one has a faulty power switch (I have to click it over and over and over, it finally makes contact after 5 to 10 tries). I bought two of these originally, one failed in the form of showering sparks across the room when I tried to use the Test function, CyberPower replaced it with only a slight amount of hassle (I had to 'remind' them that they were supposed to be sending a new one). The second one failed by not maintaining a charge after it was drained one day when the power went out for a long time (even after being plugged in for days before the next time it was needed, my system lost power as soon as the house power went out).

I'm currently just trying to find a nice APC or Tripplite with a good number of sockets that doesn't cost too much. I can't seem to find any that have 4 UPS sockets, they only have 3 backed-up sockets and 3 surge suppressed sockets usually (the CyberPower does have 4 sockets on full time UPS protection, but ONLY 4 sockets total).

 

[lhampel]

The Regulator Pro? Gold Series-USB
Belkin Part Number: F6C350-USB
Click here



The Belkin Advantage:

350VA with up to 20 minutes of backup time so you can shut down your computer before the blackout does.
AVR technology is a line-conditioning feature that ensures clean and consistent power.
USB interface for faster communication between the PC and UPS.
Data Recovery Warranty so you can sleep easy.
Features:

This unit has 8 surge-protected outlets, four of which also include battery backup.
$50,000 connected equipment warranty so your equipment is protected.
User replaceable battery ? hot swappable.
Eco Power Battery Replacement Program?.
Free shutdown software and 6ft. USB device cable included.
Internet line and 10Base-T Network protection with built in splitter to protect multiple devices.
6ft. RJ11 cable included.
Cable management to keep cables in a pristine manner.
BlockSpace? so you don?t have to sacrifice two outlets to plug in one large AC adapter.
AC line, on battery, overload, and replace battery LEDs for easy UPS management.
Compatiable with Mac os 9.0 and above.

Belkin
regulator pro gold usb ups 350v w/avr data rec warranty $50k
*free shipping for limited time only.*
$ 94 (total)
PCNation/Computer Warehouse Club
800-969-5255

 

[Lord Evermore]

Compatible with MacOS9 and above? Everything before that looked good...

However, I hadn't been considering Belkin UPS's. I know Belkin makes good quality stuff, but I've heard little about their UPS's (actually nothing). The specs look good, though, I just wonder about what others have seen with them.

I also wonder how a 350VA UPS from Belkin can provide 20 minutes of backup time, but an APC 500VA can only provide like 5 to 15 minutes. I think many of these companies measure it differently, or define 'half-load' differently.

 

[lhampel]

Honestly, I've never used the Belkin, but it had all the specs you were looking for & comes with a $40K insurance card.

I'm currently using a
1)Triplite BC
2)Deltec PowerRite II-2200VA
(9 full backup outlets, this thing will run my whole house for 10 Min. or my computers for 1HR!! weighs over 100 lbs.
Got it for FREE , Intergraph threw it away because it had a scratch on it.)

 

[Dee67]

I have a couple of IBM 700va OfficePro's...

can't complain.

I had a minute man and a tripplite and they bought the farm after about 2 years.


Any config.sys pros reading this???

 

[Adrian Tung]

Is the PK Blackout Buster (600VA) or APS (APC?) BK650MI (650VA) any good? I'm looking for it to just handle one, speakers and USB hub for 5-10 minutes, which should be plenty of time to initiate an automatic shutdown anyway.


Thanks,
atwl

 

[spec8472]

Here is the link to the OS compat. list for this UPS...

In Short: 95/98/2k + Mac OS 9

 

[Tominator]

Refurb UPS APC Back-Office 500

I got oe of these for $44 to my door. Comes with a serial interface cable and the Power Chute+ software is downloadable.

BTW, I watched the bidding a few times before I placed a bid. I bid a high of $39.99. They have them on the site all the time, so if you miss one because the bidders got carried away, you can be assured that in the next bunch you will get one.

I just noticed that the auction ends in 2 hours and the high bid is $34.99. I just bid $34.99! Great Deal!

 

[teckmaster]

Go with the originator in UPS - APC. I work in a school with over 250 computers and the APC brand is all that we will buy, probably have about 100 or so of them throughout the building.

 

[Lord Evermore]

<< I got oe of these for $44 to my door. >>



Your door is on power backup, Tominator? Now that's geek.


[Edit]TO your door...I didn't get much sleep last night...

 

[Tominator]

Lord Evermore....and now I've got one coming for the backdoor...

 

[jeepers94]

Try the APCC.com auctions! They sell new and refurbs for less than half price! I bought a new 1000net for $250.It had been rebadged for another
vendor,but same unit,full 2 year warranty!

 

[MWink]

Get an APC. I have used APC and Tripp Lite and the Tripp Lite was a HORRIBLE unit. I'm sure it did far more damage than good. I have had the APC (Back-UPS Pro 650) for over 2 years and it has not had a single problem. I highly recommend APC. By the way I know someone who had a Belkin surge protector fail.

 

[Adrian Tung]

Okay, I just ordered an APC.

Thanks all!
atwl