Choosing a budget UPS

[ggadrian]

Well, today I thought I lost a monitor because of a power surge and now I'm scared, so I think I'm going to buy a UPS to protect my stuff.

What I need:

-Protection
-At couple of minutes of battery. Long battery life would be nice, but it's not required at all.

What will be plugged in:

-Server (I don't think it ever draws more than 150W)
-Laptop (17inch beast, up to 160-180W)
-27" IPS monitor
-Router
-AP
-Switch

I'd like to go as cheap as possible, but without compromising safety. Do you have any recommendations?

 

[CA19100]

If you have a Costco membership, check out what they have. I bought a CyberPower 1350VA unit there a few months back (I believe it's this one, currently $135 at NewEgg) for $90, and it's been fantastic. Just doing light web browsing, the UPS says my desktop machine, a 4-port switch, a 24" TN display, and a 27" IPS display, are pulling a combined 130 watts. At that load, it estimates the battery can drive those for 31 minutes.

It has a bigger capacity than I needed, but for the same price as smaller ones from other sellers, why not?

 

[Blain]

CyberPower CP1350AVRLCD @ $126

 

[ggadrian]

Well, I've found the cyberpower UPS, but here it's like 380$, so I don't think thats an option.

 

[chusteczka]

Battery backup isn't necessary unless you really prefer it. It is the Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) protection that is important. I have been using the Opti-UPS AVR for several years now and have purchased several. An AVR provides over-voltage and under-voltage protection. I will get a momentary brownout bad enough to reset my microwave clock but the AVR allows my computer to continue running.

OPTI-UPS SS1200 Voltage Regulator ($32)
OPTI-UPS SS2000 6 Outlets Home AVR Series Automatic Voltage Regulator ($42)
TRIPP LITE LS606M Line Conditioner / AVR System - Automatic Voltage Regulator / AC Surge Suppressor ($75)
APC Line-R 1200VA Line Conditioner With AVR ($106)
TRIPP LITE LC1200 Line Conditioner / AVR System ($111)

 

[Blain]

Well, I've found the cyberpower UPS, but here it's like 380$, so I don't think thats an option.

Does FedEx or UPS service your area?

 

[Z15CAM]

CP1350AVRLCD
That's my next investment.

 

[ggadrian]

Yes, both service my area, but the sipping cost to Spain is just too high for a UPS.

You all seem to like that cyber power model, bu I can't find them in Europe. Do you have any other suggestions?

Also, is any of these any good?

-Eaton Ellipse ECO 800 USB IEC 145€
-Trust 18021 Oxxtron 95€
-OvisLink CHROME1000E 91.5€
-Riello IDG 1200 131€
-NGS Fortress 900 58€
-Approx SAI 900VA 75€

I believe that if everything that's going to be connected is at full-power at the same time it'll draw around 500W, and I suppose that's an important factor.

Abnout buying just an AVR, it's not a bad idea, but even though I don't need a lot of battery life, just having a couple of minutes would save me the hassle of having to power off my computers, which is nice, and I don't care paying for that.

Sorry I'm so lost, I've never bough one and I don't know where to start looking, or what brands are good or what to look for.

Thank you