Originally posted by: yellowm50
whats a good UPS right now? i think i may get one some time soon and want to here some good stuff about the ones you use or like? and prices? size of UPS? i have a 21'' monitor, will that be a problem for a UPS? how long do they usualy run with that size screen? whats the minimum UPS size recomended? thanks..
Depends on a few important factors. First, your power load - and then, how much time do you want on battery, and - do you want an automated shutdown or do it the old fashioned way.
I have 3 UPS's - two 650 VAs (Costco) for two desktops with LCDs, and one 350 VA for cable modem and router. I use no automation - all manual. Here in Tucson, we are in the lightning capital of the region during the summer, and power surges and flickers are commonplace. Whenever I "leave the building," I generally power down. When I go on a trip, I disconnect all main connections.
A couple of years ago, a close strike blitzed my entire security system, and that was about a $1K replacement of the whole system.
I have also lived in areas where brownouts, etc., were common, and a UPS is also a line conditioner that can offset that and prevent damage to expensive electronics.