UPS - New battery or new unit?

[aphex]

I have a APC Back-UPS ES350u, and the best i can tell most batteries are $25+ shipped

Meanwhile, I see that BestBuy has a CyberPower 425va for $30

Should I bother with a replacement battery or just get a new unit?

 

[bsobel]

Better for the environment to get batteries, if that matters to ya..

 

[TheKub]

I would prefer the APC brand to the Cyberpower. Thats about the only thing I can think of that would swing me either way.

Just don't toss the batteries\old UPS. Alot of salvage places will take the dead batteries for free (some with a nominal fee).

 

[jaynonymous]

If it were me, I'd get a new battery. I don't know anything about CyberPower, but I know my APC is high-quality and has lasted many years with only a few battery changes.

 

[aphex]

On that note then, any recommendations on the cheapest place to get batteries?

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: aphex
On that note then, any recommendations on the cheapest place to get batteries?

Never purchaced replacement batteries so I can't really offer input but I do feel the need to add "you get what you pay for". Something that is designed to protect important\expensive equipment it may not be the best idea to cheap out. Also, if the APC offers equipment protection insurance odds are you have to replace them with the APC brand batteries for the coverage.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: TheKub

Originally posted by: aphex
On that note then, any recommendations on the cheapest place to get batteries?

Never purchaced replacement batteries so I can't really offer input but I do feel the need to add "you get what you pay for". Something that is designed to protect important\expensive equipment it may not be the best idea to cheap out. Also, if the APC offers equipment protection insurance odds are you have to replace them with the APC brand batteries for the coverage.

I used to have a really nice model when I had a desktop, but right now I'm just looking for something to keep my peripherals on through the quick power outages we get here.

Just need it to keep my 24" LCD and External HD from dying on the short power outages.

 

[bruceb]

Better off with a whole new unit. This way, you get the latest in protection. In most units, if it takes a signifigant voltage surge, the supressors will end damaged anyway. I would get a new one at a minimum of 500VA rating

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: bruceb
Better off with a whole new unit. This way, you get the latest in protection. In most units, if it takes a signifigant voltage surge, the supressors will end damaged anyway. I would get a new one at a minimum of 500VA rating

I don't need it for a whole computer though, just for my 24" LCD & External HD and I really only need it to last 1-2 minutes.

 

[bruceb]

It is your choice. I would replace the entire unit, unless I could get the battery for say less than 1/4 the cost of an entire unit.