Need help choosing a UPS (battery backup) - Blu-ray Forum

Sylin · 07-13-2009, 02:25 AM

My old Belkin UPS is no longer functioning properly (no battery backup--my computer loses power at the slightest brownout). Need to replace it, but it's been a while since I've researched these and wondered if anyone had some insights or recommendations on brand/voltage?

Actively connected to the battery I'll have my 24" iMac and a WD 1TB external backup drive. Connected to the passive ports (no battery backup) are speakers, a printer, a USB hub and my cell phone charger. So I need at least 6 plugs. I have no idea how much juice the iMac and external drive need--any engineering geniuses out there who can shed some light?

Trying to stay below $200, but will go higher if necessary.

Thanks!

Hammie · 07-13-2009, 05:09 AM

When designing UPS solutions for my customers, I need to know first and foremost their required up-time.

Honestly, that stuff that you listed is not going to pull much juice. Probably right around 200 - 250 watts.

The APC Back-ups RS 1300VA LCD can be had under $200 and will run for around 20 minutes with a 300W load.

Another option will be the Tripp Lite SMART1200LCD which will give you about the same performance for about the same price.

You can probably get away with a 900VA system and cut your cost in half ($75-90). Most 900VA systems will have about a 7-10 minute uptime. Enough time to safely shut your computer down.
I personally use and design with Tripp Lite products, but its all personal.

Sylin · 07-13-2009, 05:41 AM

lou,

Thanks for the suggestions!

Realistically, I would only want it up long enough to be able to shut down my system safely (or at least survive that fraction-of-a-second brownout during a thunderstorm that my Belkin can no longer handle).

I'm not sure if either of the solutions you recommended have accompanying software that is Mac-compatible, but I can research that easily enough.

Sylin · 07-13-2009, 06:06 AM

Found this one on Amazon, from CyberPower. It looks to get great reviews, and meets my budget nicely. It also has Mac-compatible software, which is nice.

Any experience with this brand?

Hammie · 07-14-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylin

Found this one on Amazon, from CyberPower. It looks to get great reviews, and meets my budget nicely. It also has Mac-compatible software, which is nice.

Any experience with this brand?

I actually have a very old CyberPower that I am getting ready to retire. The funny thing is that I never used the software that came with it. As long as it did what I wanted, I was happy. Since the battery no longer works during power outages, I am looking at some Tripp-Lite ones. I think I'm going for a longer uptime since I will have my cable modem and network switches plugged into it as well.

I liked my CyberPower, its just that after 6 years, its no longer... UPS.

07-13-2009, 02:25 AM	#1
Sylin Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Nashville Blu-ray collection:1 Trading Score:159	Need help choosing a UPS (battery backup) My old Belkin UPS is no longer functioning properly (no battery backup--my computer loses power at the slightest brownout). Need to replace it, but it's been a while since I've researched these and wondered if anyone had some insights or recommendations on brand/voltage? Actively connected to the battery I'll have my 24" iMac and a WD 1TB external backup drive. Connected to the passive ports (no battery backup) are speakers, a printer, a USB hub and my cell phone charger. So I need at least 6 plugs. I have no idea how much juice the iMac and external drive need--any engineering geniuses out there who can shed some light? Trying to stay below $200, but will go higher if necessary. Thanks!

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07-13-2009, 05:09 AM	#2
Hammie Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Washington, DC Metro Home Theater Gallery:53 Blu-ray collection:545 DVD collection:12 Trading Score:12	When designing UPS solutions for my customers, I need to know first and foremost their required up-time. Honestly, that stuff that you listed is not going to pull much juice. Probably right around 200 - 250 watts. The APC Back-ups RS 1300VA LCD can be had under $200 and will run for around 20 minutes with a 300W load. Another option will be the Tripp Lite SMART1200LCD which will give you about the same performance for about the same price. You can probably get away with a 900VA system and cut your cost in half ($75-90). Most 900VA systems will have about a 7-10 minute uptime. Enough time to safely shut your computer down. I personally use and design with Tripp Lite products, but its all personal.

07-13-2009, 05:41 AM	#3
Sylin Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Nashville Blu-ray collection:1 Trading Score:159	lou, Thanks for the suggestions! Realistically, I would only want it up long enough to be able to shut down my system safely (or at least survive that fraction-of-a-second brownout during a thunderstorm that my Belkin can no longer handle). I'm not sure if either of the solutions you recommended have accompanying software that is Mac-compatible, but I can research that easily enough.

07-13-2009, 06:06 AM	#4
Sylin Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Nashville Blu-ray collection:1 Trading Score:159	Found this one on Amazon, from CyberPower. It looks to get great reviews, and meets my budget nicely. It also has Mac-compatible software, which is nice. Any experience with this brand?

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