Quiet, unobtrusive PC (and Mac) protection
Written: Jul 12 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A worthwhile investment to protect one's computer, peripherals and data.
Cons: You lose one USB port dedicated to operate the unit.
The Bottom Line: I chose this unit based on price vs. power. 540 watts is more than adequate for a PC, 19" monitor and extras. APC makes a nice, reliable unit.
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| cartan's Full Review: APC (BX800) UPS System |
After the power flickered, not even long enough to reset the time on the microwave, but caused the computer to shut down and re-boot, I decided it was time to do a bit more than protect my computer from voltage spikes. A backup that would keep the computer running during an unexpected power outage, and also protect the DSL line was in order. During a quick visit to a local CompUSA, comparing the price and power output of a display of various size units made the APC BX800, with a price cut and a rebate, the clear choice.
Installation is a no-brainer. Plug the APC into a receptacle, turn it on and let it charge for 8 hours. Then plug in the computer, monitor and other essential peripherals (DSL modem, Router) into the four battery back-up receptacles on the rear of the unit, and plug less critical accessories (printer, scanner) into the other three receptacles that are only surge protected. Plug the supplied cable into the computer's USB port and install the software.
Once installed, the software will measure how many watts you are using (my PC, 19" CRT monitor, router and DSL modem drew 146 watts, about 1/4 of the maximum). It will tell you how long your system will operate before it will automatically shut down (mine provided 30 minutes). You have the option to shut down sooner than the maximum time by selecting an interval of 1 to 5 minutes. This will allow you to resume using the computer when the power is restored and still have battery power in case of a subsequent outage.
If your computer is in the standby, sleep or hibernate mode, the APC software is not running, and the unit will not shut down at a shortened interval. It will continue to power the computer, monitor, etc. and should do so for much longer than the estimated maximum in this reduced power state.
I tested my setup by pulling the plug on the APC while my computer and all peripherals were turned on. The APC worked flawlessly.
When I am home, I normally have the sense to shut down my computer during an electrical storm. But in this crowded metropolitan area, sometimes a distant outage causes all kinds of disruptions on the power grid. I feel the investment in this battery backup unit is well worth the protection it provides for my computer system, both while using it and while it is in hibernation when I'm away.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
cartan
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Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 3 members
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