Backup UPS questions..
 

I am considering buying a backup UPS since I live ina very lighting prone area that tends to have the pwoer knocked out a lot during storms.

I would need one that could run the PC with a dual monitor setup, modem, network hub, external HDD and a USB hub for at least 20 minutes should the power kick off then save the open docs and shut down on it's own.

What would you guys reccomend?

try the APC Backups XS 800 or the 500. I have one on each computer in my home office.

find a good quality APC SmartUPS

http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=165

A battery backup is a good idea.

However, take a bunch of pictures and talk with your insurance agent. If something (not just a surge) goes wrong and destroys your computers, make sure that you're going to get the money back from your insurance company.

thanks guys, looks like I need the 1000 for my setup.

For your setup i wouldnt go with anything smaller than 1kva or 1000va. There are alot of nice APC units out ther that should handle the uptime you desire. I have 2 2.5kva units in my office to handle our equiptment, both APC pro units

I have two of these but one would be plenty for you.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051826239331

That's not a bad price at all. Thanks. They sell those locally as well at Future Shop.

check apc they have a nice tool online to work with, you just gotta tell what and how long and theyll tell you which one.

Small ones 500-600VA are like not even a 100, the smart ones have dailup so when power is down you can get the ups to call your cell etc.

thats the smart ups Ive got

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051826245432

whats nice it has the dailup but also shut down applications and eventually your pc bit by bit, can even save PSD files etc, monitor voltages etc, but its pricey...

this things weigh a ton so prepare to pay hefty shipping fees if you cannot find them local

yeah get them locally also if the battery dies youll need to get a new one, so make sure you got a brand that enables exchanging batteries. APC does.

my buddy got one from some rummage sale online. It's capable of his entire network for a few hours. it has it's own breaker panel for cripe sakes. He runs about 7 pc and mulitple monitors with it, the network gear, phone systems, even some lights in the house.

The thing is massive. As big as a SOHO case.