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#1
That article is mostly blather-loaded crud. I'll comment only on the last sentence:
Since most surge protectors are cheap, they're worth getting just in case.
That's plain silly. Many of the surge-protector strips are worth no more than a regular power strip. Sure, you're not wasting much money if you pay $5 for one of those. But don't fool yourself into thinking it offers protection.
Furthermore, it's not likely you need protection at all. Surges are common, but equipment can easily handle them.
If you want real protection against real threats, buy a rider on your homeowner's (or renter's) insurance policy. For little more than the price of a "surge protector" you entire home can be properly insured. It's only a few dollars a year.
Why is such a rider so cheap? It's because the insurance companies know that surge-related damage is rare. Very rare. A fact that "surge protector" makers work so hard to dispel.