Can anyone recommend a good, cheap UPS?

[Brds7t7]

Hey all,

I'm thinking about buying a UPS as the area I live in has had a few power cuts lately.

I've looked at various different types. I'm not too bothered about one that gives me constant power, just one that can kick in and keep my pc on for a few minutes so I'm able to shut down properly.

Anyone have any recommendations? Nothing too expensive.

 

[Dwarf]

What is your maximum price limit?

If you have a Maplin store near you, take a look at these (ranging from £60-£130): Maplin Electronics : UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies)

 

[richc46]

I have always used, and very happy with APC. They have a UPS and many other great features.
Back-UPS Pro - Product Information

 

[Brds7t7]

Hello Dwarf,

Below £100 is ideal. I have a maplin about 20 mins from me so I'll have a look.

Rich, I've noticed those APC's before they look pretty good and affordable. I looked at a couple on Amazon.

Thanks for the replies

 

[richc46]

I think that the suggestions that you received are the best. They are from users that have actually used the product. I know, if I ever need another I would go with APC, never had a problem.

 

[Brds7t7]

Rich, I think I'm going to go for one of the APC's, possibly the ES550 but I'm going to look into them a bit more.

Just looking around at different prices. Thanks for the advice.

 

[pparks1]

APC is the brand that I recommend as well. They are used a ton in enterprise business. I have about 4 of them at my home myself. Very reliable.

 

[Lava King]

I agree with the recommendations of APC. I have an APC XS 1500 for my computer room and haven't had any problems with it whatsoever.

I also have a Cyberpower BC 1200 that was purchased in January, 2006 (just now looked at the receipt). As a battery backup it works fine, but initially there was a problem with it staying connected to the PC (either USB or serial cable) so the monitoring software could, well, monitor it. I still use it on my HTPC, it will run about 20 minutes with a 52" lcd tv, a core 2 duo desktop and a surround sound receiver attached. The latest edition of the Cyberpower monitoring software includes a desktop gadget that shows current load in watts, battery state of charge and estimated runtime.

Several smaller Cyberpower units (550 or smaller) lasted only a year or two, but that was before January 2006 so I can't attest to the quality or longevity of the newest models.

 

[Brds7t7]

Hi Lava, thanks for the reply.

I've looked at the Cyberpower ones you mentioned. Doesn't look like they're available in the UK though.

 

[Lava King]

Hi Lava, thanks for the reply.

I've looked at the Cyberpower ones you mentioned. Doesn't look like they're available in the UK though.

Yeah, I didn't really think about that, did I?

Here in the US, Cyberpower is generally less expensive than APC. I'm betting that APC is not cheap in the UK. Just saying that the alternatives can be pretty good if you don't want to shell out the cash.

 

[Zepher]

I recommend APC as well, great products and excellent customer service.
Had a 5+ year old BackUPS 1000 fail and was well past the warranty, emailed support about testing the unit before getting new batteries since the original batteries swelled up inside and the UPS just beeps and shuts off with or without the batteries installed.
They asked me for the serial number and a shipping address and over-nighted me a BackUPS RS-1200. Didn't ask for proof of purchase or anything. I was very pleased.

here are pics of the old one with the swelled up batteries and the new one I received,
http://transamws6.com/pics/backups/