Are you looking to run for a couple of hours or just long enough to orderly shutdown?Quote from spindr0:
I'm looking for a power back up for my computer system. Tech catalog has dozens of choices. Any advice as to how to choose an appropriate unit? Are generics units as good as APC? TIA...
Quote from volente_00:
Big is best. I prefer this one.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8022935&type=product&id=1157067061643
Quote from 2ticks:
Best-Buy description is flat-ass wrong!
Here's what's real:
Half load backup time: 13.4 minutes (432.5 Watts)
Full load backup time: 3.3 minutes (865 Watts)
http://apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BX1500LCD
You will pay double that price, minimum, for HOURS of battery backup time.
As long as you have power to your cable modem (i.e. via a UPS) and the cable company has power on their side (i.e. many many UPS's), you should be fine. Unless you live within very close proximity to the cable company's closest connect switch, its relatively unlikely that both of you would lose power at the same time, but if you did, I would guess that they're relatively prepared for handling it on their end with back-up generators and what not.Quote from walter1986:
A question related to backup power - where does the incoming signal on a cable modem get its power?
In other words, if I have both the computer and the cable modem on a UPS and the power to the entire block goes out, will I still have internet access? I'll have computer and modem running, but will cable signal still be coming in?
In my neck of the woods, whenever the power goes out my cable signal disappears. Even when power comes back often it takes hours more for the cable signal to be restored. It hasn't happened recently so maybe my cable provider got it's act together, but I wouldn't bet on it.Quote from walter1986:
A question related to backup power - where does the incoming signal on a cable modem get its power?
In other words, if I have both the computer and the cable modem on a UPS and the power to the entire block goes out, will I still have internet access? I'll have computer and modem running, but will cable signal still be coming in?