joanmcq Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 We had our power go out today and my husband couldn’t get to my computer fast enough to shut it down. (I was asleep). Anyways, it’s time for a new battery backup. I probably need a 1500 or so; 10 minutes of time for computer & 1 monitor so I can shut it down. Does anyone have a recommendation? I look online and my head swims. Quote
Lion EA Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 I think APC is the standard. But we have so many tech-savvy posters that you'll get great advice. 2 Quote
ILLMAS Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 Has anybody considered going solar power? From what I understand, it uses up the batteries first then the electricity kicks in. Quote
Lion EA Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 Our "kids" just put solar in this year, so are using it for their work-at-home laptops as well as everything else. They still lost power during CT's recent tornadoes and strong winds and rain after lots of rainy/cloudy days in a row. Laptop batteries and wood-burning stoves got them through until electricity and sunshine returned. Honestly don't know the details; communication has been texted videos of our grandson! Quote
Medlin Software, Dennis Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 Personally, I switched to a surface pro as my main computer. It has a setting to keep the battery at 50% for situations where it remains plugged in all the time. Gives me several hours after a power outage to get my generator running. Sleep/suspend modes works well for overnight. 1 Quote
Abby Normal Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 With a battery backup, if you install the software that comes with it, you can program it to automatically shutdown properly when battery life is at 5% or whatever you choose. You have to use the USB cable from the battery to the computer. I only buy APC because they paid a claim on a computer that got fried during a lightning storm, no questions asked. 5 Quote
Lee B Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 I have used APC for 28 years now, no complaints. 2 Quote
Margaret CPA in OH Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 I'm on my second APC, model 850, and am very satisfied. I've never timed how long it provides power as the few times it has been activated, I've been around and had ample time to shut down the computer. This is a timely discussion as it is probably nearing end of life so I need to decide whether to wing it for another couple of years or invest in a new one. I am intrigued with the warning Abby describes, will have to look into that. 2 Quote
Catherine Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 I've had trouble with APC batteries on a couple of models. Last time I needed one, I got a CyberPower and that has been great. So far. Knock wood! Far less money than APC, too. 2 Quote
Margaret CPA in OH Posted November 18, 2020 Report Posted November 18, 2020 Hmm, have to look up that one! Quote
joanmcq Posted November 19, 2020 Author Report Posted November 19, 2020 Got a CyberPower today. It’s powering up now. i have solar, but don’t have the battery yet, so the power still goes out. Battery is next year, I think. 2 Quote
Abby Normal Posted November 19, 2020 Report Posted November 19, 2020 I ended up at CyberPowerPC and they look really cool. I may just buy one someday. The battery company is https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/ 3 Quote
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