[Leaplist] UPS advice needed

[patrick]

andrei raevsky wrote:
> well, I am still unsure which one to pick.  First, since I live in the
> boonies I can only get one from the Internet, and that means Amazon since
> they have a good no shipping costs & return policy (not to mention no
> taxes).
> 
> My budget is really limited to under 70 bucks.
> 
> I did not find a Ultra brand UPS or the Tripplite on amazon, at least not
> any for under 70 bucks.  APC seems to be the best well-known brand while
> Cyberpower is unknown.  So, as far as I can tell, my current choices would
> be:
> 
> APC BE550R 550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup
> System<http://www.amazon.com/BE550R-Back-UPS-8-Outlet-Battery-Backup/dp/B000KBG51W/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-5206010-1607829>($59.98)
> Cyberpower CP685AVR UPS - 685VA/330W AVR 8-Outlet RJ11/RJ45 Compact Design
> EMI/RFI USB<http://amazon.com/gp/product/B00095W91O/ref=pd_cp_e_1/103-5206010-1607829>(
> $56.99)
> 
> They both get 5 stars in the reviews, their power is similar (though the
> Cyberpower is somewhat better here), APC might have some Linux software
> which can drive it (while this is totally unknown for the Cyberpower), but
> the Cyberpower seems to have more features (USB for one thing).
> 
> Would I be paying more just for the APC brand or is this a guarantee of
> quality?  Is it risky to get a unknown brand like Cyberpower or am I getting
> more bang for the buck?
> 
> Sorry for the noob questions, but I really know nothing about these
> systems...
> 
> Any recommendations?
> 
> 

If you haven't seen the web site that Fred cited, then you need to do
so!   But, based on your monetary limits, and given that both are rated
highly and equally, get the largest rated UPS you can afford, by WATT
ratings, NOT "VA" advertised ratings.

I would see if there are Linux programs to manage it.  Where are you
that you can't get to a WalMart, or better yet, an Office Max
or Staples?  They have SALES, and sometimes offer free shipping!

Also, did you shop online in http://pricewatch.com ?