Should I use a UPS for my laptop?

[Terry57]

I have a new HP Pavillion g6z laptop with Windows 7 (64-bit), but my question is general in nature.  Should I use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for my laptop, or are they just for desktops?

Thanks, Terry

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

Hi Terry,

At the least, you might consider a a high grade Surge protecter with under and over current protection for your new notebook to protect the delicate electronics.  Surge protectors protect your computer when the power drops or surges beyond a certain point (by shutting off the electricity).  If there is a power outage and then the power resumes suddenly and there is too much power on the line (a power surge), a surge protector can protect your notebook from being "fried" from too much power being applied and overwhelming the electonics.  The "surge" is absorbed by the surge protector, destroying it in the process.  Much cheaper than a fried notebook.  When the surge protector is fried, the light changes from green to red (or follow package instructions for the particular unit) - time to buy a new protector.  Poof!

Notes:

• Surge Protectors are NOT all created equal - READ the package directions.
• If you can, buy a Protector that has Under AND Over Current protection
• Watch out for "outlet" placement - WHAT are you going to plug into the device??
• Power Strips are NOT Surge Protectors
• Buy a Protector with an ON/OFF Switch - One line of control if needed
• Buy Quality, not price... You are protecting a computer.

Having said that...

• Consider plugging a radio into a Surge protector - you may need a radio after a disaster

We have large UPS units in our home offices to protect our equipment.  We have notebooks, deskptops, extra monitors, external disk drives, and a variety of peripherals that depend on a power supply that does not drop suddenly.  UPS units give you a chance to shut down the system safely in the event of a power outage. 

Large UPS units can provide another benefit:  they can "smooth out" fluctuating voltage and provide an even power supply to your electronic devices.  For example, if you live in an area where the power dips frequently due to heavy power usage (lots of folks using air conditioners), poor wiring (older neighborhood), or improper maintenance (lack of city or county funding), you might find your desk top computers, lighting, extra monitors, TVs or other eletronics "browning" (faultering, lights diming) or actually shutting off at odd times.  Under-voltage, or low voltage can eventually cause damage to electronics.  UPS units prevent "browns" and power loss by taking over when the voltage drops below a preset limit.

Some UPS units can be programmed to send you annoying alert messages about events so you know what is going on - what your voltage is at a given time, when an event happens, when the event is cleared... all the details that a true geek lives by.

It is a matter of choice and budget.  To some extent, what you really need depends on where you live and your circumstances.

I hope this helps you make a good choice for your situation.

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Always Include:  (Notebook) Product Number  ,  Printer – Model Number ,

                        Operating System and an Error Description

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                                 2012 Year of the Dragon!

[Terry57]

THANKS!  That was what I needed to know.

Terry

[Dennis-Poff]

My notebook monitor fluctuates.  What is causing that to happen?

[Dragon-Fur]

Hi Dennis,

Could be any of the above conditions (see previous post)... or it could be hardware (notebook).  You can do the simple tests with a voltage meter to make sure your power is clean - or just use the devices mentioned to prevent power issues from being a factor.  Make sure you are not parking the notebook next to something that interferes with it.  Not everyone lives next to a large transformer, but these are not the only culprits:  old TV sets, old electronics (various kinds), different kinds of lighting sources...All sorts of "stuff" can cause interference.  The easiest thing to try is to move the notebook to somewhere else.  Try using the notebook on battery, then on AC power (different outlets, different houses)... Try an external monitor.

If the notebook is having issues, then you have a different set of problems.  The likelihood of that depends on the age and kind of notebook - things are more likely to break down later rather than sooner, so age is a factor.

Take a look at the following document for more information that may help you figure out where the source of the screen fluctuation is located:

Common Issues with Notebook Displays

Good Luck!

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    Is it Solved? Make it easier for other people to find the Answer: 

       Please Mark my Post “Accept as Solution” to say "Yes!"

 Remember:  The more information you provide, the better help you receive.

Always Include:  (Computer) Product Number  ,  Printer – Model Number ,

                        Operating System and an Error Description

                             Never give out your Serial Number

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 2012 Year of the Dragon!