Should I plug my HP Pavilion into a surge protector?

[Sistafatti]

Should I plug my HP Pavilion into a surge protector strip? I've searched the Internet and viewed different opinions. Here is one example that doesn't even make sense. This statement is exactly as it appeared.

"You really shouldn't need a surge protector for a laptop, unless it's plugged into AC without a battery in the laptop. The battery serves as a pretty good surge protector. You should use a surge protector. The battery is NOT a surge protector."

[Dragon-Fur]

@Sistafatti 

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Well, not everything you find on the Internet makes sense.

Some of the more bizarre entries might be due to poor editing, for example.

Other stuff is just wrong.  The Internet is still wild and weird in a lot of ways.

In general,

Sure, you can use a Surge Protector.

This might make sense if you live in an area where the power frequently fluctuates up and down, where there electrical storms are common, or if you live in fear of "bad power".  The last one is a "cover everything" kind of statement.

True, the Battery is a lousy surge protector.  If the power surges high enough, you might fry the computer's electrical system - battery, cables, system board, the works.

In particular,

Surge Protectors are not equal.  The kind and rating of the surge protector impacts whether it will actually work when / if needed.  A puny, cheap surge protector is relatively useless in most situations.

Surge Protectors can mask power problems that should be attended.

Surge Protectors must allow enough power through the device to let the computer grab enough power to start up.  Booting takes more power - very briefly - than does using the computer after it's booted / started.

Surge Protectors - in addition to not being equal in capabilities - are "one time" use devices.  Once tripped (for example, due to a power surge), the surge protector, having done its job, is no longer a protective device.  Could be useless, could fail, could be a trouble maker.

What else?

Surge Protectors are "one trick" devices.

If you live in fear of "bad power", consider a large (not puny) battery backup unit that includes power surge and drop protection, logging (to keep track of what the unit is doing), and a decent interface.  The good ones are expensive.

What else?

HP does not recommend surge protectors.

In particular, testing should be done with the (HP) device plugged into a standard wall outlet that is known to provide correct power.

In the USA, power supplies are regulated - presumably, you don't need to worry about your power.

"Should" and "Presumably" mean nothing if the power in your neighborhood resembles a squirrel's nest, has been chewed by skinny tailed rodents, or is otherwise dangerous or unsuitable due to age or condition of the equipment.

What else?

If you wish to do so,

If your electrical box supports the feature,

(you can) protect your whole house at the electrical box with a power surge protector that fits into (as I recall) two of the circuit breaker slots.  Call an electrician for more information.

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