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    Surge Protector for Laptop

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by plucesiar, May 20, 2007.

  1. plucesiar

    plucesiar Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm a bit confused, but does the AC Adaptor thing that I plug my laptop with to recharge its batteries have any relation to a surge suppressor? If not, then are surge suppressors necessary for laptops? And what about portable ones? I have trouble finding them around
     
  2. mythless

    mythless King of Pies

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    Surge protectors or rather battery back ups (much better see APC for some) are very useful, they help protect the lappie's battery and lappie in general against electrical spikes during thunderstorms, or jumps and blackouts.
     
  3. Circa69

    Circa69 Notebook Evangelist

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    No, the big block is a power supply (same as in a desktop). Called a power converter it will take the 120V AC and convert it to DC. It does not have any surge protection. Notebooks can get damaged just as easily as a desktop. I highly recommend a surge protector. You can get a small on designed for travel. A battery backup is a waste on a notebook for the road. The main purpose of a battery backup is in preventing a loss of power crash. They are mainly useful on servers but have gotten more popular with individual in recent years (cost has dropped). I recommend a battery backup, called a UPS (universal power supply) for the house and a travel surge protector for the road. Most UPS's and Surge Protector come with a protection warranty covering damage to your electronics if the device fails.
     
  4. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I use an APC Surge Arrest Personal with my notebooks and have never had a problem with power spikes. The unit is not exactly of the "portable" type, but then it never leaves my desk anyway.
     
  5. LFC

    LFC Ex-NBR

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    I don't have a portable one, but for home use where you would have several devices, I have a Belkin SurgeMaster (cheaper model, not individual switches model). Highly recommended. Idiot flatmates have caused several blackouts by trying to toast liquidy and gooey food :rolleyes: and my laptop has survived each time

    Uni! :p
     
  6. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yep, thats sounds like mine. I only have one master switch that controls all six outlets. I am currently using four of them....... :D