Surge Protector or Stabilizer for desktop replacement?

Hello everyone,

My name's Fidel and I'm pretty new to this forum and I found a thread where some member recommended using a surge protector instead of just plugging the notebook directly to the wall.

I was wondering if a surge protector is better than a stabilizer and why?
I've received mixed advices and reviews regarding which one's better. So I came to the place where I though it would the ideal place for notebook questions (hence the name of the comunity)

I just bought a HP Pavilion dv9500t and obviously I want to protect it as much as I can So any input would be highly appreciated

Thanks in advance

 

Sorry, but what is a stabilizer?

 

I was wondering that myself.

 

Hi obsolete and PurpleBlondie,

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or really don't know (you really can't tell without a wink or tone of voice )

Anyway, if your question is real I was refering to a Voltage Stabilizer

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I do apologize if the translation's not accurate ​

I should add that I'll be working in Peru - South America were the voltage is 220v

Thanks for your interest

 

Here, those are called AVRs - Automatic Voltage Regulators.
For 220v operation, a good surge protector is all that's necessary. Most new digital power supplies are rated to 100-250v operation. Voltage dips aren't going to be much of a problem for those.

 

A surge protector only protects from surges and spikes.

A unit with AVR will also supplement a drooping line voltage with its own internal battery to protect from brown outs, or even black outs where it needs to switch over to battery completely. Yes these are battery backup units.

 

Hi star882,

Wow, that was a painless and extremely simple explanation

Yes star, you're right. The Pavilion dv9500t can handle those rates.
I'm sticking with a surge protector then.

Thanks a lot star!

PS.
I've gotta chance my icon... I think that was the reason I didn't get much replies

 

Hi Soulburner,

Sorry about that, I didn't see your post.
From what I understand, what you're describing is almost like an UPS.

On another note, wouldn't the notebook's battery (if it's charged) kick in if the power goes down?

Thanks

 

Yes, similar effect. Only the battery won't stop surges as far as I know.

 

That avatar is kinda disturbing. haha.

Yeah, if I was thinking about a voltage regulator, I would of just gone flat out for a UPS and that way my stuff is covered under warranty and insurance.

 

Hi guys,

* Soulburner, yes, I know what you mean but I was talking about having my notebook conected to a surge protector. If the spike takes down the surge protector the notebook's battery would kick in allowing me to save whatever I'm working on... at least in theory it would... I think So that would be the similarity with a UPS that I was talking about.

* surfasb,

Yeah! Imagine, I have to deal with that mug every day
HP surge protector also has a two-year limited with connected equipment insurance of $150,000

So I think I'll go for that one... ok, to be honest I already ordered it Just wanted to know if it was better or not than a AVR (thanks star) besides, there's always a return policy

Thanks a lot!