Surge protector/conditioner/strip for laptop?

We had a really bad lightning storm today, with numerous lightning strikes nearby (1/8 of a mile away and closer) which were close enough that I could smell the stink of ozone or whatnot. Needless to say, this un-nerved me a bit.

Anyway, being concerned about my laptop, I got to thinking that I should invest in a surge protector/conditioner for it. I have a 40" HDTV and a PS3 with a digital cable box running on the same outlet as my laptop.

I'd like something beefy to handle these electronics, something that conditions the power from the outlet and acts as a surge protector. I have about $100 to spend. I don't really need an UPC as I have one already. Any recommendations?

 

If you really want a serious and functional surge protector make sure it's UPC. In that case, you'll need to multiply you budget at least times 2--but there are always bargains to be found That's the minimum you'll need to spend for a "real" surge protector and not just a highfalutin power strip.

Think about it, most multimedia/computer systems cost about ten times that much. Isn't worth it to spend a few hundred to protect them?

 

Honestly, No.

If there is a real surge it is going to come in and cause massive damage unless you have whole-house conditioners on everything. Do you have your cable and telephone on filters too? If not your phone and all TVs just died, and your cable modem to. Possibly your router/computer.

Plus, any real strike is doing to destroy everything in your home, at which point you can just call your insurance and get it all replaced. It’s not as convenient as having it all stay protected, but it’s cheaper and easier, and for 99% of people they will never notice the difference.

 

We use Belkin Surge Protectors at home.

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-12-Out...4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1244603475&sr=1-4

cheers ...

 

GE and SquareD both make whole house surge supressors. The units install right in your circuit breaker panel. Costs about $125 at Home Depot. These are really high quality devices. Most UPS units hate being on surge protectors. I have a half-dozen APC 1500va units at home and they don't know that they are sitting behind the GE protector.

If you can install a circuit breaker, you can install these surge protectors. If you can't, call an electrician for the install. Safety First.

My GE unit has a 'factory guarantee' of some $50,000 for damage caused/not prevented by the unit. It has a series of LEDs for 'all is well', 'recent surge activity', and 'replace this unit now'. There are also a whole raft of NEC and NFPA stickers, more than I've ever seen on any kind of power strip regardless of cost.

Think of how many $50- surge protecting power strips you'd need to cover your whole house. Don't forget the electronics in the washer/dryer, microwave oven, furnace and a/c, etc, etc.

Important Tip: Surge protectors are sacrificial devices. They give a little bit of themselves everytime they clamp down on a surge. If you live in an active weather area or have otherwise lousy power, you may need to replace your surge protectors every year or two.

 

Thanks for the replies! Does anyone have any feelings (good or bad!) about Monster Cable brand all-in-one power conditioners/surge suppressors/power strips? I'm thinking about this one:

Home Theater PowerCenter™ HTS 1000 MKIII

What do you guys think?

 

Knowing monster: I would say way overpriced. If you've got $200 to spend I'm sure you can find a better product for that much, or get the same thing for much cheaper.

 

Monster as a brand equals a 300% premium on what the item is really worth.

 

Amazon is selling it for about $100 with free shipping...