UPS question

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I used to have a desktop PC that I used with an APC UPS. When I got a MBP, which I usually use as a desktop with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse, I continued to use the UPS even though the software for the system was not Mac compatible. I plugged the Mac power supple, the monitor, external HD back up, and a lamp into the UPS and a several other things--speakers, USB hub, etc, into the surge protect only side. A couple of times when the power went out, the system powered up and I shut things down properly. Now the UPS has died. If I replace it, it will be with a new unit. My question--do I really need to replace it at about $70? The MBP will switch to internal power on its own, so the only critical item is the HD back up on which I run Time Machine and CCC, and which would go down with a lurch. Is that really likely to cause a problem. Looking for some advice. Thanks.
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$70 is cheap insurance IMO. Going down hard is bad on hard disks, it also can be bad on other components. The UPS died? Or did the batteries? I have more APC UPS' I've gotten for free.. because all they needed we batteries...
 

chscag

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The problem with APC UPS units is their initial purchase expense does not equate to the expense of replacing the battery when it dies. I finally found a local merchant here in the Dallas area that sells replacement batteries at a decent price. Otherwise it's probably more economical to buy a new UPS unit rather than replace the battery.
 
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Way... way too many specs to list.
The problem with APC UPS units is their initial purchase expense does not equate to the expense of replacing the battery when it dies. I finally found a local merchant here in the Dallas area that sells replacement batteries at a decent price. Otherwise it's probably more economical to buy a new UPS unit rather than replace the battery.

Yea, I never buy a 'name brand' lead acid cell. Then again, none of the ones I have are small UPS' either.
 
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Thanks for the comments so far. When I couldn't figure out what the warning light was trying to tell me, I call APC support. With their help I tried reconnecting the battery--no change, and then checked the voltage on both the battery and the UPS unit itself with a volt meter. Both barely moved the needle, and the person on the line said that meant a new battery might not solve the problem. The unitt is almost six years old, so it may just be at end of life span.
 

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