Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
Subscribe to magazine

New Shapes of UPS Protection

Safeguard your PC from power outages and surges with a UPS.

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

APC Back-UPS Pro USB 500 Clear

This $199 unit's stylish, frosted, translucent case, combined with its excellent overall design, makes it really stand out. The Back-UPS, 5 by 7.9 by 9.4 inches (width by depth by height), has a slanted top that keeps cable clutter to a minimum--and allows you particularly easy access to its outlets. It offers four battery-backed/surge-protected outlets, three outlets with surge protection only, and RJ-11 telephone jacks to surge-protect your modem.

The Back-UPS Pro USB 500 connects to your computer via a USB cable, and APC's power-management extensions integrate directly into Windows' own Power Management control panel, where they have their own tab. The extensions provide all the feedback on battery and power status that the average user needs; they did an excellent job shutting down our test bed when we pulled the plug. The Back-UPS almost matched the SmartPro 450RT in battery performance, powering our test bed for an outstanding 18 minutes, 22 seconds. Setup documentation is clear and concise, and APC backs its product with a two-year warranty and a $25,000 equipment replacement policy.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

Featured APC Accessories

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.

Deal Breakers

Special Offers for PC World Users

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links