Did a quick google search but couldn't find any side-by-side reviews. I found a nice explanation on cnet about what to look for in a surge protector, but no examples. And thus I turn to you all for your suggestions!

I currently have what was probably a $25 "strip". I've had it for years and thus I'm not even sure what kind of protection it offers (and I don't feel like digging it out from behind my desk to check a model # either).

So, suggest away!!

7/23/2008 1:29:28 PM

as far as i'm concerned, they're all pretty much equal (i make exception of the ultra-dirt-cheap ones, though)

if you want "real" protection, go with a line conditioner or UPS

7/23/2008 1:32:16 PM

I would like an answer to this question as well. Are there certain brands that are better? What exactly should one look for when evaluating, where to purchase online?

7/23/2008 1:51:52 PM

for surge protection, it's all about the joules

http://www.djsociety.org/Surge_1.htm

I buy APC

[Edited on July 23, 2008 at 1:57 PM. Reason : .]

7/23/2008 1:52:59 PM

for normal users, the RCA ones they sell at big lots are good enough.

joules, clamping speed, etc... are all important, but turning off/unplugging your expensive devices when it's thundering is a better idea (when you're around that is).

try not to buy the cheapest thing, but don't get stuff you don't need (RJ-12/45/coax surge protection) most of it's a gimmick and adds line noise instead of helping.

APC products are pretty much the same as any other brand, they just cost more. unless you get into the surge protection of servers, anything at the consumer level is going to be similar.

i've got a line conditioner/surge unit on my entertainment system, but that's b/c i want more protection. check it out - panamax. don't buy anything from monster, they blow.

7/23/2008 5:08:22 PM

Quote :

"unless you get into the surge protection of servers, anything at the consumer level is going to be similar."

quoted for truth.

we exclusively use APC stuff in our datacenters at work
but with consumer grade stuff, you can't really have anything different... all of them have a battery & they provide backup power... most come with some sort of monitoring/shutdown tool for your pc... that's it. power conditioning is a little different, brand DOES matter there... but you're going to pay for it.

panamax is pretty awesome.

http://www.panamax-sales.com/m7500-pro.htm

7/23/2008 7:09:28 PM

has anyone had any experience with using any of those companies $$$ guarantees after an outage?

7/23/2008 8:03:17 PM

^If you filled out the registration well ahead of any accident and have documentation of what was destroyed... it's slow and frustrating but still better than making a homeowners' claim what with the blacklisting and dropping of claimants that's been going on.

It took my uncle about 3 months to get replacement value for his home theatre setup that was fried through a surge protector during a thunderstorm.

7/24/2008 2:26:42 AM