These low cost surge protectors are not very good. Your best bet is a
UPS. This way if there is a power cut, your computer will be protected.
You will have a few minutes to save your work and shut down the
computer. If there is a strong surge from lightning, there is not very
much you will be able to do about it.

According to international standards for Europe, North America, and many
other countries, all power supplies must have some type of built in
surge protection. They do the best they can at a reasonable cost.

In reality, when the power company distribution takes a hit, anything on
the AC mains line can be damaged. A little box with a few varistors is
not going to do anything much for you unless it is very elaborate in
design. This will cost a lot more than you would be willing to pay. If
the power lines delivering power to your home get a lightning hit, there
is no way a small surge protector or a small UPS will help. The only
thing you can count on is that the ground on the power entry of your
home does its best to absorb as much as possible.

--

JANA
_____


"ChrisCoaster" wrote in message
...
Which can be trusted, and which should I avoid?

I recently bought one of Staples' own brand for 19.99, and it was dead
out of the box.

-ChrisCoaster