Why and How to Buy a UPS
All electronic devices prefer constant, pure electrical power, but no AC wall socket provides it. Power levels fluctuate all day, and power outages are common. The result is constant hammering on the power supplies in your devices — including your computer — and a damaged power supply is among the most common reasons for device failure. In fact, the latest Mac Pros seem especially sensitive to power issues.
Fortunately, there’s an easy, inexpensive solution: a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR). The battery provides power during brief power outages, and AVR provides a constant power level. Only the better UPSes feature AVR, so be sure to look for that. For more information and help choosing one, see CreativeTech’s UPS Buyers Guide at www.creativetechs.com/tipsblog/macintosh-ups-buyers-guide.
One UPS supports many devices and should last longer than you’ll keep your computer, making it a cost-effective investment.
Jeff Gamet is a contributing editor for Design Tools Monthly, the executive summary of graphic design news. He is also the morning editor and reviews editor for The Mac Observer and iPodObserver.com, and contributing writer for Layers Magazine and Photoshop User. He writes the InBrief column for InDesign Magazine, and is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X,” from Peachpit Press
When Jeff isn’t writing about the graphic design world, he’s talking about it on the Design Tools Weekly podcast with co-host Jay Nelson. He also talks about Apple and the Mac world every week on The Mac Observer’s Apple Weekly Report.
Jeff studies, tests and reviews new software and technologies for the Macintosh community as well as the design and print industries. He is a former Pre-press specialist, and has nearly 25 years experience with computer technology. Jeff trains, lectures and consults on techniques for more efficiently using Mac OS X in creative environments throughout the country.
In the rare moments when he can get away from his MacBook Pro, Jeff spends his time climbing and biking in the Colorado mountains.