APC Back-UPS Pro 1000VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector (BR1000G)

I got this for Christmas and have only been using it for a few days now. I did have a problem with the set-up since there were no step by step instructions and you are left to figure out what goes where. I had omitted attaching the USB/phone jack between my old Windows XP computer and the UPS. I've used UPS's in years past, but they did not require a USB connection to a computer. I found out I had a problem when I was trying to install the software and it stopped loading and gave me a problem message, but no solution. I called the 1-888 number and without any fuss or waiting I got to speak to someone in the tech department who spoke very good English and solved my problem quickly.I was tempted to deduct one star for the lousy (or total lack of) any instructions on how to connect this to your computer but didn't since the tech help was so good. There was a picture drawing instructing the user to remove the battery and turn it over so the green tape is on top which I managed to do alright. I don't hear any fan noise whatsoever as some others were complaining of. In fact, it's so quiet I can't even tell it's on unless I go and see the 3 LED lights on the top panel.I tested it out a few minutes ago by turning off the power to the room that my computer is in. I was downstairs in the garage at the fuse box so I don't know if any beep occurred upstairs, but when I got there the computer was running off the UPS. Every 30 seconds I heard 4 beeps from the UPS telling me that it was being used as the power source. I only have my computer, monitor and modem connected to the UPS. I figure I don't need the extra peripheral equipment to stay powered up since it only sucks more energy from my UPS. I didn't wait to see how long the UPS would power my PC but I did sit there for about 3 minutes before I went downstairs and turned the power back on. My computer had a message on the screen saying that it was now being powered by regular current again (or something to that effect).So far I like this UPS a LOT. There's nothing more frustrating then losing your work if the power goes off for only a couple of seconds. I edit a lot of music and it's not always easy or convenient to save it while I edit it just because of the nature of the program I use. So, I really like the idea of hearing my 4 beeps to let me know I might need to close out and shut down and not lose any work. I don't always have lights on so there may be nothing to tell me there's been a power outage except for the beeps on this UPS. There is a mute mode, but I need to hear the beeps.

This summer I encountered several power outages at my home due to heavy thunderstorms passing through and decided I need a UPS for my computer. Among the Back-UPS PRO family I chose this model providing 1000VA/600W after weighing my power needs against the physical size and weight of the UPS. I run an iMac with a couple of external hard disks, having a total power consumption of about 180-200W in typical usage (web access or text editing). The UPS tells me it provides about 25-30 minutes runtime for this load which very well meets my goals. I mounted the UPS on a single-board shelf at the foot of my computer table - a laptop style table on casters which I had already heavily customized to hold hard disk and other accessories while hiding cables in the back. The shelf needed to be rather sturdy to hold the unit's weight of 23 pounds. A pair of braced brackets and a wooden board from a hardware store were sufficient.The shipping box contained the UPS, a USB cable to the computer, and a coax bridging cable, and no accompanying software, as several users noted. That said, add-on software is not needed on the Mac since Mac OS X has very good built-in support. Upon connecting the USB cable, the OS recognizes the UPS model and presents options relevant to UPS operation in the Energy Saver preference pane (under Lion, and I believe since Leopard). Sleep times and screen dimming can be customized specifically for the scenario of running under UPS power. A shutdown can be initiated based on one or more of three criteria: time having run on UPS, time remaining on UPS, or percentage charge remaining on the UPS. I chose the latter, with a conservative setting of 25%.The model does not make any noise during regular use. On loss of input power, it starts to quietly hum a little from the internal power source. On push of a front panel button, the font panel display cycles through various characteristics such as voltages, power, and estimated runtime. Its back-light can be set such that it is turned off during normal operations and comes on for a minute after pushing one of the buttons. I wish the display were a little more data-rich to avoid the cycling. The buttons are a little mushy and wobbly but suitable for the expected infrequent use. There is a sufficiently loud beeper which can be muted. By default, it beeps after loss of input power. As others noted, the beep would be rather inconvenient at night, and the ability to switch it off is very welcome. On loss of input power the computer is notified and Mac OS immediately pops up a warning message. After reaching a configured threshold while on UPS power the computer is shut down in an orderly manner.I had this unit for a couple of weeks now and I am very happy with it.

Delivery was quick, even using the standard shipping. Easy to set up. Came with batteries charged, so could put into service immediately. I have tried other manufacturers, but APC is the most reliable over the long haul.

Plenty of outlets, small footprint despite all the functionality and quiet which was an important feature.