APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System by APC
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Digital camera reviews of APC BACK-UPS RS BR1500LCD 1500VA/865W UPS System
Digital camera Review: BR1500LCD vs. BX1500LCD
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had several APC UPS products over the past 10 years. Only one failed, right at the end of the warranty and APC shipped a replacement immediately after a quick call to their tech support. I then returned the defective unit. Great service was one of primary reasons for buying this unit.
APC makes 2 versions of this unit - the BR1500LCD offers over-voltage protection not offered on the older BX1500LCD. The display is ealily set to show a variety of info - Input volts, Output volts, watts, percentage of maximum power, battery run time, etc., and the audible warning can be silenced. I use the unit with new home theater gear and a 50-year old vacuum tube stereo system and it easily runs 46"LCD tv, PS3, HD satellite receiver, & stereo simultaneously with room to spare. Over the past 30 - 40 years, power companies have gradulally raised line voltage from 115 to around 125vac. The only feature it does not have that would be beneficial would be an adjustable over-voltage limiter that could be dialed down to 115-120v used by the old tube equipment(factory preset is 140v) to reduce the high secondary voltages generated in the tube equipment to the design levels. It does have the capability of adjusting the voltage sensitivity range somewhat to minimize the effect of transients on sensitive computer equipment.
Outlets are well laid out and it offers both phone/network surge protection and coax cable surge protection.
It offers way more protection for your equipment than specialty home theater line conditioners costing 3 times as much.
Digital camera Review: BX1500LCD and BR1500LCD difference
Summary: 4 Stars
The difference between BR and BX described in a previous review actually only applies to the non-LCD version. The LCD version of the both UPS are exactly the same with BX being a retail-only version, according to APC tech support. This can also be confirmed by checking the manual.Digital camera Review: Battery with data
Summary: 5 Stars
After a couple of earlier incarnations of UPS backup products and a bit of scouting, I selected the APC RS1500LCD 1500VA unit for my home office computer. (Thanks to other Amazon reviewers for steering me to precisely the right model; there are many similar offerings from APC). I was not particularly impressed with earlier versions of APC's Power Chute software and didn't install it this time. After plugging in both of my Dell towers into this unit, the readout tells me exactly how much power I'm drawing. Which brings me to the truly outstanding feature of this battery backup: a data readout. You can scroll through the screens and see various data, but the most useful for me is how much power I'm using and when the last power failure was, not to mention the quality of the current you're using. I also like the cable surge protection.
So far, the power has gone out here in stormy Florida a couple of times since I've had the APC 1500, and the unit handled it flawlessly. I have a home generator system, and the APC is perfect for keeping my computers, router, and cable modem up and running while the generator fires up and supplies auxiliary power. It also works great for the power flickers we get here sometimes.
My one slight complaint is that there is not much room to plug in too many of those annoying power blocks that so many peripherals use. I bought a heavy gauge 3 foot extension cord to address the plug space issue.
Reliable backup with surge protection and a data screen that lets you know what is going on. I highly recommend this incarnation from APC.
Digital camera Review: Best UPS I have used
Summary: 5 Stars
I did a lot of research when replacing my old LS700 and found so many positive reviews for this model, I gave it a shot. It may be pricier than some models, but in the 2 months that I have had it, it has handled 3 power outages (one was for over an hour!) & several brownouts with flying colors! Not only does it power my workstation, but keeps my cable broadband & VOIP up as well. The batteries are fully replaceable. This is my 3rd APC product. Its a very solid product and pays for itself quickly when one lives in a problematic power area!Digital camera Review: Beware of receiving refurbished units when ordering new.
Summary: 1 Stars
I do not blame Amazon for this but I ordered this APC for the full new price and what I received in the box was an obviously refurbished unit where even the battery had been previously used. There were scuff marks on the cords, the unit, and battery, and all had the look of equipment that has been used for several years. The battery in particular was ridicuously scuffed. The supposed "fresh battery" which should theoretically have very little charge until you charge it for the first time had a full charge once I plugged it in. Keep in mind these batteries are very expensive with a shelf-life of 5 years. A used one will be less of course, and you will have to replace it all the more sooner. There is such a large market on the internet for refurbished APC units, that I find APC's actions suspect in this case. Keep in mind due to the hazardous shipping rules (the acid in the batteries) you will not be able to return the item for a refund. Luckily, Amazon addressed my concerns to my satisfaction, but I cannot guarantee a happy outcome for others who may receive an unwanted refurbished unit. APC has lately had a reputation for terrible customer service. I used to rely on them for stability and reliabilty, but if APC's idea of this is sending used, previously broken, now fixed units, then I think I'll pass from now on.
In short, I wonder how many customers have ordered these, unaware APC is apparently sending refurbished units at the full new price, packaged as new. Before you think I'm strictly criticizing aesthetics, keep in mind the units brand new are only going to last about five years until you will need to change the battery, assuming it will still be sold. More often than not with APC it won't. Your expensive investment becomes shortened even less if you're dealing with used parts. My situation could have been a fluke in regards to receiving a refurbished unit, but then again most people will probabaly not notice tell tale signs of it if they are not looking for it. Consider this before you order.