This new button system gets you around that inconvenience. Choosing between the two models comes down to what sort of equipment you need to run through them. Both have four outlets, but the 600VA is more suitable for lower-demand applications like printers. The 1,250VA is a better candidate for setups featuring a computer with a large monitor and lots of peripherals. Compare cost and features with the UPS devices in our table.
Surge protectors boast a minimal cost, but they also tend to offer minimal features.
While they won't give you the added uptime of a UPS or the smooth voltage regulation of a power conditioner, a surge protector is still vastly better than nothing. When shopping for a surge protector, you should compare the number of power outlets and phone jacks, room for transformers, and warranties for connected equipment. The token surge protector in our table is the Panamax Powermax 8 Tel. Its built-in phone jacks offer protection for your modem as well as your computer and peripherals. Investing in a UPS makes sense for desktops in an office environment.