UPS

[cfrozer]

Is a UPS worth it? 

[alexhelvetica]

It depends on where you live and the risk you want to take with your computer. 

[Guest]

If data loss isn't a crucial issue for you, or you don't have frequent power outages or surges which are more of an annoyance, waste of money IMO

 

I would say If you're in doubt whether you need one, you don't

[Litargirio]

It depends.

 

For example, if you live in a place that never experiences power outages and your hardware is a shitty $300 laptop, then probably not.

[steffeeh]

The point with a UPS is partly to prevent hardware damage as well as software corruption (including OS) due to blackouts and/or brownouts, but most importantly to be able to save things properly and then shut things down correctly (or simply just to be able to continue working on battery power until the power comes back) which can be crucial for certain workflows.

This also applies to households with an ancient electrical system where the electricity might not be the cleanest one (at least not if you're running on cheap power supplies).

UPS's are kinda expensive though, but they have their place in the tech world, so it's more about the need for it rather than wether it's worth it or not.

 

PS. There's no point in plugging in a laptop in a UPS because obviously the laptop already has a battery.