I need a new UPS and I'm trying to decide between this major difference. Conflicting info on earlier posts about this issue on this forum as well as other online research. Does Apple have a recommendation regarding a pure sine wave UPS or a simulated sine wave UPS being used with an iMac?
Apple as far as I know does not have an official stance on what type of USP to use.
Apple has no say on using a UPS whatsoever. Indeed, Mac design assumes none is used as it can be set to restart after sudden fail of power once power is restored. Most don’t use UPSes at home because they come with risks and added troubles not outweighed by benefits, which are negligible. Unless you’re in a business environment, it’s IMO not worth the trouble.
Good luck!
Speaking as an Electrical Engineer, without any specific knowledge about UPS*, I would say the pure sine wave is better, unless the cost is prohibitive.
*Except for the fact that they can die when left in a trailer unpowered in Las Vegas. And that you have to put the battery in before you use it. 8^P
I don't understand why you would say "Mac design assumes none is used as it can be set to restart after sudden fail of power once power is restored". I've been using Mac computers for almost 30 years and my second UPS, on its 3rd set of batteries, just died after about 15 years. During that time, I was using UPS products because I was concerned about what happens when the power suddenly shut off and work has been lost. If someone has found themselves immersed in Illustrator, Photoshop or some other program and been suddenly startled by a power outage, they would understand that concern and the frustration of a potential loss.
I don't know what the risks are that you mention but I certainly know what the benefits are of having a UPS.
Computer, Microwave, Fridge, TV... one of these is not like the others. (Though a UPS for a fridge might be a good idea)
If you depend on your computer for your livelihood, a UPS might be a good investment.
Does the UPS vendor state what computer devices they do support?
I have found in reviews that either will work however for peace of mind I got the CyberPower pure sine wave model that I use with my 2019 iMac 27".
Sorry to hear about the trailer incident.
The cost increase for pure sine wave on Amazon for 2 CyberPower models is about 40% for the 1500VA models and about 24% for the 1000VA model. Costco has a pure sine wave CyberPower 1500VA model for $40 less than the similar Amazon model. The Costco model is a "detuned" version of the Amazon model. On purely a cost basis, the Costco model would probably be the choice.
The Mac has a setting to startup automatically after a power failure. Both Photoshop & Illustrator come with Auto Save & Recovery to handle sudden outages. I don’t believe that was the case 30 years ago 😉.
UPSes not just come with fire risks but additional costs & trouble because of battery replacement including special disposal. So, it’s a mixed bag of benefits at best.
Old timers won’t let go of them though, you’re not the only one. Do you have a UPS for your fridge? Microwave? TV? Why not? My point is it’s not for everyone, definitely not the normal home user. Let’s agree on that! Cheers
Nope, the risks don’t go away, especially since the manufacturers/sellers don’t carry any liability. UPSes are for computer rooms with industrial grade fire protection . At home, they’re very much a questionable “investment”. Well, maybe not for a toaster…😉🍻
The 2 venders I'm considering, APC and CyberPower, show general categories of uses not specific devices.
I agree
I'll bet your toaster is more likely to catch fire than the UPS.
(I had a neighbor whose toaster *did* catch fire.)
Hmm, I was afraid of that. No UPS for toaster then 😁
Does Apple recommend a pure sine wave UPS or a simulated sine wave UPS for an iMac?
