Mac OS X compatible UPS?

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Level 4

2,342 points

Mac OS X compatible UPS?

Hi everyone,

I don't know whether this has been asked before, I'm looking for a list of UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units that are compatible with Mac OS X; specifically units that can directly interface with the UPS settings in the Energy Saver preference pane, in System Preferences.

I currently use a Belkin UPS, but it's software remains inactive when the computer is in sleep, and will not activate in these cases.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Peter.

 Mac Pro 2x2.8Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon CTO; iPod Touch 2nd Gen (Personalized), Mac OS X (10.6.1), iWork & iLife '09, Adobe CS3 & CS4, Final Cut Studio

Posted on Nov 28, 2010 5:03 PM

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Answer 1

BobHarris

Level 9

53,255 points

Nov 28, 2010 5:18 PM in response to Peter Miller

I have an APS at work which is interfacing with the Energy Saver system preferences. The APS has a USB cable plugged into my iMac (Mac OS X 10.6.2).

I have not had a power outage long enough to trigger an orderly shutown, however, I have had a few situations where I was running on battery power, and my iMac did display a dialog which reported it was running on battery power.

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

82,991 points

Nov 28, 2010 5:27 PM in response to BobHarris

Do you mean an APC? They I know have advertised in Mac catalogs long before Apple's latest growth spurt.

One word of caution about UPSes, they are no substitute for unplugging the computer during a lightning storm. Nothing can resist lightning completely, although it can be redirected most of the time by a lightning rod. Still even with a lightning rod, there is a chance of lightning deciding to jump the circuit, and fry the UPS and even part of the computer if it is plugged in to municipal power. While UPSes will often warranty against damage due to lightning, they can't substitute having an off site backup, or at least a detached backup. Only backup your systems in fair weather.

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Answer 3

BobHarris

Level 9

53,255 points

Nov 28, 2010 5:46 PM in response to a brody

Sorry, yes, APC

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Answer 4

Peter Miller Author

Level 4

2,342 points

Nov 28, 2010 5:56 PM in response to BobHarris

-deleted post

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Answer 5

Peter Miller Author

Level 4

2,342 points

Nov 28, 2010 5:59 PM in response to Peter Miller

I know of APC, however it may prove difficult to find in my location.

Is APC the only supported brand?

Thanks.

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Answer 6

Peter Miller Author

Level 4

2,342 points

Nov 28, 2010 6:03 PM in response to BobHarris

The primary problem I have is that since the UPS won't interface directly with OS X, I have to keep a ''monitor' program open, and that that software is useless when the system is in sleep (the UPS will drain flat.)

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Answer 7

Peter Miller Author

Level 4

2,342 points

Dec 3, 2010 3:56 PM in response to a brody

Hi,

Thanks for the note about lightning, the town I live in does on occasion get storms where this can be an issue; in these cases I do unplug the unit and computer.

A note there is that the power grid in my town does handle surges etc. quite well, in most cases a direct strike is really the highest risk (in this case nothing can protect equipment.

Thanks.

Regards,

Peter.

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