Guide to Battery Backups

Computer battery backups

Don’t risk losing vital documents and data by leaving your computers unprotected from power outages.

I recommend: Pick a system such as Falconup’s offline UPS products which will safely shut down your computer if you’re not there when the power goes out. For backup power that lasts throughout the workday, consider the XPower PowerSource 1800. It can keep office equipment running during a blackout for as long as 12 hours. For corporate and departmental servers consider a UPS such as the Cyberpower CPS1500AVR, which can control two computers during a power failure. Not sure what type of UPS is right for your business? Consult APC’s UPS Selector or find APC’s computer battery backups at Business.com.

Compact backups

Traditional UPS systems can be bulky. That won’t do when space is tight or you’re on the road.

I recommend: The Belkin Battery Backup with Flashlight keeps laptops, phones and other devices running long enough for you to shut them down after blackout. It also comes with a flashlight that lights up your work area during the power outage. Tripp Lite’s Internet Office UPS System is small enough to be tucked away under a desk but powerful enough to simultaneously feed temporary power to three devices. Check out  Business.com for more compact battery backup systems.

Battery Extenders for handheld devices

When the battery in your cell phone, iPod and other handheld gear dies, a battery extender lets you use the device while it quickly recharges the battery.

I recommend: Gomadic's Emergency AA Battery Extender Charger revives iPods, PDAs, cell phones and more. You can find battery extenders designed specifically for your BlackBerry at SFPlanet.com. You’ll find even more sources for battery extenders of all types at Business.com.