OPTI-UPS ES1500C 1400VA 980W UPS - Retail

Comment:
I purchased this UPS in 2008 for my main computer system, it has worked flawlessly ever since. I now use it as the main UPS in my home entertainment system; providing power to a 58" plasma, a massive Dolby 7.2 receiver and my PS3. I don't worry about power outages or fluctuations at all with my equipment connected to this unit. Highly recommended.

Comment:
For the experienced puter geek, its not a problem to get up and running.. Just download the latest software off their site and ur set. Relatively easy software setup. Runs pretty warm too. Most MBs dont have the COM port on the back, u have to connect the COM port bracket.. not a problem, just something to keep in mind. Theres no need to buy a COM2USB adapter. For the $ u cant beat this UPS.

Comment:
I was very excited to receive my unit after hearing great things about it. And it lived up to my expectations - for a few weeks.Here's what I said to NCIX support:Today my UPS stopped working: The UPS was under lighter than normal load, when it began to beep. I checked and all cables were connected correctly. The yellow "Battery Mode" light was lit. As it beeped, every few seconds the "AC Mode" and "Buck" lights would flash. When they flashed a clicking noise could be heard from within the UPS. I have another OPTI-UPS with AVR, so I plugged the ES1500C into the other UPS which was functioning normally on the same circuit. The other UPS was functioning normally, only the green "AC Mode" was illuminated. After plugging in the ES1500C it continued the strange behavior of "Battery Mode" and off and on "AC Mode" with "Buck". And here's their response:We recommend that you log in to your account online and from the 'Customer Care Center' page (https://secure.ncix.com/customercare/) select  'create  RMA' in the left hand column and follow the instructions on the page to request a return authorization.It took me several days to find time to complete the annoying RMA process, and by the time I did, my 30 day period had ended!! Now I need to deal with basically non-existent Opti-UPS support. For the cost of shipping it to them, I might as well buy a new unit! No one at NCIX seems to care, even though I'm constantly buying from them. Don't buy Opti-UPS, if the unit fails after 30 days you're out of luck!

Comment:
Use the OPTI-SAFE Sentinel program off their website, as I could not get the software on the CD to work. Otherwise this is a great UPS. Just wish it had a USB port. This review was modfied by poster @ 01-29-09 04:30 PM

Comment:
Owned it for about a year now I think... maybe longer, I kinda forget it's there. I like the monitoring software although it does have a minimalist contractor feel to it. I like the way it shows that we're lucky to get 108 volts out of the wall around here in the summer. The UPS bumps it right up to 116v without using the battery, very nice design. I recently checked the batteries and they were fine, but I noticed that I can get drop in replacements for them at reasonable cost, so it appears I might be using this UPS for a very long time.

Comment:
very happy with this purchase from NCIX! it lasted more than 1 hour with 1 workstation and a 17 LCD before the battery started to get low. One side note is to use their more user friendly Sentinel software downloaded from opti-ups.com.

Comment:
I bought this UPS to serve as a powersource for a standalone digital display and printer for a large truck scale. Works great. Should provide 8-12 hours of backup in the event of a power outage.

Comment:
Getting a UPS is the very best and most effective way to prevent your data from pulling a disapperaing act. However, do not just run out and get any UPS. You want to get a great one that will regulate the power without having to hit the battery every tim the voltage takes a dip which greatly improves battery longevity. They also include options to hook the power supply up to your computer via a serial or USB port so you can monitor what the power is doing. This gives the option to allow for a self shut-down if the power goes out and you are away from your desk. I have this UPS, and it works pretty good and which is also an excellent brand. In fact, (other than this one I recently purchased it) I have another Opti that is 6 years old and still works fine, although the batteries now have no life to them. (That's to be expected. Rechargeable batteries only last so long). It is far better to spend around $100 now on some preventative maintenance than having to spend much more later on data recovery.

Comment:
Does like it should do. I tested it after charging at 100% and it was draining very slowly at 15% capacity. I didn't like Xtreme version because it doesn't show the level of the battery. I e-mailed them and they recommend Sentinal, it was perfect! Took me awhile to understand how to use the settings, but it was all good.

Comment:
Well, I bought this UPS mainly because of the great special price at NCIX. It is a nice unit and very easy to setup. I don't regret buying it and I will certainly be glad to have it when there's a blackout in my area.