Home > Consumer Reviews > Belkin 650V Regulator Pro Gold USB with UPS Battery Backup Auto Voltage Regulation and Warranty

For each of the last three days, I've spent half an hour trying to reach Belkin UK Customer services. A UPS I bought simply does not work, and I'd like one that does.

And the phone just keeps on ringing... but no answer.

-2003-The first UPS system I purchased was some [off] brand. When I set it up and turned on my PC, the instant I unplugged the cord, it lost it's charge. That wimpy system does not work on a game machine. At the time I thought nothing would, then I tried this. The most powerful model sold on this site(couldn't get it locally). I got a charge for a good fifteen minutes when I disconnected the AC. The Computer worked flawlessly and I even tried it in graphic intensive games like Quake III and Morrowind no stuttering or crashes, not one! When you have spent the money to get a powerfull PC, you should also spend it on a powerful(and dependable) Back up powersystem. I have a power hungery video card(PNY Geforce III Ti 500 at the time of testing) and Athlon along with a 17" monitor and USB hub hooked up to the battery. I also have a home and a towne where brownouts and power surges are commonplace. Even when my lights dim, my computer is still running strong(doesn't reboot) and the monitor shines bright.
Get this system...-2003

April 2004 update.

This unit is still going strong. I have had it since 2001 when I took a PC class at vo-tech speaking of the need for UPS backup on all PC's. I cannot believe the reliablity but it's there. I have done absolutely nothing to this unit as far a maintainence. It still has the original battery(which can be replaced via Belkin Customer service at five year end). As far as this unit is concerned it's battery health will probably out last my own ;} Why in heaven's name doesn't Amazon carry this item anymore. It's better than the garbage their peddling today.

P. S. My current computer(it's a Falcon Mach V) makes my other one look like a wimp. Ole smokey here drinks up a lotto gas from my still chugging UPS.

Never again will I use APC products to protect my electronics. In the first 6 months that I bought APC products 3 of the 5 batteries failed, APC's customer service was non-existent, the charge never held, and they did not do what they were rated for. I have had 2 of the Belkin 650 Gold for over a year and I am buying more, because they do what they say, their customer service is easy to reach (like I needed it), and they do hold their charge. This is just my opinion and experience, but if you really want to waste you time and money with APC, then to each their own.

I was lucky enough to get a "like-new" 650V Regulator Pro for about fifty dollars less than retail, but it's well worth full price if you're looking for competant surge protection.

Those power bars that most Retail Computer stores try to sell you when you purchase a new computer will not protect your computer from lightning strikes or regulate "dirty power". Having a stand alone Surge Regulator is every bit as important as having an Anti Virus program these days.

In addition to the amount of protection you'll get from this particular protector, you'll also get about five minutes of battery power (the box says more, but the higher-end computer you have the more power it will consume and the less time the battery will give you), which has come in handy three times since I bought it in june.

Belkin lost a star because I had problems installing the included software package and have yet to resolve the problem (though I'm running Windows XP, which seems to have problems with everything). It will work without the software, but it's irritating to not be able to use the full capabilities of the product. Still, highly reccommended.

Over all, a very good addition to my growing computer fetish. The software installed with no problems, and it's easy to use. The first night that I had the unit charged and installed, a storm caused six power failures throughout the night. My computers were safe and remained fully powered all night.

I've also noticed a reduction of ground noise in my audio components when I plug them into the surge protected side. Very stable wattage free of gound noise.

I highly recommend this product and I plan on ordering another.

-davidjsoltis