UPS Roundup: In The Eye Of The Storm

Appearance/Utility

The Tripp-Lite INTERNET750U looks very much like a wider surge protector/power strip. It is reasonably compact and low to the ground. The I/O button is simple, as are the display lights. One minor design quibble - the USB cable plugs into the unit at the opposite side from the power cable. This means either the USB or power cord will be poking its head up when you're trying to hide unsightly cables. Again, this is a very minor issue but it keeps the INTERNET750U from being completely unobtrusive.

Setup

Like the Belkin, the INTERNET750U hardware is very easy to install. If you can plug in a power cord and a USB cable, you're all set. Software, however, is a bit more problematic. The installation CD is essentially a hyperlink to download the latest version of the software. The CD includes v11 of Tripp-Lite's PowerAlert Universal Network Power Management Software, but the the installation program directs you to download link for v12 if you want the current version. Keeping installation CD's synchronized with Web files is a problem that every manufacturer faces, but it seems a little defeatist to just give up and rely on people to download the current version on their own. At least there is reference to a more current version.

One further installation note: PowerAlert Universal Network Power Management Software requires that Java be installed on the host PC. Java is no longer supplied with Microsoft's operating systems, so you will need to download and install it separately if it doesn't already exist on your PC.

Documentation

The paper documentation is brief as it only covers the installation and operation of the UPS unit. Software installation and operation documentation is only available through the company Web site or by installing the older version of the software on the installation CD. The paper documentation is sufficient for getting the UPS operational without the software monitor. Version 12 of PowerAlert includes a readme file and PDF Quick Start Guide, but not downloadable manual. The most detailed documentation available is in HTML format on Tripp-Lite's Web site. While nicely done, there is no real subsitute for a paper manual or at least a printable PDF document. The available HTML Help Files are very similar to Belkin's in that Joe User will need to filter out the advanced subjects to find what he needs for non-advanced setup.

Software Functionality

Once located, downloaded, and installed, the PowerAlert Universal Network Power Management Software is as versatile as Belkin's. It has a different look and feel to it because it is Java-based, but it is easy to use and navigate and doesn't differ too much from what a Windows user is used to. PowerAlert is unique in that it designed to be used on multiple platforms and with "every brand of UPS system". Pre-compiled builds for most Linux distributions are included and the Linux source is available free if you're the code savvy type. In addition, PowerAlert is Palm and Web Phone compatible and it works with Tripp-Lite's Watchdog application, software that resets locked-up applications and reboots the machine if the reset fails.

Again, I focused on the automation aspects of the software and not on battery strength. Tripp-Lite's software is simple to configure, once you know what you want it to do. That may sound facetious, but it's an issue that all but one of the review units will pose for average buyers: They will have to filter out the administrator-level functions to find the simple tasks they want to perform. That isn't really difficult, assuming one is willing and able to filter out extraneous information.

The INTERNET750U and PowerAlert Universal Network Power Management Software responded predictably and effectively to the sudden interruption of power I induced (meaning I pulled the plug). I especially like the fact that actions taken by the software, such as auto-saving documents, are logged. Reviewing the log is simple and can be a real time saver when facing a mysterious power down.