Tripp Lite ECO550UPS 550VA 300W UPS Eco Green Battery Back Up Compact 120V USB RJ11, 8 Outlets

• Protects PCs and peripherals from downtime, damage and data loss due to power problems
• Saves up to $50 on annual energy costs
• 99% power efficiency saves energy around the clock
• Energy-saving ECO surge outlets automatically turn off idle equipment
• Free PowerAlert software for safe unattended computer shutdown and file saves

I purcased one of these UPS units in April of 2011. After about 6 months it failed to supply backup power for even 30 seconds and will not pass it's own self test. I contacted Tripp-Lite Customer Service who responded quickly and send me a replacement unit immediately. They didn't even require me to send the defective unit back to them. Now the replacement unit occasionally shuts itself off for no reason at all. I have to leave it off for at least a minute to keep it from starting up with a failure alarm, which will sound a loud beep every minute while the unit is on. This is the only UPS model by Tripp-Lite I've ever used and after two units showing problems in less than a year I think I'll stay away from them. I've used Tripp-Lite surge protectors for years without a problem but their UPS units, at least this particular model, seem to fall short in the reliability department. Kudos for their Customer Service people though. That's the reason I give this product two stars instead of just one.

Buy Tripp Lite ECO550UPS 550VA 300W UPS Eco Green Battery Back Up Compact 120V USB RJ11, 8 Outlets Now

I read a convincing and information packed ad for Tripp Lite in PC World that prompted me to purchase it. Also a family member stressed that I should have one in case of an outage. My former surge protector had its limitations so it was time for a change. The eco550UPS comes with 8 outlets, 4 for surge protection and the other 4 are energy savers for peripheral hardware. Supposedly using the "550" will save one about $50 per year in energy costs based on 3 hours of computer use daily. The manual is poorly worded and flimsy. For example, the manual gives very brief and confusing directions for the installation of the UBS wire. In addition, the manual has to be downloaded from the Tripp Lite website, which I find to be an annoying inconvenienceTripp Lite ECO550UPS 550VA Energy Efficient UPS System Black. Another unique feature of the "550" is the "Power Alert Console" software (downloaded from the website) which tracks disruptions in your system. My power alert does not work and crashes every time I try to use it. I called, at my expense, Tripp Lite, but, after several suggestions from its tech staff the issue was still unresolved. Tripp Lite dismissed is as a Windows issue and they could not help me. If one has problems with the unit, you either call tech support at your expenses or send an email. It takes two days for a response so depending on the nature of your problem that can be a very long time to wait. Once one receives a reply, the tech staff will correspond with you most of that day to resolve the issue, which is what they did for me. Another important point is that the unit is an actual battery, which means that once the unit "expires", you have to buy another one. Tech stated that the unit, depending on use and care, should last 3 to 5 years. I was under the impression that you simply put a new battery into the unit to recharge it but it does not work that way. Despite these shortcomings, I'd recommend it. It's easy to install, fits on my desk, provides protection for my system, eliminate crashes from sudden electrical surges, and will alert me if there is an overload or the battery is weak. Tech support is there, albeit somewhat slower than anticipated.

Read Best Reviews of Tripp Lite ECO550UPS 550VA 300W UPS Eco Green Battery Back Up Compact 120V USB RJ11, 8 Outlets Here

Backup part would not stay on with just the computer plugged in. Finally switched with another backup we already had and put it on a security camera system for it to work.

Want Tripp Lite ECO550UPS 550VA 300W UPS Eco Green Battery Back Up Compact 120V USB RJ11, 8 Outlets Discount?

Because of power pulses (very short losses of power due to high winds and grid issues)I experienced some computer issues and in particular, a hard drive that became unusual due to a boot sector problem. Since I was really not looking for a UPS that could power me through a blackout, this little baby did the trick. It provides smooth, constant power even when the lights flicker and gives me time to do a powered shut down. I have been using it for over a month and so far no problems. Pros are that Windows 7 automatically senses it when the USB hookup is attached to my computer and knows that there is a battery backup and allows for native Windows power management. Cons are that the manual is almost non-existent, the on line software is cryptic and I never figured out how to install a "power down" application in case we loose power for an extended period. Time will tell how long the battery lasts and how much it will cost to replace it when it does. Overall, this unit performs the functions I bought it for and the price was only marginally more than a "fancy" surge protector.

Save 45% Off

I'm not sure if I received a defective unit or the unit was just undersized for my application. In any event it kept acting like it was overloaded even when I only had my laptop, router and modem plugged into it. I sent it back. Amazon's return process is excellant.

I bought a new battery for my old Tripp Lite unit that is larger. It had served me very well for several years and with the new battery is working fine once again. I'm happy with Tripp Lite, just not that particular unit.