[Brian McHale]

I have always been a big believer in using a high quality surge protector for computer gear. I just bought my first laptop (Powerbook) and was wondering do I really need a surge protector to protect the computer, seeing how the computer itself is not connected directly to wall power. I could easily see that the adapter itself might take the "big hit" in the event of a lightning strike and the computer itself might be fine.

Any thoughts?

[SpaceMonkey]

Originally posted by Brian McHale:
I have always been a big believer in using a high quality surge protector for computer gear. I just bought my first laptop (Powerbook) and was wondering do I really need a surge protector to protect the computer, seeing how the computer itself is not connected directly to wall power. I could easily see that the adapter itself might take the "big hit" in the event of a lightning strike and the computer itself might be fine.

Any thoughts?

I would think a Powerbook would still be vulnerable. Nothing really to back that up, but that's just my gut reaction. More importantly, assuming you already have a high quality surge protector, why not use it?

[GSixZero]

The adaptor is not a surge protector, and while I think it would do a reasonably good job of protecting the computer from little surges (it's switching), it's not designed to provide that kind of protection, especially something like a nearby lightning strike. I have my powerbook attached to a APC battery backup / surge protector. I run some other equipment on the battery side, but I figure the more protection the better.

[Brian McHale]

Thanks for the replies. The reason I'm not using the suppressors I already have is that they're in use in other places in the house. My wife is the main user of the Powerbook and keeps it on a small built-in desk in the kitchen. Unless I felt it was absolutely necessary, she would balk at adding a surge supressor in an already clutterred area.

I understand that the power adapter is not designed to be a surge suppressor, but I assume that the adaptor has a power transformer in it that would preclude there being a direct electrical connection between wall power and the computer. In addition, the battery itself may provide some protection, since it should act like a big capacitor.

My thought is that, in the event of a lightning strike (which I consider to be a worst cast scenario), the adapter would likely be destroyed. The battery would also possibly be damaged/destroyed. However, the adapter and the battery may act as a sort-of fuse and protect the computer itself from damage. The adapter and battery are easily replaced, and wouldn't cost a whole heck of a lot more than a good surge suppressor.

I am an electrical engineer, but I'm not an EMI/EMC expert. I was hoping someone who's smarter than me in these areas would be able to chime in.

[GSixZero]

I'm a physicist by education, and I know my way around the inside of Apple portables, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

A couple things, first with a major surge like a lighting strike, the adaptor/transformer is just going to melt into a hunk of slag, actually improving the electrical path from the socket to your PowerBook. This will probably turn your computer into a hunk of slag too. Talking about this situation is probably not very productive, as I don't think there's a whole lot you can do (other than pray) to protect yourself from this damage due to a surge of that magnitude.

The battery isn't going to protect you much, as it's not in the direct line between the wall and the logic board, which is what's going to die.

My advice: Get quality surge suppressors where/when you can, and when you can't don't worry. Check to see if your renters/homeowners policy covers electrical surges/lighting strikes.

[amazing]

Originally posted by Brian McHale:
Thanks for the replies. The reason I'm not using the suppressors I already have is that they're in use in other places in the house. My wife is the main user of the Powerbook and keeps it on a small built-in desk in the kitchen. Unless I felt it was absolutely necessary, she would balk at adding a surge supressor in an already clutterred area.

Here's a suggestion: Go to Home Depot (or any hardware store) and pick up a Belkin surge surpressor that mounts directly onto the wall socket (it screws in place into the wall socket), expanding the 2 plugs to 3 plugs with surge surpressor, along with good $$ protection warranty. Doesn't take up any space, costs maybe $7.

Going without a surge surpressor just isn't done. And if she's tied into the phone line, you'd better look for a model that modulates the phone line too. Imagine the modem getting fried?? Costwise?? Even if nothing else was damaged? My previous boss' home suffered a near lightning strike. The VCR (from the cable line-in) and the modem in his B&W G3 were fried (telephone line), along with his garage door opener. Insurance-wise, the modem and the garage door opener were the worst.

[markponcelet]

Originally posted by Brian McHale:
I have always been a big believer in using a high quality surge protector for computer gear. I just bought my first laptop (Powerbook) and was wondering do I really need a surge protector to protect the computer, seeing how the computer itself is not connected directly to wall power. I could easily see that the adapter itself might take the "big hit" in the event of a lightning strike and the computer itself might be fine.

Any thoughts?

My apartment got struck by lightning this last summer. And although I never leave my laptop plugged in, it was plugged in and on at the time.

Once I cleared my head from the boom of thunder (I was a small distance away outside at the time) I ran back inside to see what I had lost. The TV on the same surge protector had been blown away, but many other devices on that unit were fine, including my laptop. Phew!

The TV prolly died because it was plugged in to cable. But still, I think I would have lost my computer had the energy decided to go a different way. Lightning's a crap-shoot, in my opninion. Either it's going to eat something, or it's not.

So, maybe plug in to a simple surge supressor to give yourself the best chance of survival, or do what I do: reach back and unplug your laptop during the electrical storm. You do have a battery, after all.

Mark

[Brian McHale]

Once again, thanks for all the responses. I don't have to worry about the phone line, since we're using an Airport network.

My wife's been bugging me to put an outlet under the desk, so maybe I'll try to come up with an arrangement for a small suppressor. I notice that Tripp Lite has some in addition to Belkin that might work.

[hldan]

Originally posted by Brian McHale:
Once again, thanks for all the responses. I don't have to worry about the phone line, since we're using an Airport network.

My wife's been bugging me to put an outlet under the desk, so maybe I'll try to come up with an arrangement for a small suppressor. I notice that Tripp Lite has some in addition to Belkin that might work.

Not to knock your posting but this is really a No-Brainer. If you have to ask then go for it anyway. I have a surge protector in every socket in my home so I can plug my Powerbook safely anywhere. Don't play russian roulette with your computer.