When comparing OPTI-UPS TS2250B vs APC BX850M, the Slant community recommends APC BX850M for most people. In the question“What are the best line interactive UPS units?” APC BX850M is ranked 1st while OPTI-UPS TS2250B is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose APC BX850M is:
It can be plugged to a computer via USB and, this way, controlled or configured via the operating system. Users can do operations like schedule an automatic shutdown.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Can send email alerts
If the unit is connected to a computer with Internet access, the UPS can send you email alerts for specific events such as UPS failure, battery failure, voltage surges, brownouts and blackouts. This is useful for monitoring multiple UPSs for maintenance.
Pro Great value for money
Its $189.99 price tag is a bargain, considering it has additional features like automated shutdown capabilities, data line protection and simulated sine output. Since it has line-interactive topology, it also has automatic voltage regulation which helps prevent premature battery failure.
Pro Intuitive software which is very useful for monitoring and control
Although the UPS lacks an LCD display, you can connect it to a computer via USB and use the included desktop software, which provides useful information such as loading conditions, battery state, battery runtime and overall input voltage quality. It also has a data logging feature for tracking down errors and can automatically shutdown your computers if the battery runs low during a long power outage.
Pro Outputs a simulated sine wave, which extends your system’s lifespan
This UPS feeds connected systems with a simulated sine wave, which ensures that the PSU of your machine doesn't suffer, in the long run, from mismatched inputs.
Pro Surge protection for the data lines
Thanks to its data line protection features, systems that are connected to this unit are also protected from surges coming from the network connections.
Pro It's capable of automatically saving data and shutting down
This unit has an automated shutdown option that triggers a system shutdown (preceded by data saving) when it's battery's capacity is approaching it's limit.
Pro Can be controlled via a computer
It can be plugged to a computer via USB and, this way, controlled or configured via the operating system. Users can do operations like schedule an automatic shutdown.
Pro Easy to monitor
The BX850M has an LCD display for quick stat monitoring. It gives out info such as current voltage, battery time remaining or load.
Pro Batteries are easy to replace
If there's ever a need to replace this unit's battery, a replacement battery is quite easy to find online. As for the replacement operation itself, it's very simple and requires virtually no technical knowledge: you just need to remove the battery cover, take out the battery, unplug the connectors, and then the opposite steps in reverse order for the new battery.
Pro Good for domestic or small office workstations
This unit's 510 W power and surge protection up to 1103 J make it a good option for protecting most home electronic equipment and even some office-level devices, if they are not too demanding.
Cons
Con Limited to 5 output outlets
Although its 1200W power rating can power up to four 300W desktops at once, a typical single desktop system actually requires two outlets for the computer and for the monitor (four simple systems would require eight outlets.) With only five outlets, you’ll also need to buy separate power strips for your computers in order to maximize the UPS’s power rating.
Con Not all outlets have power backup
Despite having a total of 8 outlets, all with surge protection, only 4 of them have power backup.