Are there any UPS alternatives?

[Cybernetic]

I've been looking into UPS for the past few days and the high quality ones are quite expensive and the cheaper ones just won't cut it.

Before I made the decision to invest in something like that, I'd like to ask if there is any electrical component that will protect against brownouts and surges, but doesn't have the battery backup?

I ask because it is not critical for me that I get to save documents or finish the round of a game and power outages are uncommon in my area. I just need something that's going to keep my components safe.

Does such a component exist? If so, where can I get one?

Edit:
Relevant link http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1628152
It states later on by a user named "westom" that low voltage is "never harmful to electronics."
If this is true, why do we use UPS? Is it just for the saving aspect?
Would my solution be to buy a high quality surge protector (and replace it every so often)?

 

[Onus]

You can get a line conditioner (I used to use Tripplite's LC-1200) which can buck or boost incoming AC voltage to within a closer tolerance, but it really won't help in a brownout.
Check out Cyberpower's lineup of UPS units (if they are available to you). Their weakness is shorter run time, but they are less expensive. Their APFC units also put out a waveform much closer to a sine wave, which is better-tolerated by modern PSUs. I use two of those now.

 

[Cybernetic]

You can get a line conditioner (I used to use Tripplite's LC-1200) which can buck or boost incoming AC voltage to within a closer tolerance, but it really won't help in a brownout.
Check out Cyberpower's lineup of UPS units (if they are available to you). Their weakness is shorter run time, but they are less expensive. Their APFC units also put out a waveform much closer to a sine wave, which is better-tolerated by modern PSUs. I use two of those now.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Is this an acceptable line conditioner and surge protector (it seems more oriented for audio equipment)? With this type of surge protector, how often can one expect to need to replace it? http://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2-Outlet-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B003BQ91Y6/

I did look into CyberPower's 1350 PFC UPS which is $170 on Amazon. It is likely I would have gone with that if I had not thought to ask about an alternative.

 

[Onus]

I'm thinking that looks like a noise and surge protector only. A buck/boost unit will contain a large transformer, and that looks like a 1U rackmount. It may be great at what it does, but isn't the kind of device I was describing.

 

[Cybernetic]

I'm thinking that looks like a noise and surge protector only. A buck/boost unit will contain a large transformer, and that looks like a 1U rackmount. It may be great at what it does, but isn't the kind of device I was describing.

Thanks for the help. I will most likely be getting this Tripp Lite surge protector since my main concern is surges or this Cyberpower Sinewave UPS.

I've seen reviews where people have not been protected with either a surge protector or a UPS. The best bet seems to be the UPS regardless. I just wish the high quality ones were more affordable.

 

[Onus]

That is one of the Cyberpower units I have (the other is its smaller brother). It's been working well.
The Tripplite unit is a good surge protector, but is not a line conditioner. The LC-1200 is a model they had almost 30 years ago, so is undoubtedly not available today.