Need assistance with product recommendation

[Anonymous user]

Hello. My name is Steve and I am a home computer user. I am starting this discussion because I need help choosing a APC product that will suit my needs.

Recently, we had a powerful line of thunderstorms roll through in the middle of the night. I think our apartment complex took a direct hit from lightning because I was awoken by the loudest noise (thunder) I've ever heard, which left me partially deaf in one ear for a few hours.

The following morning, I was shocked to see my TV would not turn on at all. I believe it was fried by a power surge. My computer appeared to be working properly, until further testing revealed popping and clicking noises coming from my headphones and also the volume of my sound has dimished quite noticeably. I believe my $350 computer soundsystem has also been damaged by a power surge and I'm currently in the process of replacing and diagnosing other hardware. What bothers me is, all of these electronics were connected to a APC surge protector. Obviously, it did not function properly and/or the surge was higher then the unit could absorb.

I am contemplating filing a claim but in the meantime, I'm looking at other options to protect my electronics from these type of catastrophic voltage spikes, and I need help. Basically, I want complete protection from any type of electricity surge/sag or interference. That way, if a line of storms develops while I'm asleep, and I do not have time to unplug my power, I will have peace of mind knowing that my equipment will be protected completely. I also have another minor problem. Whenever the air conditioning unit turns on in my apartment, and my computer system is on, my computer monitor flickers real fast and I can also hear a quiet "pop" sound come from my headphones. I'm not sure if this is a power surge or sag but I do not want this to happen anymore either so if there is a product by APC that will prevent this from happening too, I'm interested.

Any type of help or comments would be appreciated because my last APC purchase has failed me, so obviously I cannot depend on my sole decision making at this point.