I needed to replace the batteries in my APC SmartUPS 1000XL battery backup, its external battery pack (SU24XLBP) and a smaller system, the BackupUPS ES 550.  After looking at the options on “official” replacements from APC and consequently realizing that money is not currently growing on the primarily ornamental trees in my yard; I decided to peruse other options.

There are many places on the ‘net that you can find “comparable” batteries for your APC (and other) backup units.  Knowing that my friend Jason replaces battery backups with some frequency, I asked for his opinion.  He led me to Gruber Power Services.  What a find!

The prices are extremely reasonable (e.g. $15.99 for a “RBC2″ comparable battery which is $40 through APC and other sites). You obviously have to pay for shipping these heavy lead-acid batteries, but that is the case with any site from which you order.  Shipping for the entire order ended up being about $100 bucks (ugh!).

All told, I estimate that I saved about $350 (incl. shipping) by ordering from Gruber.  Assuming the rest of my experience matches those of my friend, I highly recommend them.

UPDATE (7/23/08): Got a personal email this morning from “Dawn” thanking me for my order and providing to me the UPS tracking numbers for my shipment.  Pretty cool.

UPDATE (7/30/08): The batteries were delivered Monday, as projected.  I have installed one of them so far and it fit well, connected easily and seems to be a great product.