hardware on Cliff538

CyberPower UPS Internal Battery Replacement

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:49:48 -0700

So, I’ve never done this before. I think this feature of having replaceable internal batteries is fairly new? Just wanted to make a post about the option and how easy it is.

I have two UPSs in my office, one for the main desktop computer and one for the NAS. Yesterday, my main computer was off when I walked into the office. I restarted, and just a few minutes into startup, it dies again. Ugh! But I’ve seen this before, I know the drill. Unplug all peripherals, start up in safe mode, and then slowly open software and plug back in peripherals one at a time to see what is causing the issue.

I couldn’t even boot up into safe mode; it just shut back off. I was thinking, this is serious, like, take it to the shop series. Turns out it was my old CyberPower UPS; it was barely alive. No warning, no beeping, no message, just was on its last leg and wouldn’t even let my computer start up.

It’s like $300 to $400 bucks for a new one, I’m thinking, do I really need one? The power rarely drops off, etc. Then I remembered about battery replacement. Looked it up. Sure as heck, ordered a new lead-acid battery for $99 and replaced it. It takes removing two screws, popping off the front cover, unplugging the batteries, and sliding out the old battery to install the new one. Easy enough.

Be sure to go into Settings/Energy/UPS Options/ to make sure your computer recognizes the UPS and your settings are where you want them.

Back in safe waters with a good Surge protector and battery backup for the desktop.

Note: I purchased an OEM battery for $99. You can get aftermarket batteries for considerably less to save even more.

My 1993 Psion Series 3a Palmtop Computer Makes a Comeback

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:01:07 -0700

Digging through some old boxes, I came across my 33 year old palmtop computer.

I had forgotten all about this thing, and it flooded back some good memories. I loved this thing; I used to keep my logbook on it, write letters and spell check them, take notes, and work on spreadsheets.

They were made between 1993 and 1996. It ran EPOC16, the ancestor of what became Symbian.

What shocked me the most was that I put in fresh batteries, and it started right up!

Now to dig in and see if I have any old files on there…

Update: You can still buy them refurbished.

Here is the software to hook it to your computer. You’ll need two cables, listed in the software’s documentation.

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:25:39 -0700

I’ve had it! Every time I take them out to use them… I’m ready to turn in my AirPods and look for something new. 🤬

This happens all the time. They are brand new, so it’s not a cleaning issue. This happened with my last set of AirPods as well.

The only saving grace is that they charge fast…

AppleTV Flashback to First Gen Model A1218 circa March 2007

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:56:37 -0700

Doing an office deep clean, came across this beauty. The first-generation Apple TV (the Apple and the TV were not attached back then) Model A1218, announced in January 2007 and released in March 2007.

I was so excited for this to come out, I ordered it the first day that I could.

Researching it online, I’m told Steve Jobs demoed it in September 2006 and called it “iTV”.

I’m looking through my old Apple boxes to see if I kept the box. I’m told it’s highly sought after.

When I get time, I’m going to plug it in and see if it still fires up.

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:54:12 -0700

New toys arrived. Looking forward to some speed testing.