Belkin SurgeMaster Gold Series - surge suppressor

Features
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The features included with the Belkin SurgeMaster, especially the Gold Series, is endless. These features include an unlimited equipment and data recovery warranty. The product also features a 360 degree plug which allows you to get big “brick” transformers to fit on the bar without touching the other items plugged in. The protector also has connections for Ethernet, co-axial (a/v) connections, and standard television. Two LEDs indicate whether power is being provided to the bar and whether items connected are being protected. Beside these LEDs there is a master switch which disables the SurgeMaster without turning off at the socket. This can be particularly useful when the power outlet is out of reach. The product also features technology which completely silences the protection mechanisms by reducing the volume of sounds by 75dB. My favourite feature which is actually an unofficial one, is that this product allows RJ11 (Broadband) cables to be plugged into the Ethernet inputs and outputs and they will be protected perfectly because the format of the cable is the same as that of the Ethernet (RJ45).

Aesthetics & Design
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The SurgeMaster has been designed very well, which is evident from the product images. Each input and output has been positioned in such a way that the sprawl of cables behind a PC or HiFi are minimal of not abolished entirely. The SurgeMaster is made of various shades of dark re-enforced plastic which almost make it a shame to place it out of sight. A lot of time has obviously been spent on the design of this product as well as its functionality, which is expected from Belkin products which for years have been considered superior in this field of products.

Construction
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The Belkin SurgeMaster has been constructed extremely well. On purchase I examined the product scrupulously and the only minor thing I noticed was that on the Ethernet input there was a tiny slither of plastic which could simply be pulled off. Apart from that extremely minor fault with my SurgeMaster, the construction is perfect, it is as simple as that.

Installation
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Within the box for this product there is a massive poster-sized setup guide that depicts each step of the installation process where you are using either a PC, Mac or notebook PC. In conjunction with the pictures, there are written explanations of the installation process. The process is extremely simple and primarily consists of inserting the batteries into the keyboard and mouse and setting them to communicate with the receiver which is basically pressing buttons on the underside of the peripherals.

Customer Service
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I have only contacted technical support on one occasion but based on that, I am very impressed. The customer service line is absolutely free and within about 30 seconds I was connected to a well-informed, polite and concise operative who very quickly answered my query (which regarded the redemption of compensation if the product failed…..not that that’s going to happen). This was extremely impressive and made me feel confident of my purchase and the support supplied for it.

Pricing and Availability
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I purchased this product from my local PCWorld store for around £45 but this product is available all over, from other computer shops, to hardware and department stores. If in the unlikely event that you do not live near to a shop which stocks this product, it can be purchased online for considerably less than I paid for it! :o)