The consumer, or "prosumer" APC's aren't what they use to be. We still use the big ones in our datacenter (Symmetras and SUs), but I no longer recommend the consumer line for SOHO applications. We've had good luck with CyberPower for less than 1500VA situations. I use a CP-1500 on my main desktop. We've gone through too many of APC's ES, RS, LS, CS, etc, series to recommend them anymore. They last maybe 1-2 years, and that's it.
The only APCs I still keep at home are the older Smart-UPS 1400's in my rack (protects everything except my desktop) because I live at the end of our power grid and get a lot of dirty power. I use their SNMP / Network cards to monitor our power like I do at work. Even if you get an older, reconditioned Smart-UPS, it's still much better than the stuff they're putting out now. The only thing you'll need to factor in is your signaling needs, since the older ones need a serial port, while the newer ones work with USB. But, the newer ones have software that is just terrible. In fact, I'll use the built-in power management of whatever OS I'm working with, before I use APC's product. The older PowerChute product is much better if you're going to stay with APC.
