Power supplies are very easy to replace. Dell uses propriatary power supplies with different plugs than the ones you buy at electronic stores. Just be sure to get a Dell or a Dell clone power supply which matches your computer. Then to install all you have to do is unplug the computer and unscrew the old supply and BEFORE you remove any of the old plugs, just lay the new supply next to the old and as you unplug each plug, plug in the new one. They are color coded so no big problem. It's hard to know for sure if it's just the power supply as lightening may have fried the rest of the computer, was it on a surge suppressor. If so, the manufacturer of the supressor should reimburse you for the loss.

I found out I can get a Generac brand 5000W unit for about 525 (plus tax). Hubby reminded me he would be able to take it tailgating! I found out there are interlock devices where it is wired in to the breaker box but for less money than a separate panel. I have to ask my electrician friend about that. It sounds cool. I think the 5000w would be all I need to be comfortable as I think it can run the furnace as well. We'd just have to be conscious of what we were running at one time and not overload it. Does anybody know if these power vent hwh are usually hard wired to the breakers, or if they plug into an outlet? (which I believe would have to be wired separately.)Since it's a new install I'd think I could go either way if installer was willing. I never considered getting one until people pointed out the power loss issue with the water. That doesn't concern me THAT much, but it did get me thinking...

I have older beamvac. Head crashed; purchased a unit called ACE, proclaimed to fit all models. It DOES fit my metal wand but without any power cord between two. My BeamVac has cord hard-wired into it.

I am not an RV owner, however those folks are all into portable generators and I have been a Forum Member for years because of the intense knowledge they have for generators. I'd suggest doing some searching and reading at their site. (Be carefull, as their requirements may likley differ from yours - they have an almost obsession about quiet generators due to restrictions on noise from generators at some camp sites and at National Parks. rv.net Forum For Portable Generator Help Notice they largely conme down in two "camps" (pun intended) - The Pro Honda and Yamaha crowd versus the less expensive Chinese clones. The price difference can be massive, but... You seem a little confused with some of the terminology. "many more minutes of surge power" is an example. Surge power or starting current is not measured in minutes duration! Gasoline is a rotten fuel in these genertors unless you commit to doing some maintenance and following some precautions - not to mention storing gasoline around the house and being able to buy gasoline during an area-wide general power outage. Also, having left your generator idle for six months only to find it now gummed up an unable to run is not good. I went with a Costco Chinese Gas Powered Generator. I modified it to run on Propane with a kit I got online... cost maybe $200 and I feel much more comfortabl storing 20 Lb Propane Cylinders. Shortly after I got my gen I had a need to use it. I sent the following to the manufacturer. "To remind you, you helped me with my Costco ST-GP9500 changing the Oil Drain Plug, replacing Starting Diode, etc. (I'm the retired US Navy Submariner.) Well, had the need to run my generator due to an outage on Friday and Saturday. (During Rush Hour Friday afternoon, some guy took out a power pole causing a nearly 24 hour loss of electric to my neighborhood. Generator fired right up Saturday AM and provided about 5000 Watts for my neighbor and me. We both believe we would have lost $150+ in spoiled food. I did modify my generator to run on Tri-fuel and used only LPG yesterday. I also did go ahead and add an Over-Voltage protector." I use heavy duty extension cords... I offered my next door neighbor 1500 Watts of my power in exchange for his tolerance of any noise I create.