I recently read an article about using a power conditioner like the one linking below:
Furman M-8Dx Merit Series Power Conditioning, 15 Amp, 9 Outlets with Wall Wart Spacing, Pullout Lights, Digital Voltmeter
<img style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ada0e79-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00145EVJ6" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> The article stated that it was useful to help protect your delicate electronic equipment against power fluctuations. As some who in the past has lost my computer for what seemed like unknown reasons I'm just wondering what the Sonar community at large feels about the piece of hardware and if its necessary to invest in something like this? 
 
Here's another link: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=art+power+conditioner&clk_rvr_id=1128475707362&gclid=CNzWnJSNwNACFU46gQodKLUPxw&geo_id=10232&MT_ID=70&crlp=154413987598_1647&rlsatarget=kwd-1100181369&keyword=art+power+conditioner&treatment_id=7&poi=&adpos=1t7&device=c&crdt=0&ul_noapp=true
 
Thanks for any replies!
 

I don't use a conditioner at home but swear by them for use in live production. I have steady power levels and no noise issues so I don't worry.
When setting up in a public place it's not so easy. Noise and power line loading from heavy equipment can cause all kinds of issues. The worst environment I've encountered is outdoor settings where generators are used.
If you have frequent power outages or notice the lights getting dimmer or brighter on a regular basis or if you have AC line noise, then a conditioner is probably a good investment.

I've always had some sort of Furman Rack conditioner. I have one on my live set up and one in the studio. 
They are just a bunch of heavy duty Capacitors in a box. I like them more for their rack mounting than I believe they are the best thing going. I've always scored mine cheap in pawn shops and thrift stores for $10-$15.  
A good quality UPS would be a better investment. Most of those are also power conditioners. 

MOST power conditioners are like any other after-market add-on, very high margin products that don't often really do anything.
Step 1 - do you have a power problem?
Step 2 - what is your power problem? High or Low voltage, insufficient current, noise, transients, frequent outages, or what?
Step 3 - select the appropriate device to resolve your problem or problems.

The only blanket caveats I am comfortable with include:

1. you should avoid devices that use MOVs to shunt noise to ground. They are not a good idea around computers or other sensitive devices. If you have a problem with spikes you want series mode protection devices, SurgeX and Middle Atlantic both offer them. They absorb the spike instead of just dumping it to ground.
2. Avoid ALL schemes that involve separate ground rods. They don't work, they are way too expensive, and if done poorly they can create a dangerous ground potential difference.

If you have noise problems consider an isolation transformer, and if that is not sufficient consider a "separately derived" sub-panel, fed from an isolation transformer. It is equally important to choose a grounding system that is appropriate - the two main categories are single-point and mesh, both work, and they can be combined, but that is some tricky business!

TL:DR - most power conditioners are snake oil, get one only if you know (a) what  you are solving, and (b) that it will solve that specific problem!

 I always use Furman Power conditioners.  I current have two of them in use.  One is for my rack gear and the other is what my keyboards and amps are plugged into. 
 
We have to keep our studio gear safe, no matter if we paid a little or a lot for it, it still must remain protected.
 
 

I use one in my live rack because I can't guarantee the quality of power supplies in other peoples venues, especially outside running off generators.

The "power conditioners"  are nothing more than surge protectors unless you get into the real high
$$$ models with voltage regulation, etc.
 
I use a UPS system.  It has some surge protection but that does not seem to be a problem with my AC power, however I do have some power outages. Like many commercial installations I have 3rd wire ground at each receptacle as there is no metal conduit (that could be used for ground connections) just AC power grade PVC conduit.  The UPS (battery backup) maintains power during short power outages and as it has a control connection to the PC it allows auto (orderly) shutdown if there is an extended outage.  
 
I used to work as a Regional LAN/WAN Network and Hardware Help Desk Manager for a Federal Government Agency.  When they were in preliminary preparation to upgrade the on-line network from  IBM 3270 "dumb" terminals to PC based LAN systems at our field offices. one of the steps was to take a recording power monitor to each office and do measurements on the AC power.  Findings were that most had "clean" power and high quality ($200) surge protectors for the workstations were all that was needed.  UPS systems were purchased for the server and communications equipment.  Most of the observed power outages were short duration (5 minute range) and a UPS would take care of those.  In the case of longer duration power outages, the UPS allowed "orderly" shut down the server.  One other thing that was specified for all AC power outlets. for the equipment, were Hubbell IG 5262  "Isolated Ground" receptacles (orange color receptacles).  Specifications also included a requirement to run a 3rd wire ground directly from the AC power (breaker) box ground to the ground lug on the Isolated Ground Receptacle.  Conduit grounds were unacceptable.  Isolated grounds eliminated some potential noise on the AC power lines.  This may sound like "overkill" for a recording studio but it really isn't.   

I use a UPS/Surge protector with a 1000+ joule rating due to constant power outages and the occasional lightning storm.

I have a Monster Power 3500 power conditioner that I bought a few years agi, and it's really helped me. Before I bought it, I would run into random noise in my system. After installing the power conditioner, the noise was gone and hasn't been back.

fireberd
The "power conditioners"  are nothing more than surge protectors unless you get into the real high
$$$ models with voltage regulation, etc.
 

This is the truth.  Even the $250 Furmans, etc are really nothing more than fancy power strips.
As a guess, you'll need to get in the $1000+ range to start getting true power conditioners.  Also, many of the surge protectors in the power strips at Best Buy, are a one time affair, meaning if you take a hit, it will probably take out any future surge protection along with the likelihood that you'll never know whether it did or not as it will still pass current.
 
I use a UPS large enough for the studio and totally unplug during bad storms, etc.