[tivert]

> I've had a computer blow out (sparks, smoke and everything) due to a power surge when the main power went out and then back on, rapidly.

> So while the "direct" causes might be different between EMP and CME, the end results are basically the same.

Not necessarily. My understanding is a CME solar EMP would take out grid-connected devices (via power surges over the grid), but leave most unconnected devices unharmed (e.g. laptops running on battery), but a nuclear EMP would take out both.

[cronix]

But it would also likely take out the grid itself. If all of the massive power cables strewn all over, connected to very large expensive power station transformers, become overloaded at the same time from a CME, I don't predict good things for those transformers and a lot of other things. The laptop would not be able to be recharged without solar or something. It takes a long time (1-2 years is my understanding) to get one single transformer at a power station, under ideal conditions. They are basically made to order, and backlogged.