I live in SC, and in California before then (PG&E!). I would not plug anything directly into the wall outside of major appliances and lamps. The threat of damage due to surges is real. I recently lost a Macbook which I had forgotten was left on the charger overnight during a lightning storm.
Now, should you buy a very expensive "power conditioner" that isn't even UL rated as a surge protector? Not as far as I'm concerned. :)
Here's my recommendations right now: