why would I be advised not to use PC world

scoobydo_2

I am looking to buy a laptop for arround £500 .and have been advised not to use pc world ...... can any one tell me why ????? and if not wheres the best place to buy one. Needs to be able to to used wireless not computor litterate so not sure what i need i have ntl B/Band ..

thanks

£$&*"($£&(

I don't think people like the support if things go wrong. But then I've heard simialr things about most companies.

Sput2001

PC World are usually OK for laptops as they're all pre-built by the original manufacturers and there's not much PC World can do to mess them up. They're probably best avoided for desktops, though.

Dell would be an obvious alternative, if you don't mind buying online.

All but the most basic laptops these days have wireless capability built in (look for terms like WiFi or 811.b/g), and those that don't can usually have it added on with a simple card installation.

You'll also need a wireless router that connects to your cable modem and broadcasts the wireless signal to your pc.

EvilMonkey

After searching around recently, buying a laptop from their website turned out to be the cheapest (well second cheapest, but the person I was looking for hated the really brick like looks of the medion ones).

Worth noting though that the same series of laptop, one step down the processor speed scale was over a £100 MORE in store, even when it was on managers special....

So do PLEASE look online....

E.M.

Genghis

I've had a few run-ins with PC World tech support quite a few years back.. so I personally tend to stay clear of them. No matter how big or small the problem is, they tend to suggest reformatting the computer, which isn't a lot of help if you've got things on there that you need.

I once went in with a Linux problem, when I was about 15 and they all looked blankly at me and suggested reformatting. I told them that wasn't an option as all I needed was to bypass a bootloader screen or to reset the MBR and was hoping they knew either of the commands. They pretty much had a go at me for choosing Linux over Windows and said the only way to fix it was to send it off to the Linux distribution company otherwise I could use my PC as a paperweight. Thankfully I was able to get online on another computer and got the commands I needed.

rogerramjet

If you kinow what you want buy from PC world. If you don't there is a very high probability of the sales personel selling you a laptop which they want you to have (usually far more expensive) rather than what you would probably need.

You will find that most non technical people (PC world staff) will tell you to go for the biggest hard drive, large amount of RAM memory, seperate graphics card, etc, etc. There is no need for all this if you don't intend playing graphic intensuve games, using 15 different programs at the same time or deciding to store whole DVD's on your computer.

For most people an "entry level" system will more than meet their needs.....PC World will basically sell something which most people will never use to its full potential, but then they probably get commision

Mr_Skint_2

PC World are Ok its just people bashing them just like they do with Microsoft
I mean people who are really in the know do pop into PC woorld for parts and spares
as they are open all the time, unlike waiting a couple of days for a part
from off the net.

Buying a laptop is a slightly diferent matter, not because of price as thats
entirely upto the buyer in other words, if you go into any shop and
buy something you might find youself paying more than you wanted
as they want to MAKE A PROFIT.

The only real consideration with a laptop is that they tend to get a touch
warm so expect to get a cooling pad, they are a nightmare to upgrade
and last of all, Any repair they need and the laptop will be sent off.

Mr_Skint_2

EvilMonkey wrote:

After searching around recently, buying a laptop from their website turned out to be the cheapest (well second cheapest, but the person I was looking for hated the really brick like looks of the medion ones).

Ive got a medion and its slimmer and lighter
than other lappys out there, and looks nowt like a brick
I hope you never go into the building game. :rotfl:

lestamunda

Pre-sale - salesman know a bit, but not alot!

Post-sale - there is no postsale.

So, the advice at point of sale is mostly sales driven, not tech driven. Post sale, they do not have much support and very obstructive.

wolfman

I've only every gone to PC World occassionally. The thing that keeps me away is that the prices are often generally higher than on the web, and it's not quite a specialist with regards to specific hardware I may be looking for.

pug_in_a_bed

I've had no problems so far, touch wood. I've found the support really good. Recently i needed a new cd drive and it was delivered the same day. I've had to call a fair number of times as I'm still learning but have found the service pretty good so far.