'allo 'allo

[dv8tion242]

Don't remember when or where I became aware of PCS. Maybe it was just searching for PC suppliers in the UK. I don't remember.. Anyway, since that point, my well used (some might say abused) ThinkPad T61 is pretty much done. For it's time, a T7500 Dual-core was not a slouch, and even know is not bad.

So I finally got sick of Curries/PCWorld (pun intended) and started looking at viable replacements to store bought boxes which just left me cold. There are decent prices to be had in stores, but the compromises and bloatware pre-installed just make it more trouble than it's worth.

I'll follow up in more appropriate threads with more of what I need; suffice it to say I'm not brand loyal but everything the T61 came with, just worked on both Win7 as well as Ubuntu 12.04. Hardware wise, The T61 was like a tank for the last 6 or so years. Even after the five or so years post vice-grip incident.
My budget can not stretch nearly as far as I'd like any more. The semi-customized Lenovo was a good value for money at the time at $1400 (treated myself to getting work at Microsoft).
These days the requirements are somewhat different, but still need a laptop which will withstand being well (ab)used as well as being taken on the bus and or train. This combined with being flexible enough when i just can't be bothered firing up my desktop (although I suspect the laptop, being newer tech will probably be faster).

 

[KaneMac]

Don't remember when or where I became aware of PCS. Maybe it was just searching for PC suppliers in the UK. I don't remember.. Anyway, since that point, my well used (some might say abused) ThinkPad T61 is pretty much done. For it's time, a T7500 Dual-core was not a slouch, and even know is not bad.

So I finally got sick of Curries/PCWorld (pun intended) and started looking at viable replacements to store bought boxes which just left me cold. There are decent prices to be had in stores, but the compromises and bloatware pre-installed just make it more trouble than it's worth.

I'll follow up in more appropriate threads with more of what I need; suffice it to say I'm not brand loyal but everything the T61 came with, just worked on both Win7 as well as Ubuntu 12.04. Hardware wise, The T61 was like a tank for the last 6 or so years. Even after the five or so years post vice-grip incident.
My budget can not stretch nearly as far as I'd like any more. The semi-customized Lenovo was a good value for money at the time at $1400 (treated myself to getting work at Microsoft).
These days the requirements are somewhat different, but still need a laptop which will withstand being well (ab)used as well as being taken on the bus and or train. This combined with being flexible enough when i just can't be bothered firing up my desktop (although I suspect the laptop, being newer tech will probably be faster).

Welcome to the forums, always good to see a new member. Yeah pc specialist is the best, truly. I got myself a laptop by dell and lets say, the service did not meet the promised standards. With pc specialist it is all 100% UK based (customer support, delivery etc) . I got my 1st pc from this site last may and have ad no issues at all. Great custom variety. If u ever need help this forum is the place.

 

[ubuysa]

Welcome to the forums.

I was in a similar position to you almost a year ago, I found PCS through a web search and lurked on these fora for a month or so to get some idea of how good and reliable PCS were as a company and how good their customised laptops were. I bought an Optimus IV (spec in my sig) and I have been very impressed by the build. It's not bullet-proof but it's as rigid and robust as the old Compaq it replaced. Performance-wise it's outstanding, I don't game but it handles everything I need it to do without seeming to break sweat. I am very happy.

As far as PCS as a company are concerned, I had a small issue with my wifi card (it's an Intel one and I'd advise not getting an Intel wifi card, they seem to have lots of issues) so I contacted PCS. They were very responsive and very helpful via email, they even had me send them my Windows event log so they could check it out. They found nothing wrong and sent me a new wifi card for me to install (it's not difficult). So I can't fault their after-sales service either.

I will buy another laptop and/or PC from PCS again. You can't get a better recommendation that that! And although it's not really down to PCS you'll find the people on these fora to be knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful.

 

[Stephen M]

Welcome along.

I also came along about a year ago and lurked around. I have a local independant computer shop that seemed alright until I asked them about buying a laptop of PC without an operating system, basically they were not interested. I had been getting more and more fed up with Windows and did not want to buy a new laptop full of bloatware, plus I had been reading up on Linux and quickly realised it was not as complicated or geeky as some of the stories I had heard.

Finding PCS by an internet search was fantastic news as I had not expected to have so much choice in the configuration of the machine, even down to the keyboard which for someone learning German is a great help (character maps are ok but it is much better to have all the letters on the keyboard). I ordered a fairly standard Voyager and had a wee bit of a wait but it was over a bank holiday weekend and there had been a rush. Neverthless, PCS kept me informed all the way and altough I am naturally impatient the wait did not seem quite so bad as there was a stream of info.

I hope to be ordering another before the end of the year as I fancy a higher spec machine and will be doing a bit of music editing. The Voyager will probably stay around as a back up, albeit living with my parents as they would prefer a 17.3 inch screen to the one they currently have.

I also agree about the fora. A lot of fora can have too many cliques or people who talk down to you etc, I have found the advice here useful and friendly no matter what level the questioner is at, it is as though there is a collective "I was a beginner once" mentality here and that makes for helpful and enjoyable fora.

 

[moosEh]

Welcome to the forums

 

[Niem]

Welcome