Repair and upgrades to Laptop computers covering Medway Swale Maidstone Gravesend and surrounding areas of Kent
The problem with laptop and netbook computers
Laptop Computer repairs
The early days of computer manufacture was pretty much led by a need for efficiency and productivity for the end user.
Things have changed drastically due to the fact that the most basic computer can now do the everyday tasks which seemed
so impressive 10-20 years ago. The connectivity and compatibility has reached new heights, meaning that our use of
computers has rocketed. The pressure for computers to be relevant and fashionable is huge, with designs looking sleeker
and thus enticing impulse purchase. This, of course, is more noticeable in Laptop and netbook pc designs.
The problem arises when you look at the reliability of these fashionistas. Through the last ten years there has been a
steady flow of Laptop and netbook computers with inherent faults. This is probably more to do with the fact that the
current trend is for development to leave no settling time. By this I mean that companies are literally churning out
machines with specs and functionality not much different from their last batch. This is more evident in the low to mid-
price market.
A consumer wouldn't realise that a 2.2ghz processor would show no noticeable gain over a 2ghz processor running everyday
tasks such as e=mail, surfing and facebook. With the increase in speed, however, comes increased heat and more chance of
motherboard component failure. The thing is, in some model ranges, the heat dissipation system is the same spec in the
lower and higher ends of the range.In such a scennario, the lower spec laptop or netbook is technically the more stable
option. This is more the case when laptops or netbooks are used on surfaces which block the cooling vents or are not
regularly de-dusted and left to clog up.
Repairing laptops regularly exposes some of the design flaws which lead to faults. Unfortunately, some laptop faults
can take longer than the warranty period to manifest. This means that unless the manufacturer recalls or extends the
warranty on a particular model, the customer is left high and dry.
Reliability has always been an issue where computers are concerned. The difference now is that it has become a huge issue
due to the throw-away nature of our purchasing. Where there used to be scope to gain reliability info from friends or
colleagues etc, these days, by the time you buy yours theirs is out of production.
Reviews are also a good source of information but can't be relied on for long-term reliability information as internal
design and build quality is a long-term issue. Obviously, any short-term problems which come to light during a review
would be a danger sign for longer term reliability. This is, however, very rare as manufacturers have short-term measures
in place to avoid such product-launch nightmares. If looking for impartial reviews, Cnet and ZDnet are reliable sources
of information and tend to be thorough in their assessments.
Although I've talked about reliability as a main concern with laptops and netbooks, I in no way think they have to
be deemed inferior to their desktop counterparts in every respect. With their small footprint and integrated functions such
as wireless connection they have a well deserved place in many a home. The hardship is in choosing one which impresses
after the honeymoon period.
My tendency in terms of custom built desktop computers is to lean towards tried and trusted slightly older components which
have had their good and bad points well documented. This approach tends to make life a lot easier reliability wise.
With laptops I take the same approach and research known problems before making a laptop purchase. Software issues are not
such a worry as these are usually more annoying than critical. Major hardware issues on the other hand, should be avoided
no matter how much a bargain seems on the cards.
In conclusion, be aware of known issues before purchasing decisions and you'll hopefully have years of good use from
your new laptop.
Bill.
®A Star Universal computers
Things have changed drastically due to the fact that the most basic computer can now do the everyday tasks which seemed
so impressive 10-20 years ago. The connectivity and compatibility has reached new heights, meaning that our use of
computers has rocketed. The pressure for computers to be relevant and fashionable is huge, with designs looking sleeker
and thus enticing impulse purchase. This, of course, is more noticeable in Laptop and netbook pc designs.
The problem arises when you look at the reliability of these fashionistas. Through the last ten years there has been a
steady flow of Laptop and netbook computers with inherent faults. This is probably more to do with the fact that the
current trend is for development to leave no settling time. By this I mean that companies are literally churning out
machines with specs and functionality not much different from their last batch. This is more evident in the low to mid-
price market.
A consumer wouldn't realise that a 2.2ghz processor would show no noticeable gain over a 2ghz processor running everyday
tasks such as e=mail, surfing and facebook. With the increase in speed, however, comes increased heat and more chance of
motherboard component failure. The thing is, in some model ranges, the heat dissipation system is the same spec in the
lower and higher ends of the range.In such a scennario, the lower spec laptop or netbook is technically the more stable
option. This is more the case when laptops or netbooks are used on surfaces which block the cooling vents or are not
regularly de-dusted and left to clog up.
Repairing laptops regularly exposes some of the design flaws which lead to faults. Unfortunately, some laptop faults
can take longer than the warranty period to manifest. This means that unless the manufacturer recalls or extends the
warranty on a particular model, the customer is left high and dry.
Reliability has always been an issue where computers are concerned. The difference now is that it has become a huge issue
due to the throw-away nature of our purchasing. Where there used to be scope to gain reliability info from friends or
colleagues etc, these days, by the time you buy yours theirs is out of production.
Reviews are also a good source of information but can't be relied on for long-term reliability information as internal
design and build quality is a long-term issue. Obviously, any short-term problems which come to light during a review
would be a danger sign for longer term reliability. This is, however, very rare as manufacturers have short-term measures
in place to avoid such product-launch nightmares. If looking for impartial reviews, Cnet and ZDnet are reliable sources
of information and tend to be thorough in their assessments.
Although I've talked about reliability as a main concern with laptops and netbooks, I in no way think they have to
be deemed inferior to their desktop counterparts in every respect. With their small footprint and integrated functions such
as wireless connection they have a well deserved place in many a home. The hardship is in choosing one which impresses
after the honeymoon period.
My tendency in terms of custom built desktop computers is to lean towards tried and trusted slightly older components which
have had their good and bad points well documented. This approach tends to make life a lot easier reliability wise.
With laptops I take the same approach and research known problems before making a laptop purchase. Software issues are not
such a worry as these are usually more annoying than critical. Major hardware issues on the other hand, should be avoided
no matter how much a bargain seems on the cards.
In conclusion, be aware of known issues before purchasing decisions and you'll hopefully have years of good use from
your new laptop.
Bill.
®A Star Universal computers
What are the usual Laptop problems?
In terms of computer problems, Laptops suffer from similar types of problems to desktop computers. Laptops are more prone to problems due to their fragile nature. The most common repairs we carry out are...
Often with older laptops, an extensive repair is less cost effective than a replacement computer of better specification. When this is the case we will normally advise you of such and can also help to source a suitable replacement for you.
Whilst we don't sell Laptops, if you give us your usage requirements we can advise on a suitable Laptop for your needs. This service is free by e-mail for our customers.
Laptop computer repairs are subject to a diagnostic charge which starts at £20. If you have a laptop problem and need a diagnostic, we can carry out a diagnosis only.
In terms of computer problems, Laptops suffer from similar types of problems to desktop computers. Laptops are more prone to problems due to their fragile nature. The most common repairs we carry out are...
Often with older laptops, an extensive repair is less cost effective than a replacement computer of better specification. When this is the case we will normally advise you of such and can also help to source a suitable replacement for you.
Whilst we don't sell Laptops, if you give us your usage requirements we can advise on a suitable Laptop for your needs. This service is free by e-mail for our customers.
Laptop computer repairs are subject to a diagnostic charge which starts at £20. If you have a laptop problem and need a diagnostic, we can carry out a diagnosis only.
Call 07975 558 927
Call us with details of your Laptop repair or upgrade needs and we'll be able to advise on likely costs ...It's that simple!
Call us with details of your Laptop repair or upgrade needs and we'll be able to advise on likely costs ...It's that simple!
- Screen replacement
- DC Socket replacement
- Keyboard replacement
- Backlight replacement
- Inverter replacement
- DC Socket replacement
- Keyboard replacement
- Backlight replacement
- Inverter replacement
- Hard disk replacement
- Data retreival
- Virus and Trojan repair
- RAM upgrades
- Disk drive replacement
- Data retreival
- Virus and Trojan repair
- RAM upgrades
- Disk drive replacement
A Star Universal based in Kent UK. We're in Teynham just outside Sittingbourne on the A2. There's free parking for customers at our office.
If you live in Kent and are in need of our services, we're happy to discuss your needs. You can also send details via email or the 'contact us' form.
If you live in Kent and are in need of our services, we're happy to discuss your needs. You can also send details via email or the 'contact us' form.
TEL or TEXT 07975 558 927
