Is there a disadvatange from buying laptops from PCSpec instead of main stores?

[Yeldo]

I'm really really keen in buying a laptop from pc spec but it would be my first and I'm used to brands..

Usually when you buy a laptop from store it comes fully kited with even apps to help the performance of the computer, but I would imagine the laptops from PCSpec wouldnt have such things?

I like the fact that we can set up our own laptop but at the same time I'm a bit concerned if I'm building it wrong..

 

[AgentCooper]

I'm really really keen in buying a laptop from pc spec but it would be my first and I'm used to brands..

Usually when you buy a laptop from store it comes fully kited with even apps to help the performance of the computer, but I would imagine the laptops from PCSpec wouldnt have such things?

I like the fact that we can set up our own laptop but at the same time I'm a bit concerned if I'm building it wrong..

That’s what the forum is for, friend. There’s many a knowledgeable soul on here who will help you spec your system to meet your requirements and budget and some troubleshooting geniuses that’ll help guide you through any tricky problems you may encounter 🙂👍

 

[Martinr36]

If you aren't sure then post your spec and folk will advise

 

[Bhuna50]

I'm really really keen in buying a laptop from pc spec but it would be my first and I'm used to brands..

5 years ago, I was the same. Just returned to PCS for my second laptop.
PCS is now, or at least it is becoming a well known brand - even Currys / PCWorld have stocked PCS for a few years now - thats how I heard about them and came on here 5 years ago.

Usually when you buy a laptop from store it comes fully kited with even apps to help the performance of the computer, but I would imagine the laptops from PCSpec wouldnt have such things?

What sort of apps are you referring to. PCS laptops have got GamingCentre - an app that lets you control the RGB of the keyboard (if it has it), the fan speed profiles, locking certain keys - like the Start key if you like it locked, locking the mousepad etc.

I like the fact that we can set up our own laptop but at the same time I'm a bit concerned if I'm building it wrong..

There are some very good knowledgeable people on this forum that will really help in advice. Just let them know your budget, your use (gaming / office / other), what sort of games etc you play, if any, what you are expecting from your laptop, do you have a monitor you will use with it as well? Also, is there any reason you prefer laptop rather than desktop - will it need to be mobile etc?

What size are you looking for? 15 / 17",

 

[ubuysa]

I'm really really keen in buying a laptop from pc spec but it would be my first and I'm used to brands..

Understandable. I remember my first time looking to purchase from PCS and not knowing how trustworthy and reliable they are.

Usually when you buy a laptop from store it comes fully kited with even apps to help the performance of the computer, but I would imagine the laptops from PCSpec wouldnt have such things?

Actually they don't come 'fully kitted out with apps top help the performance of the computer' - quite the opposite in fact. What high-street laptops (and PCs) come with is a ton of bloatware, most of which you don't need at all, none of which helps your performance one little bit, and some of which you'll end up having to pay for once the initial trial runs out. The laptop vendor makes a lot of money including this bloatware and the bloatware vendors want it on there so's you'll use it and end up having to pay for it when the trial runs out.

PCS allow you to select, in the configurator, whether you want any of this bloatware installed (though they only offer Bullguard and Microsoft 365). Both you'll end up paying for and you are strongly discouraged from using Bullguard - Windows Defender is all you need, it's part of Windows and it's free.

PCS also do not waste your drive space by storing a 'factory reset partition' to aid you in reinstalling everything. The reason high street vendors do this is so that when you do a 'factory reset' you get all that useless bloatware back again! With a PCS build all you get is Windows (and you can choose even not to have that installed if you have your own license already) and whatever extra software you specifically select. If you need to do a reinstall you just use the official Microsoft Windows install media and do a normal clean install - without any bloatware.

I like the fact that we can set up our own laptop but at the same time I'm a bit concerned if I'm building it wrong..

There are a large number of very experienced people on here who collectively have a huge knowledge base. If you post what you want the laptop for (gaming, office use, etc.), your maximum budget (so we don't specify a build you can't afford), and any other factors (screen size for example) we will suggest suitable builds that will give you a balanced spec that will meet your needs and is within your budget.

Note that most of us on here don't work for PCS, we're all satisfied PCS customers who like to help out. PCS staff do occasionally visit here and you'll recognise them by their PCS avatar.

 

[Yeldo]

Thank you everyone! I was really impressed by the quick replies from you all, and again sorry if I sound unexperienced because I really am and last time I bought a laptop "gaming" which was 4 years ago I got kinda scammed and bought a really low tier PC for £1400....

Can I list what I was thinking?

So I'm after a gaming laptop but I don't want it to overheat too much or to be super loud, my spend is max around £1500-1700

https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/defianceVII-15/7xj2Tww39t/

I tried to do a few other but PC Spec didnt have stocks on some items. thanks guys x

 

[Bhuna50]

@Yeldo,

Is it purely a gaming laptop you want and do you definitely want laptop not desktop.

How ‘portable’ do you need it to be - there are some good desktop replacement laptops for example. Any reason for 15” rather than 17”.

With that budget you should easily get something laptop wise but you could also get a good future upgrade able desktop.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Yeldo]

@Yeldo,

Is it purely a gaming laptop you want and do you definitely want laptop not desktop.

How ‘portable’ do you need it to be - there are some good desktop replacement laptops for example. Any reason for 15” rather than 17”.

With that budget you should easily get something laptop wise but you could also get a good future upgrade able desktop.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes it has to be a laptop because I travel quite a lot unfortunately, I want to have a gaming laptop and a desktop in the future maybe in 2-3 years time so for now a gaming laptop will do for me!

It doesnt have to be super portable as long as I can take it when I fly abroad.

There's no reason for the screen size, when I tried to do one 17inch they just didnt have what pieces in stock for what I tried to build

 

[ubuysa]

Yes it has to be a laptop because I travel quite a lot unfortunately, I want to have a gaming laptop and a desktop in the future maybe in 2-3 years time so for now a gaming laptop will do for me!

It doesnt have to be super portable as long as I can take it when I fly abroad.

There's no reason for the screen size, when I tried to do one 17inch they just didnt have what pieces in stock for what I tried to build

A 17 inch is substantially larger than a 15 inch - that may matter if you're going to carry it on aeroplanes and the like. You might want to pay attention to the weight as well (click the Detailed Specification) because some DTR laptops can be seriously heavy.

 

[Yeldo]

A 17 inch is substantially larger than a 15 inch - that may matter if you're going to carry it on aeroplanes and the like. You might want to pay attention to the weight as well (click the Detailed Specification) because some DTR laptops can be seriously heavy.

I see...so probabbly a 15inch would definitely be better for me, it's not like it's going to improve the performance of the laptop just screen size which always costs more, so what do you think of this one for example?

https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/defianceVII-15/7xj2Tww39t/

I have no clue what chasis is better than what and from what I have researched a 2070 max q is inferior to a 2060 but some of those laptops only offer you either a 2060 or a 2070 max q :/