Optimus VII Disappointment.

[hazzatori]

Hello, so i purchased the Optimus VII as a replacement for very well used Dell L502x

Config:

I5 6300HQ
4GB Ram
250GB Crucial SSD.
Rest as standard.


Im going to start with the good.

The Processor is very fast, my main use is that i am an amateur photographer, so I use Light-room and Photoshop a lot, and decent processor and SSD means this should run great and they do.. also the GTX 960 is great for gaming at 1080p high detail, which I would use occasionally. The SSD is super fast, and I am used to a Samsung 830 with an I7 2630QM, this machine runs much faster or at least on par with my old Dell. the Keyboard and track pad are great, not brilliant but still very good. although the keyboard back-light does not remember the brightness setting and has to be chosen every time. and the finger print sensor is hit and miss. the build quality is of a good standard though. although my DVD HDD Caddy wasn't screwed in and slides in and out with ease!


Now the bad, the very very bad!!

As i mentioned i use my machines for photography editing, well this has to be one of the worst 1080p screens i have come across.. the matte screen gives a washed out look, the colours are way way off! but it has to have the worst back-light bleeding i have ever seen, nothing is black its yellow!! I even paid for dead pixel insurance as my screen is important too me,

The sound is incredibly quiet and tinny! the worst speakers I have ever heard, on full volume I can barely here them in a room with the TV on in the background.. they are terrible, changing the loudness and equalizer settings gives you some boost but I am sorry they are just really bad.

I am not joking, I was so looking forward to this machine but its just terrible in the screen and sound department. My Mrs is sat on a Dell Inspirion laptop that cost £250.00 last Christmas, it has better colour reproduction on its 1366x768 screen and the speakers on hers puts this to shame..

I am honest to god gutted! I expected too much and i guess you get what you pay for!


Now i came from a high end XPS so I didn't expect something as good, but I at least expected a somewhat close! and this just isnt..

I have sat here for 24 hours trying to like this machine or find some reason why i shouldn't return it, and I just cannot.. it has to go back which I will be arranging post haste. Sorry PCS it just isnt right for me.

 

[synthet1k]

Sucks to hear after all the time spent waiting that it didn't turn out as expected. You seem convinced in sending it back and I would highly suggest going through with it. If you're not happy with it then returning it is the best thing to do. Past laptops I've had (Not from PCS) that weren't quite up to standard I convinced myself to keep ahold of because of the hassle of sending such a thing back which I ultimately regretted days later.

 

[hazzatori]

Sucks to hear after all the time spent waiting that it didn't turn out as expected. You seem convinced in sending it back and I would highly suggest going through with it. If you're not happy with it then returning it is the best thing to do. Past laptops I've had (Not from PCS) that weren't quite up to standard I convinced myself to keep ahold of because of the hassle of sending such a thing back which I ultimately regretted days later.

Yeah, I am really gutted, and problem i have now is where else do i go for a decent spec laptop with a nice screen.. I think i have high standards though as the Dell L502x I have has a beautiful panel, I am yet to see a better one.

 

[StuntmanMike]

Sorry to hear.I've had my Defiance II for just over a week and I love it.If you're finding the sound to be low you can boost the volume with APO equalizer.Also, if you find the screen to be unsuitable, why not swap it out?

 

[synthet1k]

Yeah, I am really gutted, and problem i have now is where else do i go for a decent spec laptop with a nice screen.. I think i have high standards though as the Dell L502x I have has a beautiful panel, I am yet to see a better one.

Can't really recommend other websites on here for obvious reasons but it sounds like a your Dell L502x was perfect for what you needed so why not buy a more up to date version of that laptop? At least then you're aware of exactly what's going to come out of the box.

 

[SmokeDarKnight]

Sorry to hear the laptop didn't meet your expectations, its a really annoying thing about buying items online.

Have you been in touch with PCS about a return? I would get in touch with them ASAP, i think there is a 14 day cool off maybe where you can return the product, you might need to double check the T&C's but threes no point having a machine that you need to learn to love.

Hope you get something sorted.

 

[hazzatori]

Thanks for the advice, but it kind of defeats the point by having to swap my screen, paying twice for something that should be right first time, and i did play with equalizers and sound boosters, it doesn't change the fact the speakers are pretty bad.

Also i am thinking of going for an XPS again but the 13" is only in my price range the 15" models are silly prices.

And i have sent a RMA to PCS.. so take it from there.

 

[hazzatori]

Just to update this thread, I decided to forgo the gaming side of my laptop purchase an focus on the photography editing side, as such I will stick to my XB1 and PS4, but i have decided to go with a Macbook Pro, as i have an NUS card i get 3 years parts and labour free, and 15% off base price so it just makes sense,

As for my PCS laptop, its been collected and on its way back, I hope I was just unlucky with the screen, because otherwise I feel sorry for those looking for a decent screen in the Optimus VII

 

[SmokeDarKnight]

Hey Hazzatori,

Thanks for getting back to us, glad you managed to get it sorted, at least you have given them a try.

All the best with your Macbook.

 

[hazzatori]

Well, it seems another reason to be disappointed, is the after sales support..

I have queried on the 15th and each day since then by email a question about my RMA, Refund and the outrageous collection charge of £35.00 which I believe is against the 'Consumer Rights Act 2015' considering my item was not of satisfactory quality..

yet I have yet to receive any communication back, which is disgraceful. day 6 and counting and no reply. tomorrow i will more than likely make a phone call... Poor customer service is just not acceptable in 2016!

in regards to the charge, PC Specialist are charging £35.00 for a collection, a collection I was not given an option about any other way of returning, what i think is disgraceful is they will most deffinatly have a contract with DPD for delivery and Collection, I highly doubt they are paying £35.00 per collection... and if they are they need to renegotiate.

 

[mikgra]

Hmmm I recently bought 2 relatively high-spec desktops for work from PC Specialist and so far have been really, really happy with both their service and also the machines. I was considering buying a laptop from them soon (hence visiting this forum section), but seeing this thread has made me think twice!

It's not the fact that you've not been happy with the laptop that's putting me off... More how shocked I am at what you're saying below regarding a lack of replies and being charged £35 for returning something that isn't of satisfactory quality...

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread I think to try to decide whether to buy a laptop from here, or elsewhere! - This is a shame, as I've been super-happy with these guys up until now, but am now concerned after reading your post.

Well, it seems another reason to be disappointed, is the after sales support..

I have queried on the 15th and each day since then by email a question about my RMA, Refund and the outrageous collection charge of £35.00 which I believe is against the 'Consumer Rights Act 2015' considering my item was not of satisfactory quality..

yet I have yet to receive any communication back, which is disgraceful. day 6 and counting and no reply. tomorrow i will more than likely make a phone call... Poor customer service is just not acceptable in 2016!

in regards to the charge, PC Specialist are charging £35.00 for a collection, a collection I was not given an option about any other way of returning, what i think is disgraceful is they will most deffinatly have a contract with DPD for delivery and Collection, I highly doubt they are paying £35.00 per collection... and if they are they need to renegotiate.

 

[hazzatori]

Hmmm I recently bought 2 relatively high-spec desktops for work from PC Specialist and so far have been really, really happy with both their service and also the machines. I was considering buying a laptop from them soon (hence visiting this forum section), but seeing this thread has made me think twice!

It's not the fact that you've not been happy with the laptop that's putting me off... More how shocked I am at what you're saying below regarding a lack of replies and being charged £35 for returning something that isn't of satisfactory quality...

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread I think to try to decide whether to buy a laptop from here, or elsewhere! - This is a shame, as I've been super-happy with these guys up until now, but am now concerned after reading your post.

I do not mean to put anyone off, and your experience may be better, but i just feel like as soon as PCS got my money then the lack of communication started.. I do not want to come on here moaning about it, but 5 emails sent now and not one replied too. they have had my machine back since Monday and no word on a refund.. I have to be honest in this thread. and the £35.00 is in the T&C's so i want confirmation i will not be charged as it isnt a case of just changing my mind.. but i cannot get an answer from them!

My trust pilot review isnt going to be any better at this rate, they still have time to turn this around and just get back to me... we will see.

 

[keynes]

Hmmm I recently bought 2 relatively high-spec desktops for work from PC Specialist and so far have been really, really happy with both their service and also the machines. I was considering buying a laptop from them soon (hence visiting this forum section), but seeing this thread has made me think twice!

It's not the fact that you've not been happy with the laptop that's putting me off... More how shocked I am at what you're saying below regarding a lack of replies and being charged £35 for returning something that isn't of satisfactory quality...

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread I think to try to decide whether to buy a laptop from here, or elsewhere! - This is a shame, as I've been super-happy with these guys up until now, but am now concerned after reading your post.

I ordered 2 laptops and I never had a problem, happy with both as well as my desktop. I, however, haven't experienced the return/cancellation process. In the T&C it is indicated that the £35 will be charged as well as 14 days to get your money back into your account. Can you try to give them a call?

 

[hazzatori]

I do not want to come across, like i am trying to be unhappy about my process and there is absolutely no malice intended, and I am sure I am the exception to the rule here, but.. when I see many many posts about quick replies to emails and wonderful helpful staff.. i genuinely feel like what have I dont to get no communication from them? What PCS have to understand is that I work very hard for my money and i wanted to make sure what i got was 100% right for me, but it wasnt so i am following all their rules and policy, yet it seems i am being ignored?

If i get no email response by midday I will call them..

I should add, that I suffer from anxiety hence why I find dealing through email much easier, its an infliction i hate it makes me very nervous to make phone calls and struggle with the thought confrontation, even though in hindsight i deal with it pretty well.. so now Its going to play on my mind all morning until I build up the courage to make a simple phone call!

 

[keynes]

I do not want to come across, like i am trying to be unhappy about my process and there is absolutely no malice intended, and I am sure I am the exception to the rule here, but.. when I see many many posts about quick replies to emails and wonderful helpful staff.. i genuinely feel like what have I dont to get no communication from them? What PCS have to understand is that I work very hard for my money and i wanted to make sure what i got was 100% right for me, but it wasnt so i am following all their rules and policy, yet it seems i am being ignored?

If i get no email response by midday I will call them..

I should add, that I suffer from anxiety hence why I find dealing through email much easier, its an infliction i hate it makes me very nervous to make phone calls and struggle with the thought confrontation, even though in hindsight i deal with it pretty well.. so now Its going to play on my mind all morning until I build up the courage to make a simple phone call!

I simpathize with the anxiety issues but when calling them you shouldn't expect a confrontation. I don't think anyone doubts your concerns and maybe there is a reason for the delay replying to you and hence why I suggested a quick call to get an update

 

[darbyjack]

4Gb RAM is a bit low for photo editing.

 

[hazzatori]

4Gb RAM is a bit low for photo editing.

Yeah I already own another 4GB i was going to install myself,

 

[hazzatori]

So i made a phoen call, took 15 minutes to answer, when they did, i explained i had no response to any emails since the 15th of Jan, the guy on the phone took my name and then could instantly see them.. but informs me they are short staffed after Christmas.. ive been told i need to wait for teh RMA team to look over my PC for any potential charges for damage!! there better be none as it went back exactly how it came, including the plastic protective films, and that the returns charge is down to the customer relations team to make a decision on..

so really i am none the wiser, its a case of everything with PC specialist, like I said then, without trying to be negative PCS just take forever to do anything, its such slow service. so now i have to wait yet again, until next week to see if anythign has been done..

its taken almost 1 month, to receive and return a laptop! the whole process is so painful..

 

[GeorgeHillier]

The charge isn't against the law as far as I know and it's to cover shipping costs. Companies don't have to take returns for unwanted items by law, only faulty goods. I'd say that part of the problem you've got with the screen is that you've got to remember that PCS machines are very competitively priced so the screen won't be as good as a dell equivalent which costs twice as much. Also, the optimus is a gaming machine so most people will use a headset, not the built in speakers, they're more there if you want to watch a movie or something and aren't too fussed.

 

[hazzatori]

So i made a phoen call, took 15 minutes to answer, when they did, i explained i had no response to any emails since the 15th of Jan, the guy on the phone took my name and then could instantly see them.. but informs me they are short staffed after Christmas.. ive been told i need to wait for teh RMA team to look over my PC for any potential charges for damage!! there better be none as it went back exactly how it came, including the plastic protective films, and that the returns charge is down to the customer relations team to make a decision on..

so really i am none the wiser, its a case of everything with PC specialist, like I said then, without trying to be negative PCS just take forever to do anything, its such slow service. so now i have to wait yet again, until next week to see if anythign has been done..

its taken almost 1 month, to receive and return a laptop! the whole process is so painful..

Sorry GeorgeHillier, but companies selling online do by law have to accept returns for no reason, within 14 days, its under the Consumer Act 2015, it used to be Distance Selling Regulations, If the item is

- Not Fit For Purpose
- Of Unsatisfactory Quality
- Faulty

they are not allowed to charge for returns, the consumer must return using the cheapest possible method.

If the return is simply because you do not want it anymore. then the company can charge a "reasonable" charge for collection. do you think £35.00 is reasonable? I was not offered any alternative I could of got it sent back for £10.99 with insurance, this is a blatant profiteering from returns.


I think its absolutely ridiculous to state gamers do not use laptop speaker! and to use a headset.

and who said the Optimus was a gaming machine? Its liek saying a Mac is a Video editing machine, I bought it for other reasons, i wanted a decent graphics card in it and a nice 1080p screen.

also I am sick of people saying because its competitively priced I should accept its got a bad screen and bad speakers, and BSOD drivers issues.. everyone on here is quick to slam cheap HP and Lenevo notebooks, yet the same theory would apply..

I think i have been very patient with PCS, the reality is their after sales support is a joke, no response to emails, its now day 8 of my RMA and no one has even looked at it.. its not my problem they are short staffed, nor should i be made to suffer because of it.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, its never been more true.. the responsibility of everything i mentioned has to fall on PCS, and through all of this upset and delay and poor service, not one has PCS took it upon themselves to apologise either in email, over the phoen or at least in here!

I was very excited about the prospect of what PCS offered, but sadly their bad customer service has let the down big time. but whats worse is I have had to vent my frustration on here. I am extremely disappointed in PCS.