PB Computers experiences

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#1094112 23-Jul-2014 11:17

andrewNZ: something like an eeebox or other midget PC would probably fit the bill

They wouldn't do the photography support. I had though of getting another Laptop and connecting it to a port replicator and a good quality 27" monitor.

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#1094115 23-Jul-2014 11:19

sidefx:
KiwiNZ: Its sounding a bit like Quay Computers

I think I only ever had bad experiences with Quay Computers, but PB has generally been pretty good to me. They're usually fairly cheap and I've never gone to buy something and found it's out of stock or anything like that.

I've only ever bought components from them (quite a number) but never full systems or anything like that. I've only had an issue with one item bought from them. Some RAM (4GB kit so not hugely expensive) started playing up and memtest indicated issues with the RAM. I took it to their store and after being directing to the building next door and waiting an age for someone to serve me (maybe 20 min so not really that bad ;-)) they took the RAM away, spent some time testing it before came back out with a brand new sealed RAM kit for me to take there and then.

I get Vietnam style flash backs when I think of Quay Computers..... see there is another flash back, I am perspiring and shaking

Dynamic

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#1094116 23-Jul-2014 11:19

KiwiNZ:
andrewNZ: something like an eeebox or other midget PC would probably fit the bill

They wouldn't do the photography support. I had though of getting another Laptop and connecting it to a port replicator and a good quality 27" monitor.

Just keep in mind that an i5 in a desktop might have 4 cores, where a similarly labelled i5 in a laptop or other small machine might only have 2 cores.

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#1094119 23-Jul-2014 11:29

Dynamic:
KiwiNZ:
andrewNZ: something like an eeebox or other midget PC would probably fit the bill

They wouldn't do the photography support. I had though of getting another Laptop and connecting it to a port replicator and a good quality 27" monitor.

Just keep in mind that an i5 in a desktop might have 4 cores, where a similarly labelled i5 in a laptop or other small machine might only have 2 cores.

Yeah, my current laptop is a 2 core i5, alright for basics but really struggles if I through video editing or photo manipulating at it. The laptop is our secondary device.

toyonut

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#1094120 23-Jul-2014 11:32

They are ok and have some pretty sharp prices, but I have found they can hang about on warranty. Bought a wireless router from them, plugged it in and it did not power up. Took an hour there for them to confirm that it did not power up. Generally I have a good experience with them though and buy most things through them as they are competitive price wise and have everything in one location.

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#1094151 23-Jul-2014 12:10

I like ascent. They have free extended warranties on many parts. I've used them for years and built a few computers from parts they supplied.

Beware their PC builder, it says "Please note that we do not assemble PCs and we are not responsible for any compatibility issues with configurations that differ from the pre-set ones supplied.". So basically they will supply all the parts and you have to put them together. It's not too difficult, but can be time consuming. I once had a case with a faulty power button, that took some diagnosis - a screwdriver across the correct pins on the motherboard is how I worked that one out. They even paid to collect the faulty case, which would've cost a lot to ship back as it was so heavy.

I've bought from PB, very occasionally. The service has been a bit hit and miss, but generally ok. Given the warranty issues pointed out in this thread I'd probably skip them for anything important.

andrewNZ

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#1094168 23-Jul-2014 12:41

timmmay: I like ascent. They have free extended warranties on many parts. I've used them for years and built a few computers from parts they supplied.

Beware their PC builder, it says "Please note that we do not assemble PCs and we are not responsible for any compatibility issues with configurations that differ from the pre-set ones supplied.". So basically they will supply all the parts and you have to put them together. It's not too difficult, but can be time consuming. I once had a case with a faulty power button, that took some diagnosis - a screwdriver across the correct pins on the motherboard is how I worked that one out. They even paid to collect the faulty case, which would've cost a lot to ship back as it was so heavy.

I've bought from PB, very occasionally. The service has been a bit hit and miss, but generally ok. Given the warranty issues pointed out in this thread I'd probably skip them for anything important.

That's a bit dumb, I was sure they assembled. Perhaps I'm thinking of someone else.

timmmay

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#1094171 23-Jul-2014 12:50

They used to, but apparently stopped some time. They outsource assembly if you need 5+ systems.

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#1094185 23-Jul-2014 13:25

Playtech are good to deal with as well, machine build quality is excellent.

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mattwnz

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#1094186 23-Jul-2014 13:25

Why don't you look at some of the pre built systems other companies offer where they list all the specs, and then buy the parts cheaply using pricespy, to build it yourself. You can also upspec it. I did this for the last two PCs I purchased and have had no problems at all with them, and saved a huge amount. Basically the parts are just commodity items so doesn't really matter where you purchase them from, and if you buy good brands many have 3 year warrenties ont eh parts, where a pre built PC may only have a 1 year warranty.

Spirax

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#1094197 23-Jul-2014 13:47

As a long time watcher this is the first time I have been spurred to comment.

Quay Computers (now closed down):
My first purchase of the Quay brand was a P133 in 1995. The CD drive failed during warranty and was replaced. Frank Wong apologised that 4xCD drives were no longer available and had to be replaced with an 8xCD drive. That PC is still working with an elderly friend.
My second purchase was a 2006 AMD powered machine. My only upgrade was another 1 Gb RAM stick to improve Win XP performance. It is now running Win 7 and I am using it to write this comment.

PB Tech:
I bought a PB low spec PC in 2012. The multi-card reader failed at 13 months (after the warranty period) but was replaced, no questions asked.

Given the above I endorse both Quay and PB products. I have no association with either firm except as a customer.

MurrayM

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#1094206 23-Jul-2014 14:11

I've generally had good experience with PB. My only bad experience was with an HP laptop that was bought from them. It started doing silly things after about 6 months so I took it back and they said I would have to send it in to HP. I said that under the CGA they have to deal with the manufacturer, they can't just fob me off like that. They weren't too keen on doing it though, saying that if they sent it in it would take two or three months, and I'd get it done faster if I sent it in myself. They seemed to be very keen to not do it themselves.

MikeB4

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#1094234 23-Jul-2014 14:42

The trend of warranty hiccups is concerning.

Jaxar

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#1094347 23-Jul-2014 16:42

PB Tech replaced dead on arrival faulty SSD on the spot. Told them what testing I had done. Brought in the receipt. Hassle free experience. Purchased many other parts from them fine as well but never had them build for me just did that myself.

Please note: I have a professional bias towards Vodafone.

1cloud

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#1094515 23-Jul-2014 21:13

KiwiNZ: Its sounding a bit like Quay Computers

Maybe Quay is here

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