The Laptop Hut News Blog

30-05-12

Running out of storage space for your music, video or pictures?

Don't worry, we are here to help you by offering to clone your original hard drive onto a bigger one

This operation has no effect on your data and this is not a default reload.

Both hard drive (original and new one) will be returned so you just need to fit the bigger one clearly marked by us and turn your laptop on and that is it !!

It's simple, fast and efficient!

You can send your computer or just your hard drive.

320 GB = £126 inc
500 GB = £138 inc
640 GB = £156 inc

For an increase in performance why not go for the solid state option

Cookies in use (but don't panic)

24-05-12

Cookies and how they benefit you

Our website uses cookies, as almost all websites do, to help provide you with the best experience we can. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile phone when you browse websites.

Our cookies help us:

Make our website work as you expect
Remember your settings during and between visits
Improve the speed/security of our site
Allow you to share pages with social networks such as Facebook
Continually improve our website for you
Make our marketing more efficient (ultimately helping us to offer the service we do at the price we do)

We DO NOT use cookies to:

Collect any personally identifiable information (without your express permission)
Collect any sensitive information (without your express permission)
Pass personally identifiable data to third parties

Granting us permission to use cookies

If the settings on your software that you are using to view this website (your browser) are adjusted to accept cookies we take this, and your continued use of this website, to mean you are fine with this. Should you wish to remove or not use cookies from our site you can learn how to do this below, however doing so will likely mean that many websites will no longer work as you expect.

More about our Cookies

Third party functions - Like most websites, our site includes functionality provided by third parties. A common example is an embedded YouTube video. Our site includes the following which use cookies:

Videos (powered by Vimeo)
Google maps
Other embedded content

Diabling these cookies will likely break the functions offered by these third parties

Social website cookies - So you can "like" or share our content on the like of Facebook and Twitter we have included sharing buttons on our site. Cookies are set by:

LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Share this
Add this

The privacy implications on this will vary from social network to social network and will be dependant on the privacy settings you have chosen on these networks.

Anonymous Visitor Statistics Cookies

We use cookies to compile visitor statistics such as how many people have visited our website, what type of technology they are using (eg, mac or windows), how long they spend on the site, what pages they look at etc. This helps us to continuously improve our website. These so called "analytics" programmes also tell us if, on an anonomous basis, how people reached the site (eg. from search engines) and whether they have been here before. This enables us to spend more money on improving our service for you and less on advertising.

We use Google Analytics - If you are anti-Google you can opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics at any time.

Turning Cookies Off

You can usually switch cookies off by adjusting your browser settings to stop it from accepting cookies. Doing so however will likely limit the functionality of our's and a large proportion of the world's websites as cookies are a standard part of most modern sites.

"It needs a new mainboard".......Does it?

23-03-12

We hear this alot "another repairer said it needed a new main board".

Well in our experience this translates as

60% of the time it means "we don't have the expertise to repair it"

30% of the time it means "we don't know what's wrong, so we're hoping a high price will put you off"

10% of the time it means "you actually need a new main board"

With these odds, it makes sense to get a second opinion. We repair mainboards down to component level, meaning reduced cost for you and faster repair times. If we can't repair it, nobody can!

BIOS updates for your laptop

01-03-12

Few people know what the BIOS is and why it's important to keep it up to date so this seemed like a good time to tell you.

What is the BIOS?

The BIOS (basic input/output system) is the first piece of code that is run when you turn on your computer. It runs a quick self test and then identifies and initialises the internal hardware present. For example, keyboard, hard drive, DVD drive etc. The BIOS then allows software such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS to use the hardware.

Where is the BIOS stored?

The BIOS information is stored in an EEPROM microchip on the main/mother board. This means it is accessible even when there is no hard drive installed.

Why is keeping the BIOS updated important?

As the BIOS is the first thing that loads, if is corrupted, there is no way to access the computer. In addition, because the chip is mounted directly to the main circuit board the mother board sometimes has to be changed to correct the issues, leading to large repair bills. There are some computers that will actually fail completely if the BIOS is not kept up to date.

Can I update the BIOS myself?

Yes you can... but it is vital that you follow the instructions given by the manufacturers very carefully. To get the most up to date revision of your BIOS please refer to the website of your manufacturer. For example for SONY VAIO this would be www.vaio-link.com.

Actually could I get an engineer to do it for me?

You certainly can. We will update your BIOS and all your manufacturer / WIndows software for you safely and securely for £39.95 inc vat. This includes all costs and as usual there are no hidden extras. Just contact us for a collection or pop into our workshop in Hove.

I'm concerned about sending my laptop away for repair!

19-05-11

We understand.

There are many laptop repairers around, and who to trust can be a tricky decision to make. There are possibly local repairers where you are that could help, there are many advertising a nationwide service, but who should you trust?

In our opinion, you should look for a company that you can speak to before you commit to the repair. A company that will offer free advice on your computing problems.

A company that works with known and trusted retailers such as John Lewis Partnership and Sony Centres, and has been doing so for 5 years and serviced over 15,000 laptops for individuals like you.

Parts should be sources straight from the manufacturer brand new. You would be surprised how many of our competitors buy their parts second hand on eBay.

Look for ISO9001 accreditation and you will be dealing with a company that has had its business methods independently audited and certificated.

A good warranty is vital, and free post-repair technical advice to make sure you get up and running again fast.

Most importantly, look for a company that understands the link between delighted customers and their success in business.

Well relax, you have found them. Call us any time or book online, it is your choice. We guarantee a top quality service

Turnaround time promise

11-03-11

One of the first questions we get asked is "how long will a repair take?". Well currently 98% of our repair work is completed within 5 days including collection. For local customers we can often offer a same day repair for screens and simple repairs. We understand that losing the use of your laptop is distressing and aim to get you working again as fast as possible.

Your laptop, your data and your peace of mind is safe at the Laptop Hut

12-11-10

During recent reviews of our competitors nationwide, we discovered something surprising. You may not realise that when you trust your possessions to some repairers that they take no liability for loss or damage to your belongings whilst in their care. At The Laptop Hut we have full insurance covering loss or damage of your device, and strict data protection policies protecting your privacy. We believe that when your laptop has failed, you have enough problems without having to worry that it is in good hands for repair.

Laptop Hut ISO9001 Accredited

22-10-10

We are proud to announce that Laptop Hut Ltd is now ISO9001 accredited. This has been a valuable exercise in studying our internal systems and we are delighted that they were found to be ISO9001 compliant.

Laptop Hut appointed as an Acer Partner

20-08-10

We are happy to announce that we have been appointed as an Acer channel partner. We have been repairing Acer computers for many years, and this will help us offer an even better service for Acer laptop repair.

Laptop Hut laptop repairs on Heart FM radio

12-07-10

If you heard our advert on Heart FM and are looking for the laptop repair company mentioned, congratulations you found it. We look forward to satisfying all your laptop based requirements.

Thank you so much for sorting out the repairs to my mac and returning it so promptly - Daniel

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for a speedy repair and would like to commend you on the quality of the repair....the laptop was returned to me in fantastic condition and I will definitely be recommending you to me friends at University - Johnathan

Just a quick note to say thank you for repairing our laptop. We found the service very easy, convenient and professional - Andrew

Thank you so very much for repairing my laptop like new, it is running even better than before, I am so happy that my data was saved, and also thank you for the speedy return - Rita

I just wanted to say that I am so pleased with the excellent service I have received from Laptop Hut. You resolved my problem so quickly and now I have a perfect working keyboard that others tried to provide but failed - Gill

Short note to thank you for repairing my laptop so quickly. I will tell John Lewis store and pass your details to my friends and St John Ambulance service - Mike

Thank you for arranging to have my faulty laptop repaired by the Laptop Hut in Hove. I took it in at 9am yesterday and they phoned me at 12.35 the same day to say it had been repaired. Not only are they efficient, but very courteous and helpful too, in short a brilliant company - Mike

I received my Palm PDA today in perfect working order and wanted to thank you for your prompt and value for money service - Patrick

Just wanted to say a big thanks to The Laptop Hut for sorting out my computer. I thought a whole years worth of stuff had gone down the drain, but you saved my laptop and recovered my partners data from his too. So thank you very much. - Annalies

I would just like to say that I am very impressed with the excellent service I received whilst my laptop was in for repair. Many thanks for a job well done. - Anthony & Linda

Terrific service.... Laptop fixed next day & clean for the first time in 3 years!! Friendly approachable staff & excellent value for money. I couldn't be happier - James R

Every Exchange with staff was helpful, friendly and positive, thank you. I have recommended you already. - Kay

Great personal service. Like speaking to a real person on the phone who knew what was going on. - Emma

Thank you very much, you've restored my faith in customer service! - Chris M

I recently had my VAIO desktop repaired by the Laptop Hut and just wanted to thank you for a first class service. From the initial contact through to getting the PC sent back your company provided a very high level of customer care. I was also very impressed with the honesty shown and the fact although I thought I would need a (costly) motherboard replacement your guys actually fixed the issue rather than simply ordering a replacement part. Very impressed and would definitely use your services again. Keep up the good work. - Geoff

Thank you to you and your staff for the quick turn around and return of my screen repair. The speedy service is very much appreciated - Alex H

I was so impressed by the service I was given when you saved my laptop from the orange squash I'd thrown over it. From the collection and delivery to the reassurance & prompt repair at a reasonable price. I was truly delighted. - Helen