frequently asked questions (FAQ's)


Where are you located?
 
I work from home in Gray Road, Sunderland SR2 8BW

This is approximately 14 minutes walk from Sunderland Park Lane bus and metro terminal


When can I come and view?
 
viewing is welcome, without obligation, at a mutually agreeable time, with last viewings at 6pm daily

I am often out on call outs too, so I need a precise day and time from you, so I can head home for your visit


How are you cheaper than the shops?

I do not have the overheads of a shop with rents or staffing costs as there is only myself to pay.


Do you discount?

yes, I can save you £20 if you don't need Office Pro


Do you deliver?

Sunderland deliveries are free, between 10am and 3pm at a mutually agreeable time

If you live in Newcastle, Hartlepool or Middlesbrough, it is cheaper for you to collect


Do you post laptops? 

I prefer collection, so that you can choose the one you like from a selection


How do I pay?

bank transfer is preferred after deciding from a selection of laptops as it is a free service

paying by cash is still possible although the bank charges me for paying it in

card payments are accepted, but only if I deliver to the registered card holders address. This is because my card reader has gps to prove I was present at the card holder's address. This prevents fraud. i.e. a stolen card presented for payment and then the actual card holder saying they know nothing about the transaction. proof of i.d required such as driving licence


Are they refurbished?

no, none of these are sent back to the manufacturer for repair or refurbishment.

I have only called this section refurbished laptops to be found in Google search results.

They have all been removed from working office environments, during their 3 to 5 year i.t renewal program


ram upgrades 

I have 16gb ram upgrade kits at £20 per laptop. Some laptops can take 32gb at £40 extra


Can I have one with either 512gb or 1tb SSD?

Yes, 512gb is the most cost effective and a used drive only costs me £20, whereas a new 1tb costs £70 extra 


​​​​Office Pro 2021​

​I install Office Pro 2021 and the activation key costs £18.98 from CJS-cdkeys.com ​

This is valid for one installation, lasts for life, providing you don't factory reset Windows


Why don't you also sell newer laptops

I specialise in the £120 to £195 student market, as that is where 90% of my sales come from 

If I sold dearer laptops, I would reach the VAT threshold more quickly and then have no choice but to add 20% VAT !
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I need a specific laptop such as a HP i7 x360 touch screen or gaming laptop, can you get it for me
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All my laptops come from businesses during their i.t renewal programs, so they probably won't have purchased the laptop you are looking for.
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Warranty Terms & conditions

all windows laptops listed on this website come with 6 month hardware warranty

this is a back to base warranty at the buyers expense.

i.e. two way postage or travel costs are to be met by the buyer

warranty excludes software, misuse, fluid damage, batteries, being dropped, pet damage, sat on, tripped over and food debris trapped in the keyboard etc.
 
Therefore avoid using on sofa arm rests, quilts, carpets and other soft surfaces as the fan will not be able to keep it cool and you run the risk of over heating the graphics chip, which is not covered by warranty.
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Battery life
 
All laptops come with their original used battery and their capabilities will vary depending on individual use and age
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Batteries should be regarded as a consumable and are cheap to replace if you require longer duration.

laptop batteries are still typically 65% to 85% of their original health and should still give a decent run time.


Tips for extending the battery life

Brightness uses the most power, so try adjusting it down a few notches

Sleep mode uses a little too, as the session is held alive, even though the screen is off (this also prevents updates!)
 
To prevent accidental sleep mode, do not close the lid during shutdown until the laptop is fully powered off 

Using on your lap, or in such a way to obstruct the cooling slots underneath, causes the fan to run at a higher speed to regulate the laptop temperature inside, which also consumes more battery to power the fan motor at higher speeds

Demanding tasks automatically trigger turbo boost on 8th generation and newer laptops too, which activates a higher fan speed and also consumes more battery



Lastly, enjoy your laptop and I would be really grateful for a review on Google as it helps others find me :)


Regards

Richard​