Forum Topic

Act on Computers complete disappoinment

The screen of my notebook broke, so I decided to get it fixed by Act on Computers. Initially I was quoted around GBP 80. After a few days I received a text from them saying that fixing the screen would now be £120. I replied "Please only fix it if the quoted £120 will not be exceeded". After not hearing from Act on Computers for many days I popped into their shop and the had forgot to notify that the notebook was fixed and ready to be collected. To my disappointment the quote of £120 was all of the sudden a bill of £150, although I had clearly stated for the £120 not to be exceeded. I than got home, only to find out they deleted most of the programs. I than returned the notebook to be charged a further £50. What is even worse is that the screen broke after 2 weeks again, and despite the screen being under warranty Act on Computers refuse now to fix it again. WHAT A COMPLETE RIP OF! I am beyond disappointed. This shop is not to be recommended at all!

Kathleen Kelber ● 5157d7 Comments

I have been told that there are very few screen manufacturers, but they make all the screens. However there are huge numbers of variations, even for apparently identical laptops, with internal connections in different places and other variations to match production modifications. It is very easy to break something if the wrong parts are fitted or something is strained because it was not dismantled correctly.

Chris Bell ● 5155d

Re  getting the genuine Sony parts is difficult          xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx    therein my well lay the cause of Kathleen's problem. It looks as though they charged her as if the replacement was a genuine Sony part, unless their labour charges are horrendous. Whatever, the firm should be avoided so it seems.

Tony Price ● 5155d

Not much help now I know, but Sony's own repair service is incredibly fast and efficient. I've only ever bought Sony laptops and only twice needed a repair and both times had them repaired by Sony with no further problems. I did once ask a very good local repair company who said they don't repair Sony machines as getting the genuine Sony parts is difficult and not worth their while.

David Highton ● 5155d

Re    The make is Sony Vaio            xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx        usually very good, all my PC's are that make, including 2 laptops and I have just financed a new one for a Polish friend, so lets hope his gives no trouble. Have words with Sony and see what they say, they may not want their name associated with Act on Computers. Do you know if it was a Sony screen that was fitted in the repair, if so, it doesn't look too good for Sony. Have a try anyway, nothing to lose?.

Tony Price ● 5155d

Many thanks for the advise. The make is Sony Vaio. The shop is on Acton High Street.

Kathleen Kelber ● 5155d

Re  This shop is not to be recommended at all!          xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx not surprised at your disappoinment Kathleen, awful  behaviour. Where is this shop and as a matter of interest, what make is the PC. As for Act on Computers  performance, go to the Trading Standards at the Council, who in my past experience are not very good , but demand they take action. Hope you kept the txt in which they quoted the £120. Good luck.

Tony Price ● 5157d

A blank screen could be any or all of faulty screen, faulty power inverter, GPU chip unsoldering itself, software problem, main processor itself, or almost anything else. An overheating GPU chip is very common, so make sure the air vents are not obstructed. The motherboard has multiple layers of fine tracks that are easily damaged if it does overheat, and that could destroy the motherboard. Cleaning up and putting new solder blobs on the many connecting pads below the chip ("reballing") can usually help, although there is always the chance that the board may fail completely.Try www.1stcomponents.com in Park Royal

Chris Bell ● 5157d